Development consultant jobs in birmingham

We Are Family is hiring!

We Are Family is an extraordinary peer support community for adopters and prospective adopters. We’re there for parents throughout their adoption journey. Online and in person, our parents’ groups, events, resources, podcasts and talks offer mutual support, information and inspiration to adopters and those considering adoption. We are the leading peer support community for adopters  across Greater London and the Home Counties, and offer digital-membership nationally; we have ambitions to scale our in-person services provision significantly over the coming years. You can find out more about us here.

As Community Programme Manager, you’ll join our independent adoption support charity, oversee our volunteer, peer support and event provision.

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organised ‘self-starting’ individual with experience of working with user-run communities. You will use your strong relationship-building skills to proactively engage WAF members and volunteers, to continue providing peer-led support and to create new opportunities for adopters to connect across the UK.

Key Details:

Role type: Permanent

Reports to: Head of Operations

Direct Reports: You will work closely in partnership with our Associates & Volunteers

Working Pattern:  2.5 days / 18.75 hours per week, including occasional evening and on-site work.

Salary: £30-35K FTE

Location: Remote / Home-working; this role can be based anywhere within the UK with periodic meetings and visits, mainly to London / South East, at least quarterly.

Perks of Working at WAF:

· Become a part of a personable, visionary team creating positive impact on a daily basis

· Flexible working

· Home Working Allowance

· Occasional in-person working in London; travel and lunch expenses covered

· Competitive salaries with room for growth

· Professional development opportunities

· Seasonal socials

ROLE DESCRIPTION:

Key responsibilities include: 

• Engagement with our Members
• Supporting our Volunteers
• Managing our Peer-led Groups and In-Person Activities
• Overseeing our Peer Support Training and Supervision
• Nurturing Partnerships
• Delivering Impact
• Contributing to Communications
• Championing our Advocacy efforts
• Collaborating with our Board and Committees

Person Specification: 

ESSENTIAL

• Demonstrable experience coordinating / managing multiple projects or programmes
• Experience of working with beneficiaries and / or volunteers
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Skills in identifying and prioritising workload with the ability to work to deadlines and budget
• Comfortable working independently, operating good judgement on when to seek guidance and support
• Strong IT and / or aptitude to learn software skills (see below)
• Resourceful and adaptable
• Empathetic and supportive
• A ‘hands-on’ and collaborative mindset

DESIRABLE

• Lived experience / interest in supporting those connected with any of the following: early trauma, adoption, the care system, advocating for people from underserved communities.
• Lived experience / interest in supporting families
• Experience of working within a peer support network
• Experience of co-producing projects with beneficiaries / volunteers
• Experience with using multiple software packages (We work across the following software – training provided as necessary: G Suite, MS Office, Zoom, Trello, WordPress, Mailchimp, Canva, Buzzsprout, Google Analytics).

To Apply:

If the opportunity to join an exciting, rapidly growing charity appeals to you as someone able to make a valuable contribution, we would love to hear from you!

Please download our full application pack for further details and instructions on how to apply.

Deadline to apply: Midnight at Sunday 23rd November 2025
Start Date: ASAP

Please note that applications are received and reviewed on an ongoing basis, therefore an early application is advised.

Further information can be found via our website.

One of the great strengths of We Are Family is that we are volunteer and member driven, and we represent a diverse community of adoptive parents. We particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to ensure that the organisation can benefit from this diversity of experience.

We are delighted to be working in partnership with World Vision UK. As a global Christian humanitarian charity, World Vision is dedicated to tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice, empowering children, families, and communities to thrive. Through advocacy, emergency relief, and long-term development, they bring hope and transformation where it’s needed most. At the heart of their mission is a deep commitment to demonstrating God’s unconditional love.

We are seeking a confident communicator with a heart for mission and a head for strategy to become their new Midlands Area Manager. In this important role you’ll lead their work with churches, leaders, and Christian networks across Midlands. You'll inspire action through giving, prayer, and advocacy, sharing the life-changing impact of World Vision’s work with the world’s most vulnerable children. From church visits to major festivals and online events, you’ll bring energy and purpose to every interaction. With team leadership responsibilities and room to grow, this is a bold, faith-filled role where your ideas and passion can truly thrive. You’ll represent World Vision by speaking in churches for approximately 18 Sundays per calendar year, a wonderful opportunity to inspire, connect, and share the heart of our mission with church communities.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• Experience in leading/supporting a team working to targets, perhaps in a fundraising, sales or similar environment.
• Knowledge of the Christian landscape in the Midlands and key relationship management principles.
• Ability to represent World Vision at a range of events, speaking to leaders, churches and individuals about our work.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and supportively with external partners, internal team members and multiple church relationships.

