Head of audit and risk jobs in amersham, buckinghamshire

We are a small but mighty team, with huge ambitions to transform more lives of those who live with an intellectual disability, through the power of sport.

If you are just looking for a job, then we are probably not for you. However, if you are an experienced finance and business operations professional able to demonstrate strategic and operational ability around financial planning and processes as well as delivering cost effective, efficient and fit-for-purpose business services, then we would like to hear from you.  Charity finance experience and experience in a similarly broad role covering other areas of business operations including IT, risk management, data protection & data management and health & safety is a must.

We continue to be focused on our vision to create an inclusive world for all, driven by the power of sport, through which people with intellectual disabilities live active, healthy and fulfilling lives. We are a small, but growing, team with huge ambitions, and applicants must be comfortable operating in an environment where working under your own initiative is expected and encouraged.

We are looking for people who are passionate about Special Olympics and are completely aligned with our values. We are authentic. We act with honesty, integrity and respect. We are creative and innovative. We love to embrace difference and doing things differently. We are brave, courageous, resilient and determined. We listen and are led by the voice of our athletes. We are always kind. We are Inclusion in Action.

We are continuing to build a high-performing team who care for each other and care about our cause. Our athletes are incredibly inspirational, courageous and insightful people, and they deserve a team who are equally committed and passionate about our mission.

This is a permanent, home-based role. There will be the requirement to attend internal and external meetings or events which will involve travel away from home and working outside of normal hours.     

The role is both strategic and operational in nature and represents a fantastic chance to join an amazing charity at an exciting time of growth.

For job role specifics please see the Job Description.

What We Can Offer 

· Competitive salary circa £33,000 (£55K FTE) per annum depending on experience. 

· 15 days holiday on appointment plus pro rata bank holidays and one extra day for your Birthday. 

· Stakeholder Pension Scheme from appointment. 

· Time off in Lieu (TOIL) for out of hours work. 

· Flexible working. 

· Health Cash Plan

How to Apply

To apply, please send a covering letter (maximum 2 pages) explaining why you wish to work for Special Olympics GB. It is important that all prospective employees understand our mission and are driven by our cause. Please be specific about how your skills and experience will help you undertake this role and how they match the requirements of the Job Description and Person Specification. Generic letters and agency approaches will not be considered. Please also include your CV.

First stage interviews will be held week commencing 28th July 2025.

Safer Recruitment 

Special Olympics Great Britain is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The suitability of all prospective employees or volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process. The successful candidate will be required to complete regular safeguarding training and undertake a DBS/PVG check relevant to the requirements of the role. For this role that will involve a Basic Disclosure. 

Equal Opportunities

Special Olympics GB is committed to equality and diversity and encourages all sections of the community, particularly those living with a disability, who meet the job requirements to apply.

Other

The job holder will need to provide evidence of their ability to live and work in the UK and will be required to undertake a basic DBS check.

We will only contact those who have been selected for interview.

We request no contact from agencies.

Job Purpose

This role sits within our Adult Services, across Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing, Hounslow. You will be responsible for the operational delivery and service development, of a portfolio of services. Namely (but subject to change):

• Safe Space Community Drop In Service 
• Hounslow Helpline
• Nova Roots (Forensic Community Hub)

One large service you will be responsible for is our crisis alternative service – Safe Space - which is a tri-borough core and out of hours service providing a safe and welcoming space for people who are feeling distressed and experiencing crisis. The service operates 365 days a year from 14:00-22:00 across all of our boroughs. You will be responsible for managing peripatetic teams: we currently have 3x in person Safe Spaces, a Helpline and a Forensic Community You’re your portfolio may expand as new services are acquired.

Our aim of the service is to keep individuals well in the community and prevent readmission into hospital. The service operates 365 days a year from 14:00-22:00pm across all of our boroughs.

Staff within the service will provide person-centred, practical and emotional support, face to face or via telephone or virtual on a one-to-one basis to individuals experiencing mental health crisis or preventing crisis. 

The objectives of the service include: 

• To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental health and social crisis in HFEH. 

• To proactively work with keeping people well in the community to reduce re-admitters into hospitals by working with WL NHS teams (e.g. discharge, LPS, CATT, MINT and SPA) 

• To provide a true alternative to A&E via a non-clinical drop-in service to support clients 

• To provide support to clients accessing the service- for instance: signposting, de-escalation and crisis recovery planning. 

• To contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing. 

• To remain a source of independent support for all clients. 

