Chief operating officer jobs in London, greater london
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Z2K has a clear 2025–2030 strategy and a strong reputation for principled, evidence‑led campaigning rooted in frontline experience. The external environment is volatile: rising poverty, political contestation around welfare and housing, and tightening funding conditions.
After a long‑standing Chief Executive stepped down in late 2025, the organisation has been led by an Interim Chief Executive. The permanent appointment is therefore a moment of consolidation and renewal. The next Chief Executive will provide long‑term stability, sharpen strategic focus and define the organisation’s next phase.
Z2K faces structural pressures common to many charities of this scale: rising costs, reliance on grant funding, growing demand and increasing scrutiny. The Chief Executive must do two things at once:
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Increase measurable impact of our advice services and advocacy work on inadequate incomes and high costs.
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Build a financially resilient, well‑run organisation capable of sustaining that impact.
This is not a figurehead role. It requires leadership with grip, political judgement and commercial realism.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Our vision is of a society where everyone has the opportunity to live a rewarding and fulfilled life.
Are you our next Chief Executive?
- Are you passionate about addressing issues around poverty and inequality?
- Do you have the experience and skills needed to lead this innovative place-based funder?
- Are you a creative thinker who thrives on working collaboratively and collegiately?
If so, then you might be the right person to lead Cripplegate Foundation and Islington Giving.
About Cripplegate Foundation and Islington Giving
Established over 500 years ago, Cripplegate Foundation has become a pioneering, place-based grantmaking foundation with a reputation for innovation and making a difference. It created Islington Giving, which was the first scheme of its kind, to work with residents and a coalition of funders, businesses and voluntary organisations to create better solutions to the challenges of poverty and inequality. We make grants of over £2 million a year and we have become a major influencer in the grant-giving sector, achieving significant progress, such as:
- Raising over £12 million since 2010.
- Partnering with Islington Council to promote community development and support residents
- Developing innovative and participatory grant programmes
- Pushing forward with ambitious Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) goals
It’s an exciting (and challenging) time to join us!
Given the challenges in Islington (and beyond), the next few years promise to be pivotal in shaping our future and there are many opportunities for the new Chief Executive to make a difference, including:
- Leading on considerations around the changing political landscape
- Working creatively and innovatively to explore the strategy for the coming years
- Building on our programme of Social Impact Investing and ethical Investing
- Leading a passionate, professional and committed team
About the role and person
The new Chief Executive could be someone with senior management experience who is ready to lead an organisation for the first time, or they may already have experience of being a Chief Executive.
Whatever your background you will need to demonstrate, amongst other things:
- Experience of leading and managing in a collaborative and collegiate style
- Skill at creating and delivering cross-sector partnerships
- An entrepreneurial style and a record of income generation
- A deep understanding of the issues arising in inner city areas, gained through lived and/or professional experience
- A pioneering, creative and innovative style and a commitment to DEI
If you feel you fit the role and are motivated by our work then we’d be excited to hear from you. Please find out more by looking at the Candidate Information Pack.
Our vision is of a society where everyone can live a rewarding and fulfilled life, free from poverty and inequality.
Introduction to Action Duchenne:
Action Duchenne supports, empower and equip every Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy community in their journey from diagnosis and beyond.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a muscle wasting condition for which there is no cure, but we journey alongside communities to empower them and provide information for them to make informed decisions. Action Duchenne has a team of passionate, supportive staff who are keen to do more for families living with Duchenne, and has a number of staff with direct lived experience.
At Action Duchenne, values are more than words—they shape how we work and interact every day. For this role, we are looking for a team member who can reflect our values:
- Supportive – Actively assist colleagues and stakeholders, fostering a culture of collaboration and reliability.
- Empathetic – Approach challenges with understanding, considering the impact on people internally and externally.
- Respectful – Ensure all communications and decisions uphold dignity and fairness, especially when handling sensitive matters.
- Community Focused – Make decisions that strengthen our community, ensuring all activity supports inclusive engagement and shared purpose.
- Inclusive – Promote accessibility and equity, ensuring everyone feels valued and heard.