This is an incredible opportunity for a practicing Christian who wants to make a powerful, lasting impact. Join a passionate team committed to transforming the lives of the world’s most vulnerable children. You won’t just be part of the mission, you’ll help drive it forward, bringing hope, change, and practical support to children who need it most, all around the world.

Midlands Area region consists of: Derbyshire, Herefordshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottingham, Rutland, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire.

The ideal candidate should reside in the Midlands. This is a home-based role with extensive travel across the Midlands.

This role is subject to a DBS check, which will be carried out by the employer.

For more information, please contact Nick Thomas, Senior Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion*, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please confirm in your application, or contact our Operations Teams separately. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and that meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the vacancy.

*In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, Part 1, Schedule 9, it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practicing Christian and in agreement with World Vision’s mission and values.

Contract / Hours: Permanent / 36.5 hours per week. Part time considered (min 25 hours per week)

Location: Home-based with extensive travel across the Midlands. The ideal candidate should reside in the Midlands.

Closing date: Thursday 6th November

Charisma vetting interviews much be completed by Tuesday 11th November

Interviews with World Vision UK: w/c 17th November

We are delighted to be working in partnership with World Vision. As a global Christian humanitarian charity, World Vision is dedicated to tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice, empowering children, families, and communities to thrive. Through advocacy, emergency relief, and long-term development, they bring hope and transformation where it’s needed most. At the heart of their mission is a deep commitment to demonstrating God’s unconditional love.

We are seeking a confident communicator with a heart for mission and a head for strategy to become their new South West Area Manager. In this important role you’ll lead their work with churches, leaders, and Christian networks across the South West. You'll inspire action through giving, prayer, and advocacy, sharing the life-changing impact of World Vision’s work with the world’s most vulnerable children. From church visits to major festivals and online events, you’ll bring energy and purpose to every interaction. With team leadership responsibilities and room to grow, this is a bold, faith-filled role where your ideas and passion can truly thrive. You’ll represent World Vision by speaking in churches for approximately 18 Sundays per calendar year, a wonderful opportunity to inspire, connect, and share the heart of our mission with church communities.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• Experience in leading/supporting a team working to targets, perhaps in a fundraising, sales or similar environment.
• Knowledge of the Christian landscape in the South West and key relationship management principles.
• Ability to represent World Vision at a range of events, speaking to leaders, churches and individuals about our work.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and supportively with external partners, internal team members and multiple church relationships.

This is an incredible opportunity for a practicing Christian who wants to make a powerful, lasting impact. Join a passionate team committed to transforming the lives of the world’s most vulnerable children. You won’t just be part of the mission, you’ll help drive it forward, bringing hope, change, and practical support to children who need it most, all around the world.

South West Area region consists of: Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire.

The ideal candidate should reside in the South West. This is a home-based role with extensive travel across the South West.

This role is subject to a DBS check, which will be carried out by the employer.

For more information, please contact Nick Thomas, Senior Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion*, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please confirm in your application, or contact our Operations Teams separately. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and that meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the vacancy.

*In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, Part 1, Schedule 9, it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practicing Christian and in agreement with World Vision’s mission and values.

Closing date: Thursday 6th November

Charisma vetting interviews much be completed by Tuesday 11th November

Interviews with World Vision UK: w/c 17th November

Location: Home-based in the UK, within 90 minutes travel of Central London, with occasional national and international travel.

Contract: 2 years with the possibility of extension dependent on continuation of funding. You should be available to start by mid-January 2026.

Reporting to: Executive Director (ED) 

Salary: £85,000  - £90,000

Additional benefits: 25 days annual leave plus public holidays (annual leave increasing by 1 extra day for every year’s service up to 30 days total), life assurance and access to an employee assistance programme. 

Job description 

Overall purpose of role 

The Director of Operations and Finance is a pivotal senior leadership role responsible for ensuring WeProtect Global Alliance has robust and highly effective financial management, operational, governance, and risk infrastructure. The Director will provide strategic financial leadership, act as the primary resource for the Board on governance matters and oversee corporate compliance to enable the impactful delivery of the organisation's strategy to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse online. 