• To treat service users with respect, dignity and personalised support 

• To raise awareness of mental health services available with the goal to improve long term mental health and reduce social isolation 

• To increase self-management skills of those accessing the service 

• To reduce the use of police, ambulance and statutory mental health services whilst experiencing crisis via a drop-in service. 

• To reduce the use of statutory crisis services by people experiencing mental ill health without positive outcomes for the individual. 

The Role

The role of the Crisis Alternative Service Manager will provide operational management, mobilisation and service development of all Crisis’ Services within Adult Services. The ideal candidate will have experience of mobilising and developing high quality, large services. In addition to managing and supporting staff working within challenging environments and experience of working with challenging behaviour and complex needs. The Service Manager will hold all operational risk.

Excellent organisation and decision-making skills are essential for this role, as it requires being able to manage time effectively to meet tight deadlines and work unsupervised during evenings and weekends. You will also be required to be rostered into the on-call rota.

The Crisis Alternative Service Manager will be required to work collaboratively with the Director of Adult Services and will be proficient at communicating effectively with staff at all levels, a wide range of key stakeholders and service users. They will ensure the service is well resourced from a staffing perspective and embed high-quality operational plans and processes. The Service Manager will also be expected to build and sustain working relationships with statutory services and represent HFEH Mind at external meetings.

They will be responsible for the delivery, progression and continual improvement of the service. They will have responsibility for ensuring Crisis Services operate in line with organisational H&S processes and procedures, HFEH Mind policies and CQC requirements

Key Responsibilities

· To oversee the management of the Crisis Alternative Drop-in Services and other services, in line with organisational values and service quality expectations.

· To ensure all risks are recognised and mitigated in line with the serious incident and safeguarding policies.

· To ensure safe working and risk management

· To ensure feedback is provided on risk mitigation through serious incident reports.

· To continually drive enhancements to operational effectiveness and maximise outcomes against targets (key performance indicators)

· To complete audits and high quality reports for senior internal and external stakeholders

· To ensure interpret performance and impact data for crisis services and be responsible for reporting against service targets

· To provide effective line management supervision to Team Managers, Senior Support workers and Support Workers where applicable.

· To collaborate with the Director of Adult Services and the Head of HR to deal with performance management/disciplinary issues confidently and effectively in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

· To mobilise the crisis services in line with agreed project plans and ensure they are promoted and marketed well.

· To pro-actively develop relationships with external stakeholders in order to improve and develop crisis provision for people with mental health needs.

· To develop robust referral routes and pathways into the service with both statutory and non-statutory bodies.

· To ensure excellence in the recruitment, training and ongoing support of staff and volunteers where applicable.

· To support the Deputy Manager, Team Managers to ensure adequate and appropriate staffing at all times within the service.

· To ensure high levels of meaningful service user involvement in service provision, responding to the needs of service users locally.

· Work collaboratively with West London Mental Health Trust staff to support, develop and promote both the service.

· Establish excellent working relationships with core and out-of-hours services such as Emergency Services, Crisis Teams and GPs, around inward and outward referrals.

· Ensure quality and compliance (in line with CQC standards, NICE guidelines, MQM and other relevant standards)

·        Work within HFEH Mind’s policies and procedures including; Performance Management, Confidentiality, Safeguarding, Equal Opportunities, Service User Involvement, Health & Safety, GDPR and Professional Boundaries.

· To embed all operational policies across managed services in line with a consistent organisational approach.

· Ensure service users satisfaction surveys are undertaken.

· Ensure data and qualitative information is collected, collated and communicated to key partners and key stakeholders, as required and directed by the Director of Adult Services.

· Ensure that all managed services are effectively informed by service user feedback.

· Keep up to date with best practice and contribute to the continuous improvement of the service.

· Monitor the quality of the service and ensure appropriate data is collected (in line with GDPR) to monitor outputs and outcomes.

· Produce regular service summary reports.

· To be rostered on the on-call rota

· Undertake such duties not included in the job description as are reasonably requested by the Director of Adult Services

Person Specification

· A minimum of three years managing a crisis service or similar setting with high complexity and high incident rates

· Experience of managing and mitigating risks

· Experience of managing safeguarding risks and understanding legal requirements for safeguarding adults and children

· Understanding of how to report and mitigate risks

· Understanding of suicide prevention

· Understanding of trauma informed care

· Understanding of mental health and safety planning

· An understanding of CQC requirements for mental health

· Managing services for vulnerable people in a service delivery organisation.

· Excellent people and project management skills and significant experience of supporting and managing staff.