Main Purpose of the Role:
To ensure the charity operates within a robust governance framework and maintains high standards of compliance, risk management, and operational efficiency. This role will lead on policy development, governance reporting, administration progression and process improvement to support strategic objectives and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Governance and Compliance
- Maintain and update governance policies and registers, and development of Standard Operating Procedures.
- Act as the primary liaison for Board governance matters, including preparing Board papers, ensuring timely reporting and minuting.
- Monitor compliance with charity law, GDPR, and other regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate annual policy reviews and ensure staff adherence.
- Risk and Audit
- Maintain and update the organisational risk register for quarterly Board review.
- Support internal audits and external compliance checks.
- Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies.
- Operational Efficiency
- Review and streamline operational processes to improve efficiency, including IT and telephony, authorisations, filing and recruitment.
- Support budget monitoring and reporting in collaboration with Finance.
- Oversee contract management and supplier compliance.
- Reporting and Data
- Prepare governance and operational reports for the CEO and Board.
- Ensure accurate documentation and record-keeping for governance purposes.
- Be the organisation’s Data Protection Officer.
- Minute team meetings.
NB This is not an exhaustive list, the role holder will be asked to carry out additional tasks as required for the Team’s successful service delivery. Such tasks will always be reasonable and broadly in line with current knowledge levels and skill sets.
Please find the job description below. You can apply on our website, and the deadline for applications is 9am on Monday 16th March 2026.
Action Duchenne is a charity providing holistic support to those living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (Duchenne) and their families.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Arts & Cultural Organisation
Locatoin: London
Hybrid 4 days on site
A unique opportunity has arisen for an experienced and strategic COO to join a respected international arts and cultural organisation at a pivotal stage in its development. This is a senior leadership role, working closely with the executive team and board to strengthen operations, improve organisational effectiveness, and support the delivery of an ambitious programme of work.
The organisation operates from a central hub in central london and works with a wide network of partners, artists, funders and stakeholders. It is entering a period of growth and is seeking a commercially aware, operationally focused leader who can bring stability, structure and forward planning to the organisation.
Key responsibilities include:
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Leading the day-to-day operational management of the organisation across finance, facilities, HR, governance and administration
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Working closely with the executive leadership team to deliver organisational strategy and ensure operational alignment
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Oversight of the listed building and facilities team.
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Supporting budgeting, financial planning and resource allocation across programmes and functions
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Overseeing HR, organisational development and team structures
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Ensuring effective governance, risk management and compliance with relevant regulations
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Building strong relationships with funders, partners and external stakeholders
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Supporting the organisation through with a focus on sustainability and long-term growth
The successful candidate will:
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Have significant senior leadership experience in operations, finance or general management
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Be qualified accountant
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Be comfortable working in a complex or multi-stakeholder environment
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Bring strong organisational, financial and strategic planning skills
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Have experience strengthening processes, systems and governance
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Be an effective relationship builder, with strong communication and influencing skills
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Be adaptable, hands-on and comfortable operating in evolving or ambiguous environments
This is an excellent opportunity for a senior leader who is motivated by purpose-led work and is excited by the challenge of shaping the operational future of a creative, international organisation.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Arts & Cultural Organisation
London / Hybrid
Salary: Competitive
Interim for 3-6 Months
A unique opportunity has arisen for an experienced and strategic COO to join a respected international arts and cultural organisation at a pivotal stage in its development. This is a senior leadership role, working closely with the executive team and board to strengthen operations, improve organisational effectiveness, and support the delivery of an ambitious programme of work.
The organisation operates from a central hub in central london and works with a wide network of partners, artists, funders and stakeholders. It is entering a period of growth and is seeking a commercially aware, operationally focused leader who can bring stability, structure and forward planning to the organisation.
Key responsibilities include:
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Leading the day-to-day operational management of the organisation across finance, facilities, HR, governance and administration
-
Working closely with the executive leadership team to deliver organisational strategy and ensure operational alignment
-
Oversight of the listed building and facilities team.