We are seeking a highly experienced operational leader who is a proactive and confident decision-maker. You will be an influential SMT member and a trusted advisor to the Executive Director and the Board. You must be able to think strategically and solve problems, translating complex technical requirements (finance, legal, risk) into clear, pragmatic, and achievable goals. You will operate with high ethical standards and integrity, modelling the Alliance's values of Accountability, Respect, and Empowerment across all internal and external relationships. 

Key Responsibilities 

Corporate Governance, Risk & Compliance  

• Corporate Governance: Ensure Alliance governance is efficient, effective and provides the necessary support and oversight to the team to enable delivery of our mission, leading on review and optimisation of our governance structures and management. Act as a key advisor to the Executive Director and Board on all aspects of governance, legal compliance, and statutory obligations (including Dutch Chamber of Commerce and UK Companies House requirements).

• Risk Management: Senior responsible owner of the strategic risk register and proactively monitor and escalate strategic risks, reporting on high-level mitigation strategies to the Board and Finance, Risk and Audit Committee. Liaising with the Deputy Head who will oversee the day-to-day monitoring and reporting of operational risks. 

• Internal Control & Audit: Set the strategic standard for the internal control environment. Commission, approve the scope for, and receive final reports on all internal or external governance reviews or audits. Approve all final audit recommendations and plans before presentation to the Board. 

• Legal Compliance: Ensure the Alliance is compliant with all relevant UK, Dutch and international laws, managing external legal counsel relationships as needed, including maximising pro-bono support. 

Operations and People Management  

• Operational Oversight: Provide strategic direction for core operational functions, ensuring the Deputy Head of Operations and Finance delivers effective day-to-day operations including procurement, IT infrastructure, and general administration. 

• Human Resources: Lead internal responsibility and the strategic development of the people management function, in liaison with the Executive Director. This includes owning the overarching policy framework, approving major changes to employee benefits, and managing any external HR consultants or support services to ensure all HR policies, recruitment practices, and performance management are compliant. Overseeing the Deputy Head on supporting the implementation of capacity building across the Secretariat.

• Line Management: Directly line manage and mentor the Deputy Head of Operations and Finance, setting clear objectives, managing performance, and supporting professional development. As a member of the SMT, you may also play a key role in matrix managing team members across the organisation.

• Cross-Organisational Leadership: Work collaboratively with the Executive Director and all members of the SMT to foster a culture of high performance, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement across all functions, including implementation of our organisational Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy and our overall organisational strategy. 

Strategic Financial Management & Leadership  

• Financial Strategy & Planning: Lead the development and own the ultimate approval of the organisation's financial strategy, ensuring long-term sustainability and resource allocation aligns with strategic objectives. Working closely with the Deputy Head of Operations and Finance on setting  the parameters for the annual budgeting cycle and it’s execution.

• Budgeting & Reporting: Produce accurate, timely, and insightful financial reports and analysis for the Executive Director, Senior Management Team (SMT), and the Board/Finance, Risk and Audit Committee, drawing on the preparations of the Deputy Head e.g. forecasting, overseeing annual budgeting cycle and fincnial planning 

• Audit & Statutory Compliance: Take ultimate accountability for the annual statutory audit process, ensuring all financial statements are prepared in compliance with relevant legislation and best practice for the Alliance’s Dutch and UK registered entities. 

• Systems and Controls: Own and strategically evolve the financial control framework, ensuring robust policies, procedures, and systems are in place. Champion organisation-wide adherence to these standards, working closely with the Deputy Head who will oversee daily compliance and financial reporting accuracy. 

• Grant Financial Management: Work with our Head of Development to oversee the financial management and reporting for all restricted and unrestricted grants, ensuring full compliance with donor requirements. Contribute to the organisation’s investment strategy and diversification by assessing financial viability of new funding sources or income models. 

Person Specification 

Essential Knowledge, Experience, and Skills 

• Sector Experience: Proven senior leadership experience (Head of or equivalent) within a non-profit, charity, or international NGO setting. 

• Governance & Risk: Extensive experience in developing, implementing and managing corporate governance frameworks, statutory compliance, and organisation-wide risk management in the non-profit sector. 

• Legal Expertise: Demonstrable deep experience and knowledge of relevant legal frameworks and regulation relating to the non-profit sector in the UK and Netherlands.

• Financial Expertise: Deep technical knowledge of relevant financial regulations, statutory accounts and audit processes, with proven experience setting the financial strategy and controls framework for an organisation. 

• Leadership & Management: Demonstrable track record of successfully leading, managing, and developing a multi-disciplinary team, including the management of senior direct reports. 