· Experience of working in the voluntary sector and/or statutory services

· Experience of motivating, developing and training staff

· Successful track record in performance management of staff

· Experience of creating and implementing safety and risk policies and procedures.

· Compiling and interpreting performance data and reporting against service targets.

· Successful track record in planning and project management.

· Experience of report writing and presentation.

· Supporting people with mental health problems.

· Knowledge of and empathy for the issues facing people with mental health problems.

· Knowledge of the day-to-day application of relevant legislation e.g., Health and Safety.

· Understanding of the principles of ensuring safe service provision for people at risk and how these are put into practice.

· Knowledge and understanding of the relevant statutory authorities including NHS and social care.

· Excellent communication skills and able to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences.

· Commitment to service user involvement and able to work with service user groups to develop this. 

· Is committed to working in an anti-oppressive way and striving to create equal opportunities for all people.

· Clear understanding of Equality, Equity, Diversity and inclusion organisational approach

· Commitment to working within the policies of HFEH Mind including confidentiality and safeguarding.

· Positive attitude, passionate about working for HFEH Mind and able to inspire people to higher levels of performance.

· Team player and able to form positive, professional relationships with staff at all levels.

· Able to work effectively with a range of external stakeholders to promote and develop the service.

· Strong organisational skills and able to take control of own workload and meet deadlines.

· Ability to work independently with minimum support.

· Confident in challenging poor performance assertively, constructively and successfully.

· High professional standards and the ability to communicate these clearly to others.

· IT literate to aid communication and analysis of data.

· Willing to undertake training and development.

· Ability to travel to multiple sites

Desirable:

· Mental health registration (nurse/doctor/therapist etc)

· Mental health qualification

· Has a full driving licence and use of own vehicle (desirable, not essential)

· Experience of working with databases such as Views, IAPTUS, Rio and Python

· Project management qualification

We are an equal opportunities employer; and are proud to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.

Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check

Head of Retail and FOOD Services

Department: Directorate of Development and External Affairs

Salary: Starting at £47,264, rising to £54,728 FTE per annum + £480 home-based allowance FTE per annum

Location: Homebased with weekly national travel 

Hours: 37 hours per week (full-time)

We offer flexible working arrangements - please see below for more details. 

Contract: Permanent

Family Action & the Role’s Impact:

At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities. 

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today. 

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team as the Head of Retail and FOOD Services. This is a unique opportunity to lead and innovate in a role that combines strategic leadership, operational excellence, and community impact.

Main Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a multi-channel retail and food services strategy, including business planning, risk assessment, and performance management to increase net profit and service impact.
• Lead on budgeting, financial forecasting, and P&L management. Identify and develop new income-generating opportunities, including grants and tenders.
• Provide strategic leadership to geographically dispersed teams, ensuring effective recruitment, support and training of staff and volunteers.

Main Requirements 

• Educated to degree level or above in a relevant sector. 
• Demonstrable senior retail management knowledge and experience in managing complex projects, leading teams, and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Proven track record in income growth, financial planning, and managing budgets.

Benefits: 

• an annual paid leave entitlement of 30 working days plus bank holidays
• up to 6% matched-pension contributions
• enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions
• eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers
• cycle to work scheme
• investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation, which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect.

To Apply:

• Apply via the Family Action Careers Hub linked to this advert 

• Closing Date: 7th July at 23:59

Interviews are scheduled to take place from 16th-22nd July 2025.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process, and you will be asked whether you require any adjustments if shortlisted for interview. We also make reasonable adjustments on the job, where required.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Intersectionality is important to us and we particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ candidates and disabled candidates because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action. We know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role and will reimburse your travel cost if you attend an interview.

*Ordinarily Family Action appoints new starters at the starting point of the salary scale (with subsequent annual pay progression), unless you have experience that would justify appointment further up the salary scale or there are any other exceptional reasons.

About the Minster Centre

The Minster Centre is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee that provides training in psychotherapy and counselling and an affordable therapy service.

It was founded in 1978 as the first Integrative psychotherapy and counselling training in the UK and is a leading psychotherapy training institution. Now based in Queens Park, NW London, it runs training ranging from open access introductory courses to post-graduate degrees validated by Middlesex University. The Minster Centre caters for around 300 diploma and MA students each year. It is registered with the Office for Students.

The Minster Centre Psychotherapy & Counselling Service (MCPCS) also provides a safe, affordable and professional counselling service to people over the age of 18 who are experiencing a range of difficulties. The service is provided by senior trainees who are in the process of completing their therapy training.