-
Supporting budgeting, financial planning and resource allocation across programmes and functions
-
Overseeing HR, organisational development and team structures
-
Ensuring effective governance, risk management and compliance with relevant regulations
-
Building strong relationships with funders, partners and external stakeholders
-
Supporting the organisation through with a focus on sustainability and long-term growth
The successful candidate will:
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Have significant senior leadership experience in operations, finance or general management
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Be qualified accountant
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Be comfortable working in a complex or multi-stakeholder environment
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Bring strong organisational, financial and strategic planning skills
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Have experience strengthening processes, systems and governance
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Be an effective relationship builder, with strong communication and influencing skills
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Be adaptable, hands-on and comfortable operating in evolving or ambiguous environments
This is an excellent opportunity for a senior leader who is motivated by purpose-led work and is excited by the challenge of shaping the operational future of a creative, international organisation.
Benefits
- Flexible working arrangements
- 40 days paid leave per year: 25 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 3 days between Christmas and New Year and 4 wellbeing days
- Strong commitment to professional development with a dedicated training budget
- Annual performance and pay progression reviews
- Up to 5% pension contribution
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme offering access to free therapy
- Work phone and laptop
- A supportive and inclusive culture with regular team social events
- Scope to take real ownership in a fast-growing charity
Personal development programme:
- You will have a line manager dedicated to growing your strengths and supporting your professional skills development
- You can work with your manager to set your own objectives within the scope of the job description
- You will have a dedicated buddy within the team
- You will take part in external and internal training to help grow your knowledge and skills
Please note that care-experienced applicants who meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview. We are actively trying to increase the diversity of our team and we encourage applications from people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds. We are dedicated to being a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging and where diversity is celebrated. In our last staff survey, 95% said they feel a sense of belonging at Settle. Please see our website for more information on our approach to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
We’re on the hunt for a Programme Manager to join us at this exciting stage of Settle’s development. Over the next few years, we hope to grow the number of young people we are working with and develop new services to support young people with a range of support needs.
The Programme Manager will report to our COO. You’ll be managing a team of Settle Coaches working on the frontline, delivering one-to-one sessions with care-experienced young people across London. You’ll use your skills to ensure that the Settle Programme is the best it can be, coach our frontline teams and ensure high quality delivery is maintained for the young people we work with.
You will work with our COO and wider Programme Management team to deliver and develop our safeguarding practice and ensure that the frontline perspective and young people’s experiences are embedded across the organisation. You’ll manage existing referral partnerships and help develop new partnerships as and when needed, as well as share best practice with the partners you manage. You will also have the opportunity to be involved in strategic projects across the organisation.
Our vision is a 21st century Britain where no young person is homeless and all young people get a fair chance at doing well.
Are you a visionary leader who can help shape the next stage of our work to protect, create and restore Scotland’s woodlands?
We are looking for our next Chief Executive, someone who can lead the charity into an exciting period of growth and change.
FWS is a Scottish charity working to create a Scotland where trees and native woodlands are thriving for our wildlife, communities and climate. Our mission is to protect, create and restore these vital habitats through knowledge, partnership and practical action.
Founded in 2012 to support innovative thinking for trees and native woodlands, we have grown into an organisation delivering practical action at scale. Today, our work stretches from city spaces to wild places — supporting farmers and landowners to create or restore native woodlands, strengthening local nurseries, building sector skills, and bringing trees into everyday landscapes across Scotland.
The organisation has grown rapidly over the past three years, and now operates as a team of seven delivering national programmes across Scotland.
About the role
This is a rare opportunity to shape a small, ambitious and high‑performing charity at a time of growth and increasing national influence.
As Chief Executive, you will report to and work closely with our Board of Trustees, providing strategic leadership and acting as the organisation’s senior representative. You will:
- Lead the delivery of our strategic plan and future direction
- Strengthen partnerships across the woodland, environmental, community and land‑use sectors
- Oversee programme delivery and organisational performance
- Support, motivate and develop our small and committed team of seven, working across programmes, fundraising and communications
- Represent Future Woodlands Scotland at senior levels across Scotland
You will bring strategic clarity, a collaborative leadership style, and the ability to build strong, trusted relationships across sectors and with funders.
