Head of finance transformation jobs in Edinburgh

Application Closing Date: 16 January 2026 

Location: Remote or hybrid working within the UK; individuals will be required to attend episodic in-person office days in London as needed and prescribed by the organisation. This role requires applicants to be able to show that they have the right to work in the UK. 

Term: full time - 35 hours a week

Organisation: Global Greengrants Fund UK 

Salary: Salaries at Global Greengrants Fund UK (GGF UK) are dependent on applicable salary scales, internal pay policies including equity considerations and budget. Due to the ways in which salary negotiations perpetuate existing structural inequities, GGF UK has moved away from salary negotiation processes for any candidate. Our best offer for this position is £42,000 per annum. 

Benefits: We have improved our benefits package and we now offer 10% employer’s pension contribution, remote and flexible remote working, generous family and sick leave, employee assistance programme, health and life insurances, 28 days annual leave plus all UK bank holidays. 

About Global Greengrants Fund: 

Global Greengrants Fund (GGF) supports grassroots activists and civil society organisations around the world working to address environmental and social justice in over 160 countries.GGF applies a participatory and decentralised model in making grants to grassroots groups through regional and thematic boards of advisors, global partner networks and independent funds, to support grassroots environmental and social justice action. 

Global Greengrants Fund comprises two organisations located in the USA, Global Greengrants Fund Inc (established in 1993), and Global Greengrants Fund UK (established in 2012). The two organisations work closely together with a shared grantmaking programme and strategic collaboration at the senior leadership level. GGF UK consists of thirteen staff members working on fundraising and influencing philanthropy; finance; communications; and operations, with all of these functions operating autonomously but in close collaboration with their US counterpart functions. 

In 2025, Global Greengrants Fund is amid a strategic journey in which we collectively centre our values, including diversity, equity and inclusion, and organisational care in our work, and to rediscover our identity and potential after 30+ years of work. We have experienced tremendous growth over the past two years and we are thoughtfully, yet rapidly, growing our annual grantmaking, our philanthropic advocacy, and our global partnerships and collaborations to new levels. This includes creating a globally networked learning organisation and transforming our organisational culture to be more collaborative and self-steering – we call this our transformational journey. The Senior Finance and Operations Administrator needs to understand the challenges and opportunities that come with these transformations and can remain flexible, steady, and adaptable. 

The Role 

The Senior Finance and Operations Administrator is a critical, multi-functional role supporting the financial, operational and administrative systems of GGF UK. The role will report to the Head of Finance with a dotted line to the Operations Manager on all operational tasks.

Acting as a key liaison between grants management, operations and finance, this role requires taking ownership of specific financial processes – particularly those intersecting with grants payments, forex providers and internal systems. The ability to clarify issues and relay technical information across functions will be essential and hence demand high attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to navigate and communicate complex financial and grant-related processes to non-financial colleagues.

Coordinating closely with the Director of Finance and Operations, the postholder will provide proactive administrative support including diary management. 

The candidate profile. 

The successful applicant will have significant relevant experience in a similar role in a charitable, environmental, development, social justice, feminist, gender, human rights organisation, and/or grant-making organisation. They demonstrate knowledge and experience in charity/nonprofit grant accounting/financial issues and dealing with both financial and grant information and processes, understand accounting principles, and have knowledge of accounting, and grantmaking processes. They have experience of using banking services and payment experiences (including international payments). They demonstrate excellent administrative and organisational skills, and the ability to ensure the accuracy of work and demonstrate precise attention to detail. They will have the skills to give, receive, and work with feedback constructively. They also thrive in a virtual environment, motivated to take on challenges and collaboratively find innovative and creative solutions. Multiple language skills would be ideal, while English fluency is a must. 

The right candidate will understand Global Greengrants Fund’s core values and be committed to the guiding principles and mission of Global Greengrants Fund and ensure they uphold them in the way they take up the responsibilities of the role. They will value transparency and accountability, demonstrating strong critical thinking, strategic risk management, and the ability to influence and resolve differences across boundaries. With a high degree of self-awareness and insight, the candidate will excel in building strong interpersonal relationships, both within and outside the organisation, and possess outstanding communication and collaboration skills. 

How to apply: 

Applications need to be submitted through GGF UK’s job platform by 16 January 2026 date at 23:00 GMT. To apply via the job platform and to see the detailed Job Description, please click on the 'Apply' button and you will be redirected to our recruitment platform. You will be required to complete a set of screening questions and upload a current CV. You will need to submit these in English. If you’re intrigued by this position but feel like you don’t fit the profile precisely, please still apply. 