The Centre has an annual turnover of £1.8 million and over 80 staff, most of whom are part-time. For further information about the Centre please visit the Minster Centre website

Role purpose

The Minster Centre is seeking to develop and further professionalise its operations and is recruiting to a new Head of Finance role. This is a part-time, flexible role for two days per week in the first instance. Some time in the office will be needed to work alongside other staff and key stakeholders – this can be managed flexibly alongside working from home. The role would therefore suit someone who wants to balance an interesting and senior role alongside other responsibilities or interests.

The Head of Finance will oversee the financial operations of the charity, owning and ensuring compliance to financial policies and procedures. You will provide strategic financial guidance to the Management Committee and contribute to the delivery of the charity’s financial strategies.

Early priorities will be:

• A review of existing financial policies and procedures to support the ongoing effective running of the charity.
• Working with the Lead team to ensure the charity’s finances are sustainable long-term

A full job description and person specification is available in the Recruitment Pack at the bottom of this page.

Terms and conditions

Salary: Pro rata, £55,000 FTE

Hours: 14 hours per week in the first instance, hybrid working. Exact hours open to negotiation. Some flexibility will be required to attend key meetings.

Contract: Fixed term appointment to end July 2028, in the first instance.

Holidays: 33 days including bank holidays, pro rata

Key working relationships: Management Committee (4 staff who collectively lead the organisation). This post will report to that Team and be line managed by one of them), Finance Administrator, HR and Governance Manager, Quality Manager and Registrar.

How to apply

Please apply using the application forms with a covering email to Afua Pierre by 12 noon on Thursday 17th July, however we reserve the right to close the recruitment process once we have received sufficient high quality applications.

For further information please contact the Director, Lissie Wright by email to arrange an informal conversation.

We particularly welcome applications from people from underrepresented groups, including people from global majority communities, the LGBTQIA+ community, care leavers, people with disabilities and people from other minorities.

Job Title: Finance Assistant

Department: Finance

Reports to: Head of Finance

Responsible for: No direct reports

Salary: £28,000 (plus study support)

Closing Date: 30th June 2025

Interview Date:  The interviews will take place week commencing 7th July.

About Us:

With community work spanning three decades, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust has established itself as a pioneering organisation for the local community. It uses the power of sport to educate, motivate and inspire people from all walks of life.

Working in partnership with Brentford FC, the Trust offers a portfolio of programmes in education, health, sports participation and community engagement. The Trust has won the ‘Football League Community Club of the Year’ award four times and now employs more than 100 members of staff. 

The Role:

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Finance Assistant to join our Finance team. This role will support the smooth operation of our financial administration processes, working closely with programme managers to track project budgets, expenditures, and assist with financial planning for new community initiatives.

You’ll be responsible for day-to-day financial processing, supporting budgeting and planning for new initiatives, and ensuring our systems remain accurate, compliant, and efficient.

Responsibilities:

Financial Administration

• Process invoices, receipts, and expense claims using our accounting software
• Maintain accurate records of all financial transactions across multiple funding streams
• Assist with monthly bank reconciliations
• Support the preparation of monthly management accounts and budget monitoring reports
• Handle accounts payable and receivable processes

Project Support

• Work closely with programme managers to track project budgets and expenditure
• Assist with financial planning for new community initiatives
• Support cost analysis for various Trust activities and programmes

Administrative Duties

• Provide general administrative support to the finance team
• Help coordinate annual audit requirements and liaise with external auditors
• Support VAT return preparation and submission
• Maintain filing systems and ensure compliance with data protection requirements
• Handle sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality, especially regarding individuals' personal details and concerns.
• Follow established protocols for data protection and privacy.
• Participate in training sessions related to safeguarding and emergency response.

Brentford FCCST is an organisation which values and is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. We welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups – such as those from ethnically diverse backgrounds, women, those from the LGBTQ+ community and those with disabilities.

Should you require any workplace accommodations (also known as ‘reasonable adjustments), you will have the opportunity to let us know at the appropriate points in the hiring process.

 Please note that where appropriate for the role, you will be required to complete additional background checks such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and police checks for any time you have lived or worked outside of the UK in the last 10 years. 

 If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position

We’re looking for a Carer Assessment Service Manager to lead our countywide team in delivering statutory and preventative assessments in line with the Care Act 2014. You’ll provide leadership and day-to-day support to your team, oversee assessment allocations, and manage referrals through our internal CRM and West Sussex County Council’s systems.

