External consultant jobs in edinburgh

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Purpose of the post

The Finance Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the organisation. Reporting to the Head of Business Operations, the postholder will oversee all financial operations, providing strategic insights to inform decision-making and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and best practices.
This role is integral to supporting the organisation’s mission of advancing health research through effective financial stewardship, and it offers an exciting opportunity for a motivated and experienced finance professional to make a significant contribution within a mission-driven organisation.

Main responsibilities

Financial Strategy and Planning
• Develop and implement robust financial strategies to support the organisation’s strategic goals.
• Prepare and monitor budgets, forecasts, and financial plans, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
• Support procurement and commercial processes, ensuring value for money and delivery assurance.

Financial Management, Reporting and Regulatory Compliance
• Oversee day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable, receivable, and cash flow management.
• Prepare accurate and timely financial reports for the executive team, Trustees and external stakeholders.
• Lead the preparation of annual accounts and coordinate with external auditors, specifically in relation to Companies House and Charities Commission obligations.

Stakeholder engagement
• Work closely with workstream leads to provide financial advice and insights that guide strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with external funders, grant providers, and other stakeholders to ensure transparent financial management.

Process improvement
• Identify and implement improvements to financial systems, processes and tools, to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Knowledge, skills and experience

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent.
• Proven experience in independent financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Strong understanding of financial regulations and compliance requirements in the UK, specifically in relation to not-for-profit, charitable and research organisations.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
• Advanced proficiency in financial software and Excel.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with non-finance stakeholders.
• Experience of working in a health and/or data research environment.
• Familiarity with grant management and reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of financial systems, implementation and optimisation.
• Experience in developing financial strategies within a growing organisation.
• Experience of modelling operational costs to support decision making and delivery.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the proven ability to prioritise and, at times under pressure, produce accurate work to deadlines.

​Desirable criteria

• Experience of working in an organisation in its infancy or a start-up.
• Understanding and experience of using project management tools and techniques.
• Understanding and experience of procurement of good and services in a health and/or data research environment.

Dimensions

• This is expected to be a full-time post however AHS would consider applicants looking for part-time opportunities.
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.
• Flexible working will be required across several geographical locations in the UK.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and the post holder having the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply online with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, your preferred working hours (FTE or PTE) and including your current salary.

The closing date for this position is midnight on Sunday 23 November 2025.

Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 15 December 2025.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team in 2025. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.

About us
Humane World for Animals UK is part of a global animal protection organisation working for a better future for animals through advocacy, evidence-driven programmes, innovation, and collaboration. We are building impact for companion animals around the world by supporting national priorities, advancing veterinary and policy expertise, and scaling solutions that improve animal and community wellbeing.

About the position
The Vice President, Companion Animals, International provides strategic leadership for Humane World’s global Companion Animals Center of Expertise (COE), serving as the hub of subject-matter expertise and innovation for the organisation. You will drive the development of global strategies, ensure alignment with organisational priorities and scientific best practice, and support colleagues across country programmes to adapt strategies to local contexts for measurable impact.

This influential role partners closely with programmes, fundraising, advocacy, and external stakeholders to strengthen organisational visibility, secure resources, and scale effective solutions worldwide. It is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced leader who is passionate about strengthening outcomes for companion animals through systems-level change.

Key areas of responsibility: 
• Provide overall strategic direction and leadership of the Companion Animals COE and support country-level programme implementation
• Guide the creation and execution of campaigns, programmes, policy efforts, field projects, and publications
• Lead and support a high-performing international team including staff and consultants
• Build and maintain strong partnerships across sectors, representing Humane World within external coalitions and professional platforms
• Work closely with Advancement colleagues to translate programme achievements into compelling donor engagement and fundraising opportunities
• Oversee budgeting, resource allocation, and financial accountability across the COE
• Establish and uphold high medical and programme standards, including development of metrics and impact systems
• Represent Humane World at conferences, with media and public audiences, strengthening global thought leadership
• Promote a positive and inclusive organisational culture across global teams

About you
You are a strategic and influential leader with:
• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (advanced degree strongly preferred)
• At least 12 years’ experience in advocacy, operations, veterinary medicine, or a related field, including leadership of teams, strategy, and budget management
• Clear success accelerating impact through collaborative global partnerships
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities
• A strong commitment to improving the lives of animals globally

We are searching for an experienced campaigns professional to make a difference and be part of a successful global team. If that’s you, please get in touch!

