Executive support assistant to global director of programmes jobs

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

IRC UK
IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in the UK.
In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm. 

The Purpose of the Role
IRC’s External Relations (ER) department brings together Fundraising, Communications and Policy & Advocacy functions. With the aim to raise money, awareness and influence for crisis-affected populations worldwide, the department combines knowledge and expertise across multiple national markets.  
 
The IRC fundraising teams are comprised of colleagues and teams working in the USA, UK, Germany, Sweden and Korea as well as emerging markets delivering direct marketing, content, account management, philanthropy, board liaison, corporate as well as trust and foundation partnerships to support IRC’s national fundraising strategies. 
 
The IRC’s private fundraising capability in the UK has grown significantly over the past five years. Ambitious growth plans are in place to deliver increasing income from the private sector as part of an exciting global External Relations strategy.  
 
The Director of UK Mass Markets is responsible for the leadership and direction of the Mass Markets team in the UK and for securing long-term sustainable income for the IRC through individual donor acquisition, retention and supporter care. You will lead and develop a high-performing team by growing mass marketing audiences and income, developing exciting and targeted campaigns, identifying opportunities for product, channel and audience diversification, and championing UX and a supporter centric fundraising model. The Director will also serve as a key partner to the UK Executive Director as they facilitate cross-team collaboration, accountability and success among all private fundraising teams in the UK (Philanthropy, Global Corporate Partnerships, Foundations & Trusts and Mass Markets). The Director will play a leadership role in IRC UK more widely as a member of the UK Senior Management Team (UKSMT). The UKSMT is collectively responsible for achieving the cross-functional goals of IRC UK’s strategy and actively fostering an inclusive workplace at IRC UK.
 
This role is responsible for:  
I.  Securing significant and sustainable funding in the UK for IRC’s work 
II.  Leading strategic activities that support IRC’s mass market fundraising presence including campaigns for the End-of-Year, World Refugee Day and emergencies

Scope and Authority 
This position has responsibility for delivering the UK Mass Market team strategy and targets and Supporter Care within the overarching Global Mass Markets strategy and UK Strategic Plan. 

Responsibility for Resources:
This post will have responsibility for three direct reports (1x Senior Acquisition Marketing Manager, 1 x Retention Marketing Manager, 1 x Donor Services Assistant) and a substantial expenditure budget. The role is part of the global Mass Markets team and is matrix managed by the Executive Director in the UK and the Global Vice President of Mass Markets.

Key Working Relationships
Internal:
•  Counterparts and senior leads in global Mass Markets team 
•  UK SMT: Directors of Strategy and Delivery, Communications, Advocacy, Philanthropy, Finance, People and Culture, Awards Management
•  Global peer-level team: Directors and Heads of Mass Markets for Korea, Germany, Sweden, USA and Global Mass Market Support Leads
•  Digital team members (UK and global) 
•  Global Creative Studio and Brand 
•  Senior Director for Retention
•  International Operations team, incl. data & analytics roles  

Key Accountabilities

·  Aligned to the overall Global External Relations Strategy, develop, implement, monitor and report on IRC UK’s fundraising and supporter engagement strategy. 
·  Lead fundraising campaigns (acquisition, retention, mid-level) that deliver unrestricted income to enable IRC’s work. Channels include e-mail, direct mail, inserts, Facebook advertising, new forms of social media, and adwords, as well as telemarketing etc.
·  Develop a supporter engagement programme that focusses on developing and deepening long-term relationships and drives retention rates.
·  Develop and deliver an innovation programme, ensuring fundraising products and activity are at the forefront of the UK sector and allow IRC to cut through to new audiences.
·  Deliver outstanding supporter services, ensuring supporter interactions are dealt with professionally and appropriately.
·  Contribute strongly to overall Global External Relations strategy and budget development during the budgeting and investment request process.  
·  Lead, inspire, develop and performance manage the UK Mass Markets team.
·  Ensure effective collaboration between the UK-based leads of the Foundations and Trusts, Global Corporate Partnerships, and Mass Markets teams, in executing comprehensive, aligned donor engagement strategies across the UK. 
·  Collaborate with other UK leaders on the UK Senior Management Team, holding collective accountability for achieving the goals of the UK strategy and advising on the wider management of IRC UK to support those goals.  
·  Reporting to the UK Board of Trustees, including presentations to the full Board and the External Relations Committee as required. 
·  Representing IRC in the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Fundraising Directors group.
·  Be the senior contact for all mass marketing partnerships with third party supplies.  
·  Act as senior voice in cross-market working groups and committees. 
·  Network and build external profile of the IRC UK Mass Markets team by attending relevant fundraising and sector events, and building other external stakeholder relationships. 
·  Input into effective risk management of mass marketing income by accurately assessing opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses on a regular basis, and iterating the programme based on results.  
·  Accurately forecast, monitor and report on income and expenditure budget lines. 
·  Keep up to date with sector developments in individual giving, digital fundraising to ensure IRC is at the forefront of fundraising developments. 
·  Work closely with Mass Markets team in other national markets (i.e. Korea, Germany, Sweden, US) and the International Operations team to ensure all engagement is coordinated, and where appropriate, synchronised.  

Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications:

·  Driven, motivated and proactive with a solutions-based attitude and resilient in the face of setbacks. 
·  Proven ability to manage, meet and monitor fundraising budgets and Key Performance Indicators. 
·  Excellent organisational skills, especially the ability to manage a complex, varied and substantial workload. 
·  Ability to understand legal frameworks and requirements, and implications of decisions in the best interest of the charity. 
·  Excellent verbal and written English and the ability to produce well designed and high-quality proposals and reports.
·  Institute of Fundraising, Cass or comparable qualifications would be an advantage.  

Experience:
·  Extensive experience of individual giving (or mass marketing) and digital fundraising and ideally, mid value and legacy giving, within a large or medium global charity, including a proven track record of both acquisition and retention.**  
·  Launching new channels and products with success. 
·  Comprehensive understanding and experience of audience and donor segmentation, analytical modelling such as LTV and use of insights to drive strategy and performance.** 
·  Experience and understanding of creative process and relationship with brand identity through different channels and audiences. 
·  Proven track record of success in a leadership, line management, recruitment, performance management and talent retention.**
·  Demonstrated history of being an empowering and supportive manager to front-line fundraisers.
·  Experience working for a centralised, international organisation would be a strong advantage.  
·  Experience using Salesforce an advantage.  

Criteria in the Person Specification marked with ** are the minimum criteria in line with our commitments under the Disability Confident Employer Scheme in the UK. 
UK based candidates who state that they have a disability and meet these criteria, will be invited to interview.

WHO WE ARE

The Humane League (THL) is a global nonprofit ending the abuse of animals raised for food. THL fosters a high-energy culture of teamwork and mission-driven problem solving, and we have earned recognition as Top Charity from Animal Charity Evaluators for all of their rating periods. Over the past few years, we’ve grown to a staff of 100+ talented individuals dispersed around the world. At THL, how animals are treated in the food system is at the forefront of our everyday work. As such, many of our staff are vegan by personal choice, and all of our THL-hosted events offer fully vegan menus. We welcome all mission-aligned candidates to apply, no matter where you are in your journey to end the abuse of animals raised for food.

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

The Open Wing Alliance (OWA), a program of The Humane League, is a global coalition of approximately 90 animal protection organizations across 70+ countries united in a common goal: to end the abuse of chickens worldwide. For the past several years, we have focused our efforts on eliminating cages from the egg industry by securing cage-free policies from major retailers, restaurants, and manufacturers. OWA groups share tactics and resources to secure as many wins for animals as possible, specializing in institutional campaigning that can be tailored to our members’ unique circumstances and challenges.

As Temporary Global Campaigns Coordinator, you will be part of a team responsible for researching, coordinating, and launching hard-hitting global corporate animal welfare campaigns against major multinational companies. These campaigns involve collaboration and coordination with animal protection organizations around the world and directly contribute to The Humane League’s org-wide goal of ending the abuse of animals raised for food by securing global cage-free policies that significantly improve the lives of millions of egg-laying hens. 

As a campaigner, you’ll have the opportunity to develop knowledge of our targets, our primary campaign strategies, and the tools we will use to win. You will assist with the execution of tactics spanning email, social media, advertisements, and other digital spaces, and you’ll also help the team leverage our digital action platform by setting up digital actions with a high degree of accuracy. The ideal candidate will bring determination, creativity, and a collaborative mindset. This position reports directly to the Associate Director of Global Campaigns.

This is a temporary, full-time, remote position, beginning in January 2026 and ending in December 2026. The duration may be extended or shortened at The Humane League’s discretion. The temporary hire will provide coverage while a permanent staff member is on leave. This position provides the opportunity for optional domestic and international travel, equivalent to 2 or more trips per year.