You’ll also deliver staff supervisions, attend management and partner meetings, contribute to training, and support service development projects. A key part of the role involves quality assurance, trend analysis, report writing for senior leaders and commissioners, and managing assessment processes and budgets. You’ll stay up to date with Care Act legislation, ensure staff are trained accordingly, and take part in the duty manager rota to provide out-of-hours support and safeguard service continuity.

The role is mainly remote / homeworking with the expectation that you may need to travel on occasion to in-person meetings and training across the county. This role would therefore suit those located in, or close to, West Sussex.

Job Role

• Lead the specialist, countywide Carer Assessment team to deliver best value, high quality statutory and preventative carer assessments and ensure that outcomes are compliant with the Care Act 2014.
• Work with Heads of Service to grow and develop services including identifying gaps, managing risks and demand, proactively seeking opportunities, increasing the digital offer and supporting funding bids to respond to changing needs.
• Develop, deliver and monitor the Carer Assessment Team delivery plan, aligning to CSWS’s strategy ensuring all KPIs are met and a high-quality service is provided to carers.
• Be a proactive member of the Operational Managers Team to develop services, promoting collaboration with your teams, build internal relationships and encourage team to share good practice and work collaboratively with the wider staff group.

Employee Benefits

• Healthcare and Employee Assistance Programme with perks and discounts.
• Holidays 33 days increasing to 35 days after completion of two years and 36 days after 5 years of service (Inclusive of Bank Holidays).
• Flexible hours available to help work around your commitments.
• Remote/Hybrid working with occasional visits to our offices or venues in West Sussex.
• Team of kind and caring colleagues.

Before you keep reading

Please do not see everything in this job advert as a "Must Have", but rather a guiding list of what we are looking for. We know no candidate will be the perfect match for all we have mentioned in this advert, so do not be afraid to apply if you feel you are close to the brief but not "Spot On". For example, some of our wonderful Carer Wellbeing Workers come from a non-social care background and they do amazingly well!

Our Culture and Diversity

At Carers Support, we are building an inclusive workplace where everyone can do their best work and be proud to belong.

We believe that talent is distributed to all of us in equal measure and our differences are a strength not a weakness. We recruit for potential, not perfection. At Carers Support West Sussex, we value everyone's unique history. Our doors are open to individuals of all races, religions or beliefs, abilities, ages, nationalities or citizenships, ethnic origins, marital, domestic or civil partnership statuses, sexes, sexual orientations, family structures, and gender identities. 

The carers we support come from such different walks of life that we are particularly interested in attracting candidates from similarly diverse backgrounds, including Asian, Arab, Black, Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups, White Other (e.g. Eastern European, Gypsy, Roma) and any other Ethnic minorities. 

Values we are looking for in Candidate

We are focused, putting carers at the heart of everything we do.

We act together, working with and for carers, the communities they live in and the people that can make a difference to them.

We are leaders, working with each other to find potential and opportunities across all communities, enabling carers to be identified and involved.

We are committed to behaviours that support:

Quality – the highest practical level we can reach in outcomes, learning and behaviour

Inclusivity – respecting people, cultures, and organisations

Caring – improving quality of life and influencing behaviour change

Integrity – operating with honesty and reliability

Loyalty – long-term committed partnerships and co-operation

Innovation – driving our service development and our will to succeed

If you are still unsure if our organisation is a good fit, have a look at our Good Place to Work page and the results of our recent engagement survey. We can't wait to hear from you! 

Interview Date: 7 July 2025.

Disclaimers

Please note we reserve the right to close this role prior to the stated end date, should we receive a sufficient number of applications. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered.

Consultancy work (Afghanistan Programme)

Terms of Reference for a Final Evaluation and Report

ToR

Consultancy work: Final Evaluation and Report

Commencement date

4 July 2025

Duration

c. 8 weeks (subject to change)

Accountable to

CAFOD Afghanistan team – Grace How and Kitty Chevallier

Overview: Conduct a Final Evaluation for a project entitled ‘Provision of humanitarian and livelihood support’, also known as ‘HELA’ (Humanitarian and Economic Livelihoods Assistance’). The 3-year project is funded by Misereor / Katholische Zentralstelle für Entwicklungshilfe (KZE), with co-funding provided by CAFOD. It is implemented by two local partners in Afghanistan, in three provinces, between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2025.

CAFOD has been supporting local organisations in Afghanistan, including the two implementing partners for this project, since the 1980s to help tackle issues of poverty and injustice and to respond to humanitarian emergencies.