Location
This role is Scotland-based, working from home with travel across Scotland to meetings. Our current team is spread across Dumfries & Galloway, Lothian, Central Scotland and Aberdeenshire.
Contract and salary
- 8% employer pension contribution
- Permanent, part‑time (3 days per week)
- £65,000–£75,000 FTE, depending on experience
- 25 days annual leave + 10 public holidays (pro rata)
- Additional annual leave increasing with length of service, up to a maximum of 10 additional days.
How to apply
Before applying, please read the Candidate Pack for full details of the role, responsibilities and the application process. You can find it on our website.
Invitations are invited from suitably qualified people and applications should consist of a CV and covering letter. The covering letter should explain how you meet the essential skills set out in the Candidate Pack and what you would bring to Future Woodlands Scotland.
If you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Shireen Chambers to arrange a call (details in Candidate Pack).
Key dates:
- Application deadline: Midday, Monday 16 March 2026
- Interviews: Monday, 30 March 2026, in Edinburgh in person
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Chief Executive
We are now seeking an exceptional new leader to guide City Year UK into its next phase.
Position: Chief Executive
Location: London, with regular travel to Birmingham, Manchester and other UK locations as required
Hours: Full-time
Salary: £80-90k dependent on experience
Duration: Permanent
Closing Date: 10.00am on Monday 23th March 2026.
Interviews: March 2026.
Who we are
For over 15 years, City Year UK has stood alongside children and young people across the UK, helping them to discover their potential and believe in what they can achieve. As a leading youth and education charity, we inspire and empower young people to dedicate a year of service, volunteering with us to support children in schools, reduce youth unemployment, and strengthen communities.
Our City Year mentors work in schools serving children who are often furthest from opportunity. They provide consistent and caring support that helps pupils feel valued, motivated, and capable of success. By building trusted relationships, boosting confidence, and encouraging a love of learning, our mentors make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of the children they serve.
The Role
We are now seeking an exceptional new leader to guide City Year UK into its next phase. This is an important moment for the organisation and an opportunity to shape the future of a movement that is changing lives. Building on strong foundations, the next Chief Executive will lead the organisation as we strengthen and expand our programmes, deepen our impact, and play a leading role in the development of a UK Year of Service that supports children and young people across the country.
This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. With the full support of the Board, the next Chief Executive will lead City Year UK into a focused next phase, securing financial resilience, strengthening delivery, and ensuring sustainable long term impact.
Main responsibilities include:
- Fundraising and Development
- Strategy and Leadership
- Governance
- External Engagement
- Programme Delivery
- Finance and People
About You
We are looking for an inspiring leader who is passionate about unlocking the potential of young people, championing educational equality, and driving lasting change. You’ll bring a strong track record of strategic leadership and fundraising in the charity sector, along with the vision and energy to lead City Year UK into an ambitious new chapter. Skilled at building powerful partnerships, navigating complex stakeholder environments, and championing an inclusive, purpose-driven culture, you’ll also be a dynamic fundraiser, ready to support the growth and diversification of our income so we can expand our impact even further.
Experience, Knowledge and Skills:
- A proven track record of senior leadership and management at a Chief Executive or Director level, likely in the charity or mission-driven sector
- Experience leading a complex organisation, with strong financial oversight, including managing a budget of comparable scale
- Demonstrated success in securing £1.5m+ a year of funding aligned with programme delivery; strong understanding of the connection between mission and sustainability
- Excellent leadership, management and team-building skills with a collaborative working style
- Strong political and organisational awareness, with the ability to navigate diverse stakeholder environments
- Exceptional relationship-building skills and experience working with senior stakeholders across sectors
- Outstanding communication skills—written, verbal, listening, and presenting
Please apply by uploading your CV and a supporting statement responding to the two questions set out in the Recruitment Pack. Your statement should clearly demonstrate your relevant experience, leadership capability and track record in relation to this role. Due to the high volume of CVs received, we can only respond back to the successful candidates.
Employee Benefits
- Annual leave: 25 days per annum, rising to 28 days, plus 3 Christmas Grace days
- A matched pension scheme with 4% standard employer contributions and matched up to 5%.