This position can be based in the United States, Canada, Ireland, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Austria, Czechia, Denmark, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru. The successful candidate must be authorized to work in one of these countries and reside in that country while undertaking this role. We are only able to consider candidates who reside in the time zones GMT-6 through GMT+1. Please note that we are not able to consider candidates who reside in Pacific or Mountain Time. To enable collaboration with global team members, the successful candidate must be available to work from 9am-1pm Eastern time on a daily basis.

For priority consideration, please submit your application by December 8, 2025 at 11:59 pm ET.  After this date, we will begin advancing candidates through the hiring process and may close the role. New candidates are welcome to apply as long as this job opening is listed on our website. If you are experiencing technical issues, please contact our careers email, which you can find on our website. Please submit applications and all supporting documents in English. All application questions and materials need to be submitted here through the application submission form; we do not accept applications through our careers email.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct research to help inform campaign strategies, tactics, project plans, and communications (including slogans and language). Gather and monitor contact information, data, and key details about target companies and their executives. 

• Support Global Corporate Campaigns Leads with the preparation and execution of campaign tactics in line with THL’s overarching strategy, including (but not limited to) email and social media actions, phone calls to corporate employees, petitions, and advertisements. Assist in planning the schedule of campaign tactics and developing campaign materials, including website content, videos, petitions, advertisements, social media actions, and literature language.

• Collaborate with internal teams at THL and external stakeholders in the OWA to align on goals and debrief on the progress of our campaigns.

• Work closely with other members of the Global Campaigns team to plan, design, and monitor impactful digital actions that will advance our cage-free work and secure victories in global campaigns.

• Assist with setup of digital actions within the OWA’s internal platforms for action taking and supporter building. Coordinate with campaigners, OWA groups, and IT teams as needed.

• Support Global Corporate Campaigns Leads in coordinating and motivating OWA members across 90+ organizations to take action. 

In addition to the above essential job duties, other duties may be assigned as business needs arise. These may include non-essential, marginal job duties.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Experience: Previous professional or non-professional experience in advocacy campaigns, grassroots organizing, or activism within the animal protection movement or another social movement. 

• Tenacity: Dedication to campaigning fast, hard, and where it matters to maximize pressure on campaign targets. Ability to address barriers and persevere through challenging campaigns.

• Research and Data Analysis: Ability to compile and organize information effectively and leverage search engines and online resources to conduct research. Manages data entry and performs basic data analysis.

• Organization: Excellent attention to detail needed to accurately set up and monitor digital actions and manage multiple overlapping projects with different timelines and many moving pieces. Ability to prioritize effectively and accommodate last-minute changes.  

• Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving: Ability to grasp organizational goals, policies, and procedures and understand how they align with broader strategic objectives. Identifies and resolves problems effectively, making use of available resources and consulting other staff members when appropriate. 

• Initiative, Proactivity, and Adaptability: Willingness to adapt to changes and embrace new tasks and tools. Manages workload independently and proactively seeks out additional responsibilities and opportunities for improvement. Ability to pivot quickly and creatively as campaign strategies shift.

• Verbal and Written Communication: Communicates clearly and effectively across verbal and written formats, tailoring communication style to different audiences. Ability to participate in presentations and craft messaging that motivates others to take action.

• Collaboration and Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build and maintain positive relationships and work collaboratively with others. Actively participates in team activities and discussions, contributing ideas and supporting the development of a positive team culture.

• Global Perspective: Approaches work with a global and inclusive mindset, prioritizing global impact and taking into consideration the diverse experiences of colleagues and OWA member groups across many different cultures, languages, and political systems.

Hiring Timeline Details

Once your application has been reviewed, you will be notified via email with further details on the status of your application. If a candidate is moved forward, the interview process will be as follows:

• Recorded Video Interview (submission)

• Work Simulation Exercise (completed remotely)

• Interview (via video call)

For full details of our recruitment process please review the document on our website.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual compensation range for this role is:

• $56,895 - $69,539 USD for candidates based in the United States
• $56,269 - $68,773 CAD for candidates based in Canada
• €36,095 - €44,116 for candidates based in Ireland
• €15,331 - €18,738 for candidates based in Portugal
• £34,086 - £41,661 GBP for candidates based in the United Kingdom
• €43,754 - €53,478 for candidates based in Austria
• 385,174Kč - 470,768Kč for candidates based in Czechia
• kr.407,750 - kr.498,369 for candidates based in Denmark
• Ft562,177 - Ft687,139 for candidates based in Hungary
• €26,580 - €39,870 for candidates based in Italy
• €44,392 - €54,258 for candidates based in the Netherlands
• kr559,693 - kr684,080 for candidates based in Norway
• zł54,668 - zł66,613 for candidates based in Poland
• kr382,579 - kr467,607 for candidates based in Sweden
•  $24,222,487 -  $29,606,233 for candidates based in Argentina
• R$23,200 - R$34,800 for candidates based in Brazil
• CLP $10,265,808 - CLP $12,547,953 for candidates based in Chile
• $34,060,829 - $51,091,243 COP for candidates based in Colombia
• $11,281 - $13,788 for candidates based in Ecuador
• S/.35,157 - S/.42,967 for candidates based in Peru