To apply

Please submit your CV and a covering letter explaining 1. your interest in applying for the role and 2. how your skills meet our requirements via the CharityJob website by 11PM, Sunday 16 November 2025.

Purpose of the post

The Business Administrator will play a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of AHS. This position focuses on the practical delivery and coordination of operations including implementing processes, maintaining systems, and supporting teams to work efficiently to deliver a longitudinal study. Acting as a central point for administration, the postholder will help keep our operations organised, identify and escalate issues as they arise, and ensure that processes and activities run seamlessly across our remote organisation.

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records. There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Main responsibilities

 Operational Delivery and Implementation

· Provide hands-on support to teams and managers in rolling out new tools, systems and operational processes that are critical for the success of the longitudinal study

· Support the smooth, day-to-day running of business operations, ensuring tasks and processes are completed efficiently

· Identify operational issues or bottlenecks, propose practical solutions where appropriate, and escalate matters to the Business Manager

Administration and Systems Management

· Maintain and update shared digital platforms, databases and documents to ensure accuracy and compliance

· Manage administrative functions such as task tracking in a fully virtual environment

· Provide day-to-day administrative support including preparing, filing, archiving and retrieving documents

· Manage AHS central inbox(es) and escalate matters to the Business Manager as appropriate

Team Coordination and Support

· Coordinate meetings and workshops, including scheduling and logistics, for AHS team members and external parties as required

· Provide key administrative support during meetings, including business and study meeting minutes as required

People and HR Administration

· Support HR processes including onboarding, training coordination, and maintaining staff and contractor records

Knowledge, skills and experience Essential criteria

· Experience of working in a health and/or data research environment

· Qualified to A level or vocational qualifications, or equivalent, plus some experience in a relevant role

· Proficient in Microsoft Office suite of software

· Able to manage information electronically through databases and spreadsheets

· Excellent organisational and time management skills with the proven ability to prioritise and, at times under pressure, produce accurate work to deadlines

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to take ownership of problems and find solutions

· Understanding and experience of using project management tools and techniques

Desirable criteria

· Experience of working in an organisation in its infancy or a start-up

Dimensions

· This is expected to be a full-time post

· AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK

· Flexible working will be required across several geographical locations in the UK

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and the post holder having the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.

The closing date for this position is EoD Sunday 16 November.

 Interviews are currently expected to be held during the week commencing 08 December 2025.

 Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team in 2025. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.

Unlock the Power of Data to Transform Education Across Africa. Join PEAS as our next Global Data Officer and help drive real impact for young people in hard-to-reach communities.

About PEAS
PEAS (Promoting Equality in African Schools) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to expanding access to inclusive, quality secondary education across Sub-Saharan Africa. Our vision is a world where all children enjoy an education that unlocks their full potential. With 46 schools across Uganda and Zambia, we deliver high-quality, low-cost education in marginalised communities and work hand-in-hand with governments to ensure all young people can learn in a safe, inclusive environment. Each year, we support over 200,000 young people across Uganda, Zambia, and Ghana.