- An organisational culture that values its employees and places particular emphasis on fairness and transparency.
- Sector-leading training, with qualifications up to master's degree level funded under the apprenticeship levy.
- 2 Volunteering days per year - pursue a project you’re passionate about
- 2 Wellbeing days per year
- A comprehensive wellbeing service designed to support the overall wellness of employees
- Interest-free travel season ticket loans, bike loans under the “Cycle to Work Scheme” and loans to assist employees with welfare or financial hardship
- Enhanced sick pay for up to 6 weeks
Other areas of experience may include CEO, COO, Chief Exec, Chief Executive, Director, Managing Director, HR, Finance, Operations.
Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People.
Chief Executive Officer - ECT Charity
Location: London (Greenford / Ealing) with regular travel to Dorset and partner sites; minimum three days per week in office
Salary: circa £80,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Are you ready to consolidate financial stability, rebuild income and lead the next phase of sustainable growth at the sector leading community transport organisation that delivers tangible impact across London and Dorset?
About ECT Charity
ECT Charity is a leading specialist community transport organisation enabling mobility and social inclusion across London and Dorset. We deliver essential door-to-door transport and influence sector policy with partners such as TfL and the GLA, including through the use of our pioneering CT Social Value Toolkit. Facing reduced statutory income, operations changes, lease negotiations and contract retendering, we need to stabilise cashflow and protect services. Significant opportunities include leveraging our network and resources to develop our training and consultancy, build strategic partnerships to generate earned income, and using Dorset as a demonstrator site to pilot sustainable, mission-aligned commercial models.
Role priorities (first 12–18 months)
• Deliver a sustainable financial model and restore reserves.
• Redesign operations for the new scale.
• Leverage our networks and resources to develop commercial opportunities (partnerships, training, consultancy).
• Rebuild business development capability and secure partnership income.
Who you are
• Senior leader with experience of multi-site operations or similar scale.
• Strong partnership, commercialisation and Board reporting skills.
• Proven track record of strong financial management, contract negotiation and estate management.
• Commitment to inclusive leadership; willing to be office-based (min three days/week) and travel; driving licence preferred.
• Desirable: Experience in community transport, social enterprise or productisation/licensing.
Why ECT?
• Lead a sector-recognised charity with a strong social value toolkit and immediate partnership routes.
• Combine financial rigour with mission-aligned commercial innovation.
• Shape ECT’s stabilisation and long-term sustainability.
For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button with times to speak and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile which will be treated with the strictest confidence. We advise reading the full brief first.
Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 23rd March 2026.
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is a full-time Chief Exec role offering an exciting time to join an organisation making
a huge impact with minimal resources. As the Organisation enters its tenth year,
regrettably the need for this work has never been greater and in addition to enhancing
existing projects, we plan to grow our Dignity Centre locations as well as expand our
outreach and impact in the coming two to five years. As a small charity, the role is
incredibly varied as well as hands-on. While there is no physical back office, meaning
the role is mostly from home/remote, the CEO spends sustained periods of time in our
projects in Nicosia, Cyprus and Bournemouth, UK as well as any new or potential
project sites in the UK and abroad. A typical day could include troubleshooting and
managing maintenance problems at distance for our projects in Nicosia and
Bournemouth, preparing and delivering interviews and presentations to the media or for
donors, calling volunteers to prepare them for collaborating with us and collating
indicator data for impact reports.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Barnet Mencap provides support for children and adults with learning disabilities/autism and their family carers.
We are looking for an experienced Finance Officer to join our successful Project Support Team.
You will:
- Provide an effective finance service for Barnet Mencap
- Have good interpersonal skills working as part of the administrative team
- Ensure the timely payment of invoices, bills and maintain accurate finance records
- Plan, monitor and review budgets
- Produce accurate and accessible financial data
- Managing accounting and payroll systems (ideally knowledge of Sage)
We know work/life balance is incredibly important, as well as job satisfaction. We offer 24 days of annual leave per year (plus Bank Holidays), as well as a TOIL system which allows our staff to work more flexibly.
See the attached Person Specification and Job Description for a more detailed description of what we’re looking for, but if you have any questions, please get in touch to discuss.