Background and Context

Project Brief: This project is a result of partnership and joint work between CAFOD and the consortium members. The project builds on CAFOD’s existing programming in Afghanistan which strengthens the capacity of at-risk households by diversifying their livelihood options. The project focuses on meeting basic needs as well as promoting inclusive development, with the objective of strengthening resilience, particularly for the most vulnerable. As the project approaches the final few months of implementation, CAFOD is seeking to engage an external consultant to conduct a participatory final evaluation for this project. This will evaluate how effectively the project has been implemented, its major impacts and lessons learned, and recommendations for future similar programming. It is expected that the final evaluation will have a particular focus on the consortium partners’ ways of working: the strength of their collaboration, the efficacy and suitability of monitoring and evaluation approaches, and the benefit of learning events and strategies used through the project.

CAFOD and our partners are working with the same target group throughout the duration of the project, not only providing humanitarian and livelihood support, but also raising awareness amongst participants of families' rights from an Islamic perspective. Over the past two decades, much work has been undertaken to empower Afghan households and enable them to exercise their agency. Partners are taking a variety of approaches to further these aims in the project.

Ultimately, the project aims to support and ensure that the rights of poor and vulnerable people in Bamyan, Kabul, and Kunduz provinces are upheld and they have increased agency in their social and economic development.

Directly, the project has been planned to achieve programme outcomes:

1. The basic needs of targeted households are met.
2. Targeted participants have improved resilience through diversified livelihoods.
3. Targeted community leaders and members (male and female) are equipped and empowered with the knowledge and skills to promote and uphold their rights from an Islamic perspective.

Project Target Group and Location: The project will reach a total of 350 participants in three provinces of Afghanistan (Bamyan, Kunduz and Kabul) with a combination of humanitarian assistance, livelihoods training and other activities.

Project Duration: September 2022 – August 2025 (36 months)

Scope of the Final Evaluation:

The purpose of this final evaluation is to assess the overall performance and objectives of the completed project, in relation to the specified objectives, logical framework, and work plans. The evaluation will examine the extent to which project outcomes have been achieved, the quality and sustainability of results, and the relevance and appropriateness of strategies employed and ways of working. This participatory evaluation will analyse not only what has been achieved, but how it was achieved, how it was measured, and what could have been improved. This will include an examination of accountability measures, and how participants and other stakeholders were engaged throughout the implementation process, including how participants were given the opportunity and encouraged to share feedback and help shape the design of the project. The consultant will make and explain recommendations for consideration in implementing future projects of a similar nature.

The evaluation should include a review of the project’s monitoring data, secondary documents, a workshop with staff, and some direct data collection from key stakeholders including targeted participants taking part in the livelihoods training activities, as well as their relatives and community members. Findings of the evaluation will be used to guide and improve future project design and implementation. They should be written up into a final evaluation report (no more than 30 pages) which will be made available to CAFOD, Misereor and both partners.

As well as assessing progress towards logical framework indicators, the evaluation should focus on capturing, documenting and assessing lessons learned to inform future project design and implementation.

The assessment will be conducted in close coordination with CAFOD’s Afghanistan team, including the Country Programme Representative, Programme Officer, and Programme Support Officer.

Objectives of the Final Evaluation:

1. To assess the project and its effectiveness in meeting its three outcomes and supporting targeted Afghan households, through material assistance, livelihoods skill training and associated support, advocacy initiatives, and other activities.
2. To evaluate the strength and appropriateness of the projects MEAL systems:
   1. To what extent did project monitoring and evaluation help track project progress and achievements?
   2. How effectively was participation and accountability built into project design and implementation, and partners’ ways of working with stakeholders?
   3. How effectively were learning opportunities used throughout the project (including peer learning and exchange visits, learning workshops, regular progress workshops, etc.)?
3. To assess and review consortium functionality, partnership dynamics, and collaboration.
4. To capture and assess key lessons learned from the project from various stakeholders including project staff, participants, civil society groups involved in the project, community leaders and other community members.
5. To assess the sustainability and impact of project achievements, including:
   1. Changes in participants’ social and economic agency and participation
   2. Shifts in community attitudes and behaviours
   3. Capacity built among local partners and stakeholders.
6. To produce a high-quality report, no longer than 30 pages, which will be shared with CAFOD, Misereor and implementing partners.