The Role: Global Data Officer
As Global Data Officer, you will play a key role in strengthening the availability and use of high-quality data for decision-making at PEAS. You’ll work across both our Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and Data Development teams, combining strong technical skills in Python, SQL, and Excel with a passion for using data to drive impact. You’ll support teams to understand and interpret data, develop dashboards to unlock real-time insights, and coordinate research and evaluations that shape our programmes and improve outcomes for students.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of MEL workplans across all countries of operation.
• Guide the development and rollout of MEL tools and processes for data collection and analysis.
• Quality assure data analysis and conduct ad hoc special projects.
• Work with the Data Developer to roll out the PEAS Real Time Learning (RTL) tool and maintain data platforms.
• Develop and maintain Databricks pipelines for data extraction, loading, and transformation.
• Provide professional development support to MEL colleagues globally and coordinate MEL Global calls.
• Support external research, evaluations, and reporting commitments.

Who We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, sciences, or a related field.
• Strong Excel skills and experience with Python and SQL.
• Skills in data or statistical analysis, with the ability to create high-quality data visualisations.
• At least 2 years’ experience in a data role, or a graduate with a strong desire to move into data sciences.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills, with a passion for using technical solutions to achieve PEAS’ mission.
• Experience in education programmes in low-resource settings (Uganda, Zambia, Ghana) is desirable but not essential.

Why Join PEAS?

• Be part of a small, supportive, and values-driven team making a real difference.
• Flexible working options, including remote working and flexible hours.
• Opportunity to develop your skills and contribute to impactful programmes.

How to Apply

To apply, please click the 'Redirect to Recruiter' button to be redirected to our application form. Please ensure you have read the job pack attached to this job advert before applying.

Applicants will be asked to complete an assessment which will assess skills on Python, SQL and Excel.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 26th November 2025 at 17:00 UK time. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and may close early if a high number of suitable candidates is received.

PEAS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively seek a diverse applicant pool.

Reporting to: Co-Executive Director

Benefits:

25 days annual leave per annum, plus UK public and bank holidays (pro rata)
Office closure for a week in December and August
Annual leave allocation increases annually by one day (up to a maximum of five days)
10% employer pension contribution
Other standard Foxglove benefits 

Application deadline: Monday 19 November 2025 at 9am 

About us

Foxglove is a non-profit that exists to make the use of technology fair for all. When Big Tech companies abuse their power, their workers or the planet – and when governments use technology to oppress, exclude or discriminate – we litigate and campaign to fix it.  

Big Tech companies have become so large – gobbling up a huge slice of the global marketplace and an unprecedented treasure hoard of user data – that they’re now more powerful than many states. The harmful effects of this concentration of power are everywhere – threats to our democracy, to our privacy, decimated workers’ rights and platforms rife with disinformation and hate. Big Tech and AI data centres are rapidly expanding, resulting in huge strain on energy and water supplies. Worldwide governments are ploughing ahead with the use of algorithms and mass data systems to cut costs and increase efficiency often resulting in digital tools that entrench unfairness and leave the most vulnerable in society in crisis. All these problems are only getting worse with generative AI. 

Foxglove works to bring the rule of law to the tech and AI giants who have upended our public square, workplaces, and social lives. We have a strong track record. We’ve launched landmark cases seeking structural changes to big tech’s harmful business models, supported 180+ Facebook content moderators fired for trying to form a union to sue Facebook and their outsourcing company, Sama – winning world-first judgements. We're urging competition regulators worldwide to stop Google’s theft of independent news. We’ve filed the UK’s first legal challenge to a data centre permission decision over the government’s failure to properly assess their environmental impact. We’ve forced disclosure of secret contracts between tech giants and the NHS, stopped a racist Home Office visa streaming algorithm, helped make grading fair for UK A level students, forced the government to pause the NHS Data Grab and challenged the Department of Work and Pension’s use of an algorithm unfairly flagging disabled people for benefit fraud investigations.

We are a small but growing team of lawyers, communications experts, and campaigners. Our work is global, and we work in partnership with lawyers, civil society, unions, and people impacted by Big Tech.

The role

As Head of Operations, you will lead all operational functions of Foxglove. You will ensure that our finance, HR, legal compliance, fundraising, systems and internal processes enable the organisation to carry out its mission effectively. You’ll work across Foxglove and closely with leadership, as well as with external partners to build a resilient and well-governed organisation, able to manage growth and complexity while staying mission driven. This role manages one member of staff and multiple consultants. 