We’re committed to safeguarding, equality and diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
To apply, please send your CV alongside a statement explaining how you meet the criteria on the person specification. Completed applications can be emailed to the address below by the closing date 8th of March. Interviews are planned for week beginning 16th of March.
The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service application in line with Section 115 of The Police Act 1997.
Barnet Mencap is the leading charity for children and adults with a learning disability and their families in the London Borough of Barnet



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Opportunity: Head of Finance
Are you a hands-on finance professional who excels at balancing high-level strategy with meticulous operational control? We are seeking a fully qualified accountant to drive the end-to-end financial management, reporting, and stability of a small but impactful international development organisation.
Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will serve as a key advisor on strategic financial decisions while ensuring the accuracy of accounts and compliance standards.
The Role
You will be responsible for all aspects of finance and delivering timely, accurate financial reports to internal stakeholders, funders, and regulatory bodies.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Producing monthly consolidated management accounts with variance analysis and reporting to the Board and Finance Sub-Committee.
- Leading annual budgeting, forecasting, and multi-year financial planning.
- Overseeing cashflow, treasury management, and the drafting of statutory accounts.
- Managing external audits and specialised donor financial reporting.
- Identifying financial risks for escalation to the COO/Board and providing direct line management for the Finance & Systems Officer.
Your Profile
You will be a grounded leader who brings a focus on delivery and stability.
- You must be a fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, or CIMA).
- 8–10 years of experience working within complex, multi-entity environments.
- Experience within the Charity or International NGO (INGO) sector.
- A proven ability to manage end-to-end financial controls and provide high-level strategic advice.
Salary range is £55,000 - £60,000 Depending on Experience.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, therefore please apply ASAP to ensure your details are considered.
The Organisation
Together We Learn is a charity registered in England and Wales, working in close partnership with Together We Learn Ethiopia, a registered NGO in Ethiopia. Operating as two distinct legal entities, the organisations work as sister charities with a shared mission and vision: to enable disadvantaged children to access high-quality education.
While Together We Learn in the UK leads fundraising, governance and international engagement, Together We Learn Ethiopia is responsible for implementing and delivering programmes on the ground.
Our approach focuses on improving both access to education and the quality of education systems, while supporting the wider wellbeing of students, families and communities. We work in partnership with state education systems to deliver sustainable, long-term impact.
By addressing educational needs both in and beyond the classroom, Together We Learn aims to create lasting change for children and communities across Ethiopia.
The Role
As CEO, you will lead the UK team of Together We Learn and work in close partnership with the Ethiopian team, providing guidance and support to enable them to deliver programmes to a high standard. You will provide overall leadership for the charity, with responsibility for fundraising and stakeholder engagement, oversight of programmes, and management of finance and operations.
The annual turnover of Together We Learn is £350,000, and you will be responsible for line managing two staff in the UK and occasional interns, as well as supporting our Ethiopian partner, who has 15 programme and 8 support staff working across two regional offices: Gondar in the Amhara region and Addis Ababa in the Oromia region. The charity is managed by an experienced board of 5 trustees who meet quarterly and provide ad hoc support in their professional areas of expertise.
The charity is in a stable position with funds secured for the current year and a fundraising plan in place for the year ahead. You will have a detailed handover to enable you to carry out the varied functions required by the role and will be supported in these by the Programmes Manager and Sponsorship Coordinator. You will report to the board on a quarterly basis.
Our current three-year strategy focuses on building the capacity of our Ethiopian partner so that they can take a greater role in leading the organisation. This runs through our approach in all aspects of our work, and specific targets have been identified to help us achieve this goal over the strategic period. You will have the opportunity to advance our strategy using your unique skills.
Responsibilities
Team Leadership
- Line manage the Programmes Manager, Sponsorship Coordinator and interns.
- Collaborate with the Ethiopia Country Director and the staff or Together We Learn-
- Ethiopia on programme delivery.
- Deliver the organisational strategy.
Deliver High Quality Programmes
- Monitor delivery of activity plans related to projects, sponsorship and school linking.
- Track programme finances against budgets.