At The Humane League, we believe in maintaining a fair and nondiscriminatory work environment. As part of our commitment to transparency, we have implemented a job architecture framework, which levels all of our roles according to size and complexity, as well as a compensation step system, which allows us to determine fair salaries for all. We also look at market data for each country that we operate in, to allow us to create specific salary bands per country. In addition, we have adopted a no negotiation policy for salaries. To determine a job's level, we carefully consider a variety of factors, including a job's size and complexity, required experience, knowledge, and/or skills, internal comparability, and market data. Candidates whose experience places them at step 5 or above of their job level within our compensation structure will be awarded a “Senior” title designation. These practices are aligned with our organizational values and will help us ensure we maintain clear, consistent, and transparent HR processes.

THL offers a unique and competitive benefits package. Each country will be provided with benefits that are applicable and relative to the location they are in. Therefore, your exact benefits package will be shared with you at the time of offer. However, as an idea, some of the benefits that are currently offered to our global team are:

• Unlimited paid time off
• The last Friday of every month off as a THL ‘Public Holiday’ called ‘Mend Your Heart Friday’
• Enhanced sick pay
• Generous bereavement leave
• Generous personal emergency leave 
• Sabbatical leave
• Enhanced parental leave
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement contributions
• Internet allowance

For candidates outside the United States, The Humane League will not be your direct employer. The successful candidate will enter an employment agreement with a local Employer of Record with whom The Humane League partners.

Equal Employment Opportunity

THL is an equal opportunity employer. THL does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected classifications, including but not limited to race, color, age, national origin, ethnicity, religious creed or belief, physical or mental disability, marital or familial status, legally protected medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, gender, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status or classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. THL is committed to the importance of non-discriminatory practices within the nonprofit sector, as well as all workplace environments, and strongly encourages all interested candidates to apply.

Accommodations

The Humane League is committed to fully supporting all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, THL provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws throughout the hiring process and employment if hired. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the People team (you can find our email in our website) to initiate the interactive process. THL complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and all other applicable state and local laws.

AI Policy

Original work and thought are essential in the hiring process and allow us to evaluate you based on your own skills and competency. Therefore, the use of artificial intelligence (ChatGPT, Gemini, Rytr, Google Assistant, etc) to generate responses is strictly prohibited. By submitting this application you agree to comply with our AI Policy. Violations of this policy in any part of the recruitment process will result in being dismissed from consideration. If you need a reasonable accommodation to this policy, please see above for more information.

Communications From Greenhouse During Hiring Process

We have occasionally had issues with emails from Greenhouse being captured by spam filters and going to the spam folder. Because we utilize Greenhouse for all notifications regarding your application, please double check your spam folder in case important communications have been routed there. 

Contract: 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours per week), permanent with 6-month probation period

Salary: £56,650-70,000 per annum, depending on experience

Location: Remote working, with option to use co-working space

Start Date: As soon as possible

Reports to: Executive Director

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK.

How to Apply

Closing Date: 10 December 2025 (23:59 GMT)

To apply, please submit the following: 

• Cover letter (maximum 2 pages)

• CV

Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, your application has not been successful on this occasion.

About BASIC

BASIC is an independent, non-profit think tank working to safeguard humanity and Earth's ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come. Our vision is for a global security consensus founded on multilateralism, the recognition of the indivisibility of security, adherence to Earth's planetary boundaries, and consideration of future generations.

For nearly 40 years, we have built a global reputation for groundbreaking dialogue and incisive thought leadership to strengthen international peace and security. We are an intellectually and culturally diverse team of 20 expert-practitioners with deep institutional experience, headquartered in London with additional presences in Berlin and Rome. We are independent, receive no core funding from any state, and our project work is funded transparently.

BASIC's approach to resolving contemporary nuclear dynamics is centred on dialogue as both a practice and a philosophy. We interpret dialogue broadly, recognising that meaningful engagement takes many forms: from facilitating direct strategic conversations between adversaries grounded in conflict resolution principles, to developing networks and diplomatic initiatives that build consensus around shared objectives, to shaping the intellectual foundations of policy discourse through rigorous research and thought leadership.