We thank all those who apply, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

Global Greengrants Fund UK is an equal opportunities employer. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our team is critical to our success. We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and welcome applications from all qualified candidates. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Role Description

The purpose of the Executive Assistant role is to provide administrative, organisational and coordination support to the Executive Team, ensuring their time and attention are aligned with organisational priorities, goals, and objectives. The role covers executive coordination, governance administration and project support.  The Executive Assistant enables effective decision making across the Leadership Team, supports the smooth delivery of priorities, and contributes to the execution of long-term strategic goals.

The Executive Team comprises the Chief Executive, Operations Director and Business Development Director.  They work together as part of the Leadership Team, comprising key leaders from across the charity.

Excellent attention to detail is crucial, as is the ability to operate with discretion and flexibility. A high standard of written and verbal communication is essential. The role requires collaboration across Finance, HR, Trustees, and external stakeholders, and an understanding of effective charity governance would be desirable.

This role requires a high level of emotional intelligence, sound judgement, and the ability to build trusted relationships across all levels of the organisation. Success in this role depends on a proactive mindset, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm and resourceful under pressure. The Executive Assistant must be highly dependable, detail-oriented, and capable of managing sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Responsibilities

Executive Coordination

• Manage calendars, inboxes, travel and meeting preparation for Executive Team
• Coordinate agendas and logistics for internal and external meetings
• Liaise with stakeholders, clients and partners to ensure smooth engagement

Governance Support

• Own the established governance timetable, board meeting scheduling, and trustee communications
• Draft and distribute board packs, take minutes, and track actions
• Support governance processes in collaboration with the Operations Director
• Support trustee onboarding, training, and engagement
• Ensure timely completion of Charity Commission and Companies House submissions
• Leverage AI tools and platforms to enhance business processes

Strategic communications

• Communicate with external stakeholders on behalf of the Executive Team
• Coordinate staff events and meetings
• Work with marketing and communities & projects teams for conferences and external events

Project support

• Support ongoing transformation projects in collaboration with Head of Business Functions
• Support recruitment and onboarding for senior roles led by the Head of Business Operations
• Support strategic planning and performance tracking led by the Operations Director and Business Development Director
• Support handover and re-onboarding of Executive Assistant on her return April 2027

Role Requirements

Required:

• Minimum of four years’ experience in a similar role.
• Experience supporting senior leaders in a fast paced and changing environment, taking initiative and managing competing deadlines calmly and flexibly.
• Confident communicating with the executive and leadership team, trustees and external partners in a professional and timely way.
• Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and good judgment.
• Confident coordinating meetings, preparing papers and taking accurate minutes.
• Ability to research, digest, analyse and present material clearly and concisely.
• Ability to identify and apply AI-driven tools to enhance business activities and using AI to streamline workflows and personalise business engagement.
• Comfortable stepping into an established role quickly and maintaining continuity during the maternity leave period.

Desirable:

• Experience in charity governance
• Experience in project support/management

Employees are also expected to be flexible in undertaking the duties and responsibilities attached to their post and may be asked to perform other duties that are consistent with the grade, responsibilities, and typical scope of the role. Any additional tasks should remain appropriate to the nature of the post and not extend into unrelated functions or specialisms.

All employees are expected to work in accordance with the organisation’s values and behavioural standards, which include being supportive, transparent, respectful, kind, honest, and collaborative. This means fostering a culture of empathy, openness, integrity, and teamwork in all interactions, and contributing positively to the organisation’s mission and strategic objectives.

We are committed to flexible working and are open to requests for different working patterns. This includes part time arrangements and four day working week requests, which we will always consider as part of the recruitment process.

To apply for this role, please share your CV with a one-page cover letter setting out why this role appeals to you and how your skills and experiences meet the key skills points in the job description.

Interviews expected to take place on week commencing the 2nd of February 2026.

Job Role

Reports to: National Director 

Budget responsibility: Yes 

Line management: 3 direct reports (Community Outreach Coordinator,Empty Spaces to Homes Programme Manager, Head of Construction & Delivery). Manage the relationship with the Upcycling Programme consultant.  

Post: Permanent 

Location: Home-based with frequent travel and some overnight  stays to internal and external events and project sites across England, Wales and Scotland.  All staff meetings are held in our ReStore, Romford.

About Habitat for Humanity Great Britain 

Habitat for Humanity Great Britain (Habitat GB) is part of the global Habitat for Humanity Federation fighting global poverty and homelessness. We believe that a decent home helps to permanently break the cycle of poverty and allows families to achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance. 