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Financial Management & Accounting

1.Oversee financial operations: budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, expenditure controls, financial reporting, payroll.

2.Ensure compliance with accounting standards, audit requirements and donor / funder financial reporting obligations.

3.Manage relationships with external accountants, auditors, banks, and financial service providers.

4.Ensure appropriate and best practice financial policies and controls are in place. 

5.Ensure financial risk is identified and managed appropriately.

Fundraising & Development

1.Contribute to the organisation’s fundraising strategy in collaboration with the Co-Executive Directors and Head of Strategy.

2.Ensure systems are in place to track and manage grants, philanthropic donations, and other income streams.

3.Support the preparation of funding proposals and reports and ensure accurate and timely reporting to funders.

4.Support relationship management with key donors, foundations and partners.

Operational Systems & Processes

1.Develop and maintain efficient operational processes and systems (e.g. finance, HR, IT, data protection, office management).

2.Ensure proper policies and procedures are in place for procurement, vendor management, travel & expenses, and record-keeping.

3.Oversee the infrastructure that supports remote / hybrid working, ensuring tools and systems support collaboration, security, and productivity.

Compliance, Risk & Governance

1.Lead on organisational compliance: legal, regulatory, health & safety, data protection / GDPR, employment law.

2.Ensure the organisation’s policies and procedures are best practice, legally compliant and up to date.

3.Establish and monitor risk management frameworks and our risk register.

4.Support governance structures (internal reporting, director meetings etc.), ensuring decisions are well informed and documented.

Human Resources & People Operations

1.Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and staff development.

2.Ensure policies on equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing are embedded in how we work.

3.Foster a positive culture in line with Foxglove’s values.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

1.Lead the operations team, ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities, performance and support.

2.Work closely with the rest of organisation including the legal teams and advocacy to ensure operations enables, not hinders, impact.

3.Contribute to organisational strategy, helping translate strategic ambitions into operational plans.

Person specification

Below are the essential and desirable criteria for a successful candidate.

Essential

·Qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), with proven experience in financial oversight and reporting 

·Minimum of 5-7 years of senior operations / finance / business operations experience, including line management 

·Strong experience of budgeting, forecasting, audit & financial compliance 

·Excellent strategic thinking and planning skills, able to bridge between high-level strategy and operational detail 

·Strong risk-management and governance experience; familiarity with compliance, data protection / GDPR, employment law etc. 

·Highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities; excellent time-management skills 

·Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present complex operational, financial or legal information clearly 

·Strong collaboration skills; ability to work across teams; good leadership and people management skills

Desirable

·Experience of operating in non-profit / mission-driven / legal organisations 

·Legal or compliance experience

·Experience of international operations, dealing with cross-border legal / regulatory issues 

·Experience of change management and scaling teams or systems 

·Understanding of, or interest in, legal, tech justice issues 

·Experience of hybrid / remote team leadership 

·Experience with fundraising finances, grants management, donor reports

Please note we know this role is wide in scope, if you meet some but not all the criteria and are interested in applying please reach out – we are keen to hear from you. 

Length and salary

This is a permanent full-time role with six-month probation period. 

How to apply

Please make your application via Applied here, answering the application questions and uploading your CV. We will not review applications sent via a job board or to our email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with first round interviews likely to take place in mid to late-November for selected candidates.

Foxglove does not use AI in its recruitment processes, except to detect applications for AI use. As a tech-justice organisation, we ask the same of our candidates.

Foxglove is growing and we are striving to build a team that is inclusive. We will create a diverse and adaptable environment where we support people to do their best work. We believe an effective and creative team is made up of people from different walks of life. You can read more about how we work and what we offer our staff here. 

If you require any reasonable adjustments to complete this process, or have any questions, please get in touch with us.

If you would like to know more about how we process your data as part of the recruitment process you can read our recruitment data use policy here.