Deliverables and proposed deadlines:

• Develop a short inception report with proposed methodology, plans and tools for collecting data from stakeholders, for the final evaluation (1st and 2nd week of contract), to be discussed and agreed with CAFOD and partners.
• Gather data from relevant stakeholders (3rd and 4th week of contract)
• Submission of draft report (6th week of contract)
• Review and revision of report based on feedback (6th and 7th week of contract)
• Submission of final report (8th week of contract)
• Presentation of report to CAFOD and partners– date to be confirmed.

Methodology:

• The evaluation should adopt a participatory mixed-methods approach, beginning with a desk review before integrating quantitative and qualitative methods to ensure that data collected is triangulated and can be communicated, explained and contextualised.
• It is expected that the consultant will combine surveys/questionnaires with structured interviews, FGDs and KIIs. Note that to enable the open and unrestricted sharing of opinions and information, the data can be anonymised where relevant and appropriate.
• Evaluation team members are encouraged to use innovative methods to collect and analyse data. The qualitative component will allow for more in-depth data gathering to gain more insightful findings from relevant target groups regarding their experience of the project and its impact.
• Data is expected to be gathered from key project stakeholders, including:
  • Targeted participants (in vocational training, first aid training, and Local Leaders Committees).
• The midterm evaluation will be supported by two workshops: an initial developmental workshop in which the data collection methods will be discussed with CAFOD staff and representatives from partners to obtain feedback and input; and a feedback and validation workshop after submission of the draft report, to obtain input on findings and recommendations.
• The consultant(s) are expected to propose the most suitable method of sampling/randomisation and the sample size will be determined in collaboration with CAFOD and partners. Information shall be collected from across specified beneficiaries, partners and stakeholders.
• All data collected during the baseline study will be disaggregated by age, gender, disability, and location.

Ethical Considerations

The below ethical considerations will be adhered to during the midterm evaluation:

• The evaluation will be conducted by an independent and impartial external consultant.
• Quantitative data will be obtained from a randomly selected representative sample. 
• Participation in the study will be voluntary, and individuals must be able to curtail their participation in the study at any time. 
• The safety of participants and implementing partner staff will be paramount.
• Anonymity, confidentiality and safeguarding of study data (both during data collection and for data storage) will be guaranteed. 
• There will be no risks and benefits for individual participants.
• The culture, norms and traditions of study populations will be respected and laws of the country upheld.
• Participation in the evaluation will involve no additional security or safety risks for participants, in light of the current context in Afghanistan.
• The content of the evaluation will be treated confidentially and only shared with CAFOD, partners and Misereor.

Required Competencies:

• A minimum master’s degree in social sciences or relevant field;
• Other training/certifications in thematic areas relevant to the project will be an asset (livelihoods, gender, behavioural change communication etc.);
• Other professional training on Research Methodology, Development Evaluation, and Impact Evaluation from recognised institutes/universities would be an asset;
• A proven track record of an ability to pragmatically apply in-depth knowledge and experiences of issues and practices in the fields of humanitarian, livelihoods and gender in Afghanistan;
• Strong computer and analytical skills with ability to write and review technical documents/ reports, conduct interviews as part of background research.

Demonstrable Skills and Experience:

• Record of publication of social research documents, evaluation reports, survey reports, study reports on livelihoods and rights issues is a strong asset;
• Experience of carrying out mixed-methods studies and evaluations and in producing high quality analytical reports (at least 2 recent reports should be submitted with the RFP);
• Strong background of statistical data analysis skills and strong proficiency with data analysis packages (in Stata or SPSS);
• Member of professional societies/forums (e.g. evaluation society) will be an asset;
• At least 6 years’ experience managing evaluations, baselines and/or assessments for community-based programmes, including since August 2021;
• Experience in delivering high quality assessments, research or evaluations for institutionally funded projects such as FCDO/DFID, EU or USAID;
• Experience working with and/or evaluating the work of national NGOs and CSOs in Afghanistan;
• A gender-balanced team (at all levels) is highly desired;
• Ability to adapt plans and approaches, sometimes at short notice;
• Fluency in English essential; ability to conduct interviews in Dari and Pashto essential.

CAFOD is committed to creating a safe environment for all project participants, especially children, young people and vulnerable adults, and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse. The consultant will be expected to follow these commitments and sign and adhere to all relevant policies and procedures.

Interested candidates are requested to submit the following by 29 June 2025. Please see CAFOD website to email the documents requested below

• Updated CVs (lead consultant and associates if any)
• Technical proposal with proposed methodology and detailed work plan
• 2 examples of similar assessments, evaluations, research, analytical report writing in English
• Financial proposal: Up to a maximum of USD 14,000. This fee should include all consultancy costs, including data collection costs (travel, accommodation, food etc.) as well as all applicable VAT and Tax.