Job Purpose 

To support Habitat GB’s vision of a decent home for everyone, the organisation has recently completed a strategic review, resulting in a new National Strategy and an organisational restructure, to ensure the organisation is able to deliver the Strategy impactfully, efficiently and effectively. 

As a result, a new team has been formed, which will focus on developing and delivering high quality programmes in England, Wales and Scotland. The Director of Programme Delivery will be accountable for consolidating and supporting the new team to flourish. And for co-leading (with the Director of Retail) the development and performance of one out of two Strategic Goals, to: ‘Develop, pursue and share innovative solutions to increase access to decent, safe, affordable homes for communities across Great Britain’. 

Key responsibilities include the design, delivery and performance of Habitat GB’s domestic programmes and to support the effectiveness of a joined-up UK housing advocacy strategy. The Director of Programme Delivery will also act as an external representation on behalf of Habitat GB, working with the National Director, Housing Advocacy Manager and others on influencing & engagement opportunities, including the development of thought leadership to increase Habitat GB’s influence on policy & decision makers, increasing credibility with partners, communities and other collaborators. The role will also work collaboratively across Habitat GB and the Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) network, including working with the Fundraising & Partnerships team to support high quality partnerships and strategic relationships. 

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Programme Delivery works to ensure the impact, sustainability, diligence and productivity of the organisation, including engaging in organisational transformation, within the framework of a values-led approach to people and culture approach. 

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities: 

Strategic development and programme delivery: 

• Accountable for co-leadership (with the Director of Retail) of the strategic leadership, development and performance of Habitat GB’s Strategic Goal: ‘Develop, pursue and share innovative solutions to increase access to decent, safe, affordable homes for communities across Great Britain’. 

• Responsible for overseeing and ensuring the high-quality design, delivery and performance monitoring of programmes under this strategic goal, including Habitat GB’s flagship Empty Spaces to Homes programme which aims to provide solutions to Great Britain’s critical affordable housing need through the conversion of empty commercial and retail properties into homes and through researching, advocating and collaborating in coalition with others to foster a wider uptake of the Empty Spaces to Homes approach. 

• Working in collaboration with other teams, responsible for the delivery and performance of other GB-based programmes and the development of new strategic initiatives. 

• Source and manage contractors/consultants to work on individual projects in line with our procurement and finance policies. Be responsible for effective contract management including quality assurance of their work and ensuring value for money. Proactively work with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure the organisation prioritises and delivers successfully across the 5 Strategic Enablers, including: taking proactive leadership to deliver high quality programmes and projects; increasing capacity and capability for Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning; technical and thought leadership; increasing visibility and leadership of our mission in GB; ensuring we are a thriving organisation; and championing One Habitat approaches. 

• Maintain awareness of the relevant trends to inform organisational and team strategic planning. Create and maintain a learning culture which identifies opportunities to innovate and adapt. 

• Engage with HFHI and the wider sector to inspire, innovate and influence the development of Habitat GB partnerships and programmes. 

• Ensure programmes are accessible, inclusive, and culturally sensitive to provide the best possible support to target communities. 

External representation and strategic partnerships development: 

• Represent Habitat GB in Great Britain and, where required, internationally. Work closely with the National Director and others on influencing & engagement opportunities, including the development of thought leadership to increase Habitat GB’s influence on policy & decision makers, increasing credibility with partners, communities and other collaborators. 

• Work collaboratively with the Fundraising & Partnerships team to support or lead high quality partnerships and strategic relationships. 

• Work closely with other teams to ensure the development of high-quality proposals, propositions and reports which leverage opportunities across institutional and non- institutional prospects and contribute to our credibility as a trusted and impactful organisation. 

• Be proactive in responding to external challenges as well as opportunities to raise the profile and impact of Habitat GB. 

• Ensure the organisation, its mission, strategic aims, services and products are consistently presented positively to relevant stakeholders. Act as an advocate for the organisation. Promote and enhance the charity’s position externally and develop and maintain good relations and effective networks with relevant stakeholders 

Performance management, reporting and monitoring: 

• Set quality standards and meaningful KPIs to encourage ownership and accountability with direct reports, team, and contractors and effectively monitor progress towards agreed targets. 

• Work with the Senior Leadership Team to oversee the active management of the National Strategy through the co-development of a new Performance Framework for the organisation, ensuring it is robust, strategically aligned, and balances prioritisation and focus with innovation and adaptability. Represent relevant areas of performance in governance forums, including Board level. 