- Support the UK staff in their programme roles.
Finance and Operations Management
- Steward Together We Learn’s finances, including reconciling accounts, managing the finance database and tracking performance against the forecast and fundraising plan.
- Due diligence checks on Ethiopian partner finances.
- Prepare annual accounts for examination and develop the annual report for Charity Commission submission.
- Governance duties and other finance admin.
Fundraising
- Reporting and applications to trusts and foundations.
- Stewardship of donors and fundraisers.
- Oversight of the annual online fundraising campaign.
Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
- Quarterly supporter newsletters.
- Posting regular updates on our social media platforms.
- Maintaining the website content, including blog updates and basic SEO management.
The job of a CEO is hard to define, especially in a small charity, so the list above covers the key areas but is not exhaustive, and other duties may be required.
Person Specification
This role requires someone with excellent time management and interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate will have experience managing teams in a development or small charity environment, as well as significant experience managing finance systems, fundraising and having oversight of multiple programmes.
Essential Experience & Competencies
- Energetic and self-motivated individual who shares our mission.
- 3+ years of team leadership or experience in a senior management role directly responsible for staff and high-level reporting. Ability to provide positive, hands-on leadership to a small team of experienced and motivated individuals.
- 3+ years of financial management, including full-cost budgeting, tracking and reconciling finances, and reporting against forecasts and spending plans.
- 3+ years of proven experience in fundraising, a successful track record of securing and reporting on significant grants as well as maintaining positive funder relations.
- Experience working overseas in an international development or education context or working closely with overseas partners in the same sectors.
- A practical, collaborative and adaptable approach with good problem-solving skills.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills.
- Strong and adaptable communication skills, both written and verbal, to support sensitive cross-cultural working and inspire funders and supporters.
- Fluency with MS Office programs, gmail and shared drives.
Desirable Experience & Competencies
- Lived experience of Ethiopia, or of a comparable context, such as the Horn of Africa or East Africa, or a strong personal or professional connection to Habesha or other African cultures.
- Degree or master’s in international development, or similar field of study.
- Office management experience.
- Project delivery or programme management experience, especially in a small charity, international development or education context.
- Experience reporting directly to board level.
- Experience increasing online engagement or driving new donor recruitment.
- Familiarity with a CRM system (e.g. Salesforce).
Equal Opportunities
We value the benefits of a diverse team and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the Ethiopian context, or from the African diaspora, for the knowledge and cultural insight they can bring to our work.
Flexible Working
Together We Learn operates a hybrid working style, where you will spend at least one day a week in the office. We find this regular face-to-face time beneficial as a small team, enabling positive collaboration, peer support and engagement with all areas of the organisation’s work. Other hours can be worked remotely or in the office according to individual preference.
You will be responsible for your own time management but must complete the majority of your work within office hours to ensure consistent management and collaboration with colleagues. This includes staff from our partner charity in Ethiopia (time zone GMT+3/ BST+2).
Ideally, we are looking for a candidate to work full-time; however we will consider an 80% part-time role or job share applications, for the right candidate. If you are applying for a job share, please clarify which responsibilities are best aligned with your abilities.
Please note that this post is subject to a satisfactory DBS check, and the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK.
Application Process
To apply for this role, please submit a cover letter and CV by midnight on 8 March 2026.
The cover letter should explain how your experience and skills meet the criteria required for the role.
First-stage interviews will be held online during the week commencing 16th March, with second-stage in-person interviews at our London office during the week commencing 23rd March.
Role to start date from 13th April 2026.
We regret that we are not able to provide feedback on applications that are not shortlisted for interview.
Use of AI
We understand that AI may sometimes be useful in helping you clarify your ideas or check grammar. However, we want to learn about your voice and approach, so please ensure that the application submitted is written by you and a true reflection of your professional experience.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Social Interest Group (SIG) is partnering exclusively with Robertson Bell in the search for a Chief Financial Officer. SIG is a dynamic charity and social impact organisation committed to delivering high-quality services and sustainable impact across the communities it serves. With a focus on long-term growth, transformation and financial sustainability, SIG operates with professionalism, integrity, and a trauma-informed approach. The organisation is committed to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative culture that empowers staff and promotes excellence.