Submissions will be reviewed and scored according to a) the criteria and considerations listed in this Terms of Reference, b) the suitability of the project plan/method statement and c) value for money.

Management and Reporting Arrangements:

The recruitment and initial briefing to the consultant will be managed by CAFOD, in consultation with the project partners.

Both in-country implementing partners will provide logistical and administrative support and guidance, including supply of relevant documentation, and help with the organisation of meetings and interviews (the financial costs of this will be covered by the consultant). Additionally required costs such as refreshments for FGDs will be paid for by partners. The consultant will be responsible for working with partner staff to arrange interviews and field visits ensuring all relevant stakeholders are available at the place and time agreed; the consultant(s) will provide facilitation of workshops, FGDs, meetings and field visits.

Deliverables will be reviewed, appraised and accepted by members of CAFOD’s Afghanistan staff, in consultation with the relevant partner staff members. 

Summary Timeline (subject to change):

19 – 29 June

Circulation of TORs and Invitation to Submit Quotations

29 June

Closing date for applications

2 July – 3 July

Interviews with short-listed consultants

4 July

Final consultant selection and contract signing

5 July – 4 August

Planning, document review and fieldwork

14 August

Submission of draft report to CAFOD

15 - 23 August

Review, feedback and revision of report

31 August

Presentation of report findings and recommendations to CAFOD, partners, and Misereor.

The selection consultant(s) will be expected to fully agree to comply with all relevant CAFOD policies during the contracted period including the Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct, and provide references.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced leader to help diversify the environmental sector by scaling a Black-led nature organisation to be able to demonstrate leadership on a national scale and promote and serve the interests and needs of ethnically marginalized communities in accessing nature.

Our Ambition
We’re on an exciting journey of growth. Our vision is to become a nationally recognised, well-resourced Black institution for learning about and caring for nature.

We aim to:

• Be the go-to resource for people of colour learning about the natural world and accessing outdoor spaces with confidence.
• Be the go-to resource for mainstream environmental organisations seeking to understand Black and Brown perspectives on nature.
• Strengthen networks and community among POC-led nature organisations across the UK.

Our operating income for 2025-2026 is £230,000. Our ambition is to generate an income of over £1 million by 2027-2028, growing to a 15+ staff team.

How the COO will support our vision

The role of Chief Operating Officer is central to helping us achieve our ambitions, ensuring that Wild in the City has the resources, infrastructure and working environment to achieve its annual plans, long term aims and deliver high-quality programmes.

We are not expecting the COO to implement the key areas of operations alone, we will work together to prioritise and generate the resources to build a team to cover the functionality required for steady growth. We are also motivated to ensure that the role’s salary is reviewed to meet market expectations as the role grows, dependent on funding.

This role needs an exceptional candidate who enjoys making a role their own, who is motivated by turning strategy into impactful action and who finds fulfilment in supporting others to achieve.

The COO will ensure that;

• We secure ongoing, long term financial resources, creating stability and underpinning growth, and scaling into operations in multiple regions, nationally
• We grow our staffing to provide a steady infrastructure and achieve our strategic objectives, including creating operations, fundraising, communications and research teams, and increasing our field team.
• We retain our relational, open, authentic, personable, dynamic, collaborative, innovative culture as we grow.

Who We're Looking For

We are looking for a dynamic and dependable Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help realise our vision.

We’re seeking an emotionally intelligent, commercially competent, and values-driven leader who can bring clarity, stability, and energy in a fast-paced and mission-led environment. You will thrive in turning strategy into action and impact, and in driving Wild in the City forward in scaling our delivery and leadership on a national scale.

You will bring:

• Proven experience in operational and strategic leadership
• Strong financial and commercial acumen, including income generation, budgeting, and long-term planning
• A successful track record of managing people, partnerships, and multi-disciplinary teams
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills across staff, volunteers, partners, and board members
• Emotional resilience, sound judgement, and a calm, authentic presence
• A genuine connection to our mission and values

We welcome people from all backgrounds to fulfill the role of COO. We are mindful of the lack of diversity within senior leadership in the environmental field and encourage those from Global Majority backgrounds to apply.

Why Join Us?
This is an exciting time to join Wild in the City, we hope that you will make an application. As COO, you’ll play a central role in shaping the next chapter of our development - growing our influence, supporting Black leadership in nature, and helping transform access to the natural world for communities of colour.