• Strategic & Communication Skills: Excellent strategic thinking, with the ability to translate complex financial and governance information into clear, accessible reports and advice for senior stakeholders (Executive Director, Policy Board, Finance, Risk and Audit Committee). 

Desirable 

• Accountancy qualifications 

• Experience as a Company Secretary or equivalent governance role. 

• Experience in management and oversight of human resources 

• Knowledge of international grant financial management and donor compliance requirements (particularly UK and Dutch). 

Commitment 

• A demonstrable commitment to the values of WeProtect Global Alliance, including safeguarding children and upholding principles of Respect, Accountability, and Empowerment. 

See attached document for the full job profile.

Flexible within the UK

Ref JV 1423

Closing date 21/11/2025

Please note, that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this post. To apply for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.

As a Senior Research Lead, with proven experience leading complex research projects, you’ll be responsible for Energy Saving Trust’s Energy Access research portfolio as part of the LEIA programme. You’ll shape and deliver our research strategy, manage and mentor the Energy Access research team, and build partnerships with leading organisations to produce high-quality research outputs.

Who we are

Energy Saving Trust is a leading and trusted organisation, dedicated to promoting energy efficiency, low carbon transport and sustainable energy use. We aim to address the climate emergency and deliver the wider benefits of clean energy as we transition to net zero.

At Energy Saving Trust we don’t just offer jobs – we offer careers. For our people, being part of the effort to address the climate emergency makes working for us truly meaningful and rewarding.

Here are some of the benefits we offer:

• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional leave earned through length of service

• Three extra days off over the Christmas period as a gesture of goodwill

• A competitive pension scheme with generous employer contributions

• Flexibility in our ways of working – work from home, in the office, or a mix of both, depending on your role

• Two paid volunteering days per year – a chance to give back to the causes that matter most to you

Please see our careers page for the full list of benefits we have to offer and why Energy Saving Trust is a great place to work.

The team

You’ll join our International Energy Access team, primarily working on the multimillion-pound Efficiency for Access Coalition including the Low Energy Inclusive Appliances (LEIA) programme that aims to double the efficiency and halve the cost of off- and weak-grid appliances in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. This programme is funded by UK aid, from the UK government via the Transforming Energy Access platform, and IKEA Foundation, and delivered by Energy Saving Trust in partnership with CLASP.

As part of the International Energy Access team, you’ll contribute to meaningful initiatives that have real-world impact on improving lives and livelihoods, while helping to address the climate emergency. This is an exciting opportunity to join a talented, dedicated and inclusive team to deliver this vital programme of work.

What you’ll do

• Lead the planning, delivery and reporting of our Energy Access research portfolio.

• Identify research gaps and emerging trends, ensuring alignment with user needs and funder priorities.

• Oversee the delivery of high-quality research projects in partnership with academia, industry and consultants.

• Manage and mentor a small research team, supporting their development and performance.

• Build and maintain key relationships with partners, funders and stakeholders to expand our Energy Access research portfolio.

What you’ll bring

• Strong experience leading complex research projects using qualitative and quantitative methods.

• Proven record of managing high-performing teams and delivering results on time and on budget.

• Experience and knowledge of the energy access sector.

• Excellent analytical, writing and communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.

• Strong leadership, organisational and stakeholder management skills, with a collaborative and proactive mindset.

To apply visit our recruitment portal via the apply button. 

Applications close at 23.59 on 21 November 2025. Interviews are intended to be held around 8-12 December.

To avoid disappointment, you are advised to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a high volume of applications are received. This is to ensure that we can manage application levels whilst maintaining a positive candidate experience. Unfortunately, once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications.

Reasonable adjustments: We are a Disability Confident Committed employer. We want to ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive of and accessible for, everyone.

If you think you may need additional support or reasonable adjustments made to any part of the recruitment process, please get in touch. 

Flexible working: We offer a range of flexible working arrangements, including working from home, compressed or part-time hours, job shares and other arrangements. There is no need to justify your preferred working pattern and we encourage our people to work in whichever way helps them to perform at their best.

We will be happy to discuss this and our blended working model at the interview stage with you.

Diversity and inclusion

Energy Saving Trust is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone can be themselves, with support to be their best.

We strongly encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and with different identities and experiences to apply for roles with Energy Saving Trust.

We are a Disability Confident Committed employer and we ringfence a minimum number of interview slots for candidates who apply via the Disability Confident scheme and meet the minimum criteria for a role.