BASIC is a fast-paced and rewarding environment with an exceptionally positive and inclusive team culture. We have experienced rapid growth over the past decade and are well-suited to people who are motivated by our mission, able to work at a sustained pace, keen to develop professionally, and enjoy being part of a collaborative team working on consequential issues.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with room for growth

• 30 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays and closure days over the December festive period

• Employer pension contributions of 5% (above the national minimum)

• Flexible working arrangements, with set days (Wednesdays required) but flexibility on hours

• Remote working with option to use co-working space

• 1-2 all-staff in-person team away day per year, as well as other in-person working opportunities

• Opportunities for professional growth and development

• Excellent team culture built on respect, openness, and inclusion

The Role

BASIC is seeking a hands-on Financial Controller to lead our finance function during a period of sustained growth. The Financial Controller will work across Programme teams ensuring strong financial management and reporting to funding partners, maintain strong financial controls, ensure compliance with charity finance regulations, and provide accurate financial reporting to our Directors and Board of Trustees.

The Financial Controller will oversee the small finance team, including line management of a Finance Assistant and management of an external bookkeeper consultant. This team will be responsible for the majority of financial accounting, processing payroll, and accurate bookkeeping, for which the Financial Controller will be ultimately accountable.

The role includes managing restricted and unrestricted funds in accordance with funder requirements and programme needs, preparing statutory accounts for external audit, and overseeing payroll processing. This role reports directly to the Executive Director to prepare annual budgets and financial strategy, and works closely with the Board's Financial Development Committee to present its implementation.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with strong technical accounting skills, experience in charity finance, and a proven track record of effective financial management of a growing organisation. You should be comfortable both managing a small team and working hands-on when needed, building collaborative relationships across the organisation. You will need to be a multitasker with the ability to work at pace, and be willing to develop the finance function and best practices to enable the organisation to grow further.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounting and Reporting

• Oversee the maintenance of accurate financial records and bookkeeping in accordance with charity accounting standards (SORP)

• Prepare monthly management accounts including variance reporting and rolling forecasts

• Prepare annual statutory accounts and manage the annual independent audit process in its entirety

• Manage restricted and unrestricted funds in accordance with funder requirements

• Provide accurate and timely financial reporting to the Board of Trustees, Executive Director, and funding partners

Financial Operations

• Oversee day-to-day finance operations including payment processing, staff expenses, and cost allocation (including staff costs)

• Oversee monthly payroll using QuickBooks (led by Finance Assistant)

• Manage treasury functions including bank and cash management

• Oversee procurement of key assets such as IT equipment

• Cashflow management

Grant and Budget Management

• Support budget development for funding bids and proposals

• Monitor spend against grants and projects, working towards full cost recovery

• Prepare financial reports for donors and funding partners

• Lead annual budget-setting and forecasting processes in collaboration with the Board and Executive Director

Financial Systems and Controls

• Develop and maintain robust financial systems, processes, and controls

• Continuously improve finance processes and identify efficiencies

• Advise on financial governance and best practice

• Manage financial risks and opportunities (e.g., insurance, foreign exchange)

Team Management and Stakeholder Relations

• Line manage the Finance Assistant and oversee external bookkeeper consultant

• Build collaborative relationships across the organisation

• Manage relationships with key external stakeholders including banks, international transfer services, and audit partners

• Work closely with the Board's Financial Development Committee and BASIC's Treasurer

Please note: This list is not exhaustive. Other tasks may be required as they arise.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent) or part-qualified with significant relevant experience
• Proven experience in a mid-level to senior finance role, with responsibility for financial accounting and reporting
• Experience managing restricted and unrestricted funds
• Experience preparing statutory accounts and managing audit processes
• Experience in a growing organisation, implementing and improving financial systems and controls
• Strong technical accounting skills and understanding of financial controls
• Excellent numeracy and attention to detail
• Proficiency with accounting software (experience with QuickBooks highly desirable)
• Strong Excel/spreadsheet skills
• Excellent communication skills, able to explain financial information to non-finance colleagues
• Highly organised with ability to manage multiple priorities and work to deadlines
• Proactive and solutions-oriented, with ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Comfortable working hands-on when needed while also providing strategic oversight
• Ability to work at pace in a fast-growing organisation
• Commitment to BASIC's mission and values

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in charity finance and understanding of charity accounting standards (SORP)
• Experience line managing finance staff
• Experience in an international organisation or with international funding
• Understanding of charity governance and regulatory requirements