The Role
The Chief Financial Officer is a pivotal member of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. You will provide strategic and operational leadership across finance and procurement, ensuring robust financial governance and delivering high-quality insight to support organisational decision-making.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead SIG’s financial strategy, planning, and operational delivery to drive organisational growth and sustainability.
- Advise the CEO, Board, and senior leaders on strategic financial decisions, presenting complex information in an accessible way.
- Lead financial transformation and improvement initiatives, optimising systems and infrastructure.
- Provide oversight of budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting, and risk management.
- Lead the Finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous learning.
- Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and charity finance requirements, upholding the highest standards of governance and stewardship of public funds.
- Support income generation, strategic partnerships, and long-term financial planning.
- Maintain and review risk registers, business continuity plans, and organisational performance frameworks.
Candidate Requirements
We are seeking a highly capable, strategic, and commercially aware finance professional with:
- Professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with full membership of a recognised body.
- Significant senior financial leadership experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector.
- Proven experience in strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
- Experience of leading financial transformation and change programmes.
- Experience presenting complex financial information to Boards and non-financial stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of charity finance regulations, SORP, governance, and compliance.
- Exceptional analytical, project management, and strategic planning skills.
- Ability to lead, influence, and inspire cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.
- Commitment to SIG’s values, trauma-informed approach, and inclusive leadership.
Desirable:
- Relevant postgraduate qualification in finance, leadership, or management.
- Experience of overseeing IT.
- Experience in income generation, business development, or securing external funding.
Location
Hybrid working with twice a week in-person attendance required at SIG’s head office in London.
Please submit your CV to Robertson Bell, SIGs exclusive recruitment partner.
Empowering independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital and off the streets
We are supporting a strategic grant making charity operating at the intersection of physical activity, youth empowerment, and systemic change. The organisation exists to empower women and girls, particularly those from backgrounds facing the greatest inequalities, to get active and stay active for life. Through targeted funding, co designed programmes, and bold advocacy, it tackles the physical, emotional and cultural barriers that prevent girls from feeling strong and confident in their bodies.
Its work combines grassroots investment with high level influence, guided by three core strategic priorities: reinventing how sport is offered to girls, amplifying their leadership voices, and sustaining its mission through long term investment.
Chief Executive Officer
Strategic grant making charity
Salary: Up to £70,000
Location: Hybrid, 2 days a week at a London office with regular UK wide project visits.
As the organisation enters its next phase of development, with growing ambition and an evolving funding landscape, we are seeking an inspirational and adaptable Executive Director to lead the organisation forward.
You will lead a small, high performing team and act as a principal bridge across a diverse network of partners and stakeholders. This is a significant charity leadership role, requiring someone who can steward strong governance, grow and diversify income, and build trusted relationships across corporate, community and trustee audiences, ensuring the organisation continues to maximise its impact for the girls it serves.
About you
We are seeking a creative, self motivated and values driven charity leader, who brings the following:
• Senior charity leadership and governance expertise, including experience reporting to and influencing a Board of Trustees and ensuring strong regulatory and financial oversight.
• Grant making and impact leadership experience, with confidence overseeing programme partnerships and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning.
• A proven track record of growing and diversifying income, ideally through corporate partnerships, brand activation, staff or customer fundraising, or within grant making environments.
• Strong stakeholder leadership and commercial confidence, able to operate effectively within a corporate environment, build high level partnerships, and influence senior corporate leaders, trustees, community partners and young people.
• Credibility in youth facing and equity led work, with a deep understanding of the systemic barriers facing women and girls and a demonstrable commitment to advancing inclusion.
The organisation is committed to achieve greater diversity in its executive team and welcomes applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, sexuality, belief or disability.
How to Apply
For further information, including how to apply, please view the appointment brief by clicking the ‘appointment brief’ button located against the role on the Prospectus website.
Recruitment Timetable
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15th March
PRELIMINARY INTERVIEWS: W/c 16th March
PANEL INTERVIEWS London: Late March or Early April