• Work closely with the Director of Finance, Operations & Compliance to track performance, and contribute to high quality reporting, income forecasting and budget management. 

Leadership and management: 

• Lead a high performing and ambitious team, inspired to implement and grow the strategy and with a core focus on positive impact for Habitat GB’s community and strategic partners. 

• Develop, lead and focus the Programme Delivery Team, its budget, activities and performance, to ensure the delivery against funding and impact targets. 

• Manage, motivate and develop team members. Ensure regular 1-2-1s are held, set individual objectives, encourage a culture of giving and receiving feedback, where kindness and ambition support the progression of people and plans. 

• Role model our values in line with Habitat GB’s inclusive approach to people and culture. 

Organisational Leadership: 

• Support the National Director in delivering Habitat GB’s strategy and vision, acting as a collaborative and supportive member of a shared leadership team. 

• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, provide oversight of organisational priorities, productivity, performance, risk and due diligence. 

• Be an active leader across the organisation, collaborating effectively with teams, and contributing fully to organisational wide initiatives and opportunities. 

• Co-create ways of working to enable an adaptive, collaborative and high performing organisational team. 

• Deputise for the National Director when required and represent Habitat GB in external meetings and forums. 

Person profile: 

• Expert knowledge of programme and project design, delivery and monitoring. It would be helpful (but not essential) if this was in a thematic area related to Habitat GB’s vision and mission of ‘working in partnership to create housing solutions, and break down the barriers to decent, safe and affordable homes for all - in Great Britain and around the world’. 

• Proven track record of developing and leading innovative programme or project delivery strategies, community-development or partnership strategies which deliver ambitious targets. 

• Experience of working in a similar organisation, collaborating across teams and operating in a highly effective way across a diverse, networked structure. 

• Significant and successful experience in senior management roles, encompassing strategic management and team leadership. 

• Strong understanding and experience of complex organisational change projects, including the ability to support new teams to develop and thrive. 

• Strong budget and financial management skills. 

Skills and competencies: 

• You have excellent interpersonal, influencing and networking skills and can communicate with impact across diverse audiences. 

• You are a strategic, analytical and entrepreneurial thinker who is focussed on increasing impact in line with Habitat GB’s mission and a clear vision for how strategy translates into delivery 

• You are resilient, able to lead positively in a role which carries significant responsibility and requires you to prioritise effectively across multiple areas of work, problem solve and demonstrate strong organisational and planning skills. 

• You are a values-led leader, who demonstrates integrity, respect for others and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Strong leadership skills and commitment to the highest levels of integrity, honesty, openness and good governance with the capacity to inspire and motivate others 

• You are an experienced manager, able to lead and inspire others, offering kind and constructive support to others enabling them to improve their impact and performance. 

• You are confident and able to work across different and competing priorities 

• Business planning acumen, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Excellent negotiation skills. 

The role and responsibilities will be carried out in a way which reflects: 

• Habitat GB’s commitment to safeguarding children in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy. 

• A commitment to Habitat GB’s vision, mission, values and approach. 

• A commitment to effective management of risk, by operating within the Charity’s code of conduct, policies, procedures and controls and by carrying out the risk management and assurance responsibilities of the role as set out in relevant Policy and Procedures. 

• If this sounds like it could be a good match for you, please take a look at the Candidate Pack here.

  Please note: this role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK.

  Start your Habitat journey here…

  We want the recruitment process to give you the opportunity to shine, to share your skills and experience as clearly as possible, and for you to find out more about Habitat GB in return. You are welcome to get in touch and arrange an informal chat with Henrietta Blackmore (please see website>vacancies for this email address) before submitting an application.

  To apply for the role, please send us your CV and a supporting statement (max two sides of A4) telling us about the skills and experience you would bring to the role and your motivation for applying.

  Send by email referencing the job title in the subject line to our recruitment email > website>vacancies

  The deadline for applications is Sunday 4th January 2026 (at 11:59 pm).

  Habitat for Humanity requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguard our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work.  Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of our code of conduct. The employment of this position will be subject to a satisfactory reference check and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

  At Habitat for Humanity GB, we aim to build, develop and retain a talented workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, skills and experiences. We welcome and actively encourage applications from anyone who feels they’d be a good fit for our organisation, regardless of race, religion, colour, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, neurodiversity or any other protected characteristics.

  We’d prefer to hear directly from applicants – we won’t be working with third party recruiters on this role.