Humanitarian operations officer jobs in Birmingham
The Vacancy
Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is a faith-based humanitarian relief and development organisation working to save and transform the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Established in 1984, with an active presence in over 45 countries, we strive to make the world a better and fairer place for those affected by poverty, conflict and natural disasters.
IRW’s Finance & Corporate Services Division is recruiting for the position of Senior Systems Accountant to join its dynamic team based out of its offices in Birmingham, UK. The organisation currently operates to a hybrid working model.
Job Purpose
The Senior Systems Accountant is a key role within Islamic Relief’s Finance team, providing ongoing strategic and operational support for our cloud-based financial system, Unit4 ERP (version 7 – Cloud Release). This role ensures that the finance system is optimally configured and maintained to support efficient business-as-usual (BAU) operations across the organisation.
You will act as the organisation’s Unit4 SUPER user and subject matter expert, responsible for system administration, user support and training, issue resolution, and driving continuous improvement. Working closely with Finance, IT, and system users, you will ensure the ERP system supports accurate financial reporting, robust internal controls, and process efficiency.
This is not a project implementation role it focuses on the long-term embedding, optimisation, and support of Unit4 ERP7 (CR), delivering both strategic oversight and day-to-day system management.
The successful candidate must have:
- Fully qualified accountant (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) or equivalent with proven delivery of ERP system administration, configuration, and optimisation in a live finance environment.
- Strong hands-on experience with Unit4 ERP v7 Cloud (financial modules) in a support or administration role.
- Strong understanding of financial controls, accounting principles, and reporting frameworks.
- Proficiency with reporting and analysis tools (e.g., Power BI, Excelerator).
- Ability to diagnose and resolve system and user issues independently.
For more information, please click on the Documents tab above to view the full Job Description.
If you are talented, reliable, service-minded, resilient and a highly motivated professional looking for a meaningful career, with a strong commitment to IRW’s mission and values of sincerity, excellence, compassion, social justice and custodianship, please apply by completing our online application form.
For more information on the excellent company benefits we offer our employees, please visit our website.
PLEASE NOTE: Interviews are expected to take place on an ongoing basis until a suitable appointment is made. We therefore may close the advert sooner than the advertised date.
Pre-employment Checks:
Any employment with Islamic Relief will be subject to the following checks:
- screening clearance
- proof of eligibility to live and work within the UK
- receipt of satisfactory references
Please note, for UK-based roles, we are only able to accept applications from candidates who are eligible to work in the UK. We are unable to progress applications which would require sponsorship.
Our values and commitment to safeguarding
IRW is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom IRW engages. IRW expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.
The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records checks. IRW also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.
In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.
By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.
Islamic Relief is an equal opportunities employer
Islamic Relief is a faith-based relief and development agency working to save and transform the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About International Needs UK
International Needs (IN) UK is a partner of a global Christian mission and development federation working collaboratively in over 30 countries to serve families in some of the world's poorest communities. Inspired by John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life and have it to the full,” our vision is for families to access the resources they need to overcome poverty and realise their God-given potential. Our mission integrates practical development solutions—like education, clean water, and sustainable livelihoods—with the transformational message of the Gospel.
Strategic Objectives of the Role
You will play a pivotal role in evaluating, shaping and developing programme proposals put forward by International Needs partners which have a strong fit with fundraising opportunities in the UK. Developing strong partnerships to ensure effective programme delivery, and evidencing programme impact through strong communication and reporting are also key. This role is central to our mission and requires someone who both professes and practices the Christian faith in accordance with our Statement of Faith.
Responsibilities
- Advance Programme Design and Delivery - building and nurturing deep prayerful relationships, supporting partners develop programmes that meet real community needs and strengthening planning, execution and monitoring
- Enhance Programme Quality and Accountability – providing full programme cycle oversight, maintaining programme excellence and financial integrity and delivering effective reporting to all stakeholders
- Build Capacity in International Partnerships – equipping partners with tools and guidance to improve project design, implementation, and impact measurement whilst fostering a learning environment to build capacity for local sustainability and leadership
- Drive Impact Communication and Fundraising Collaboration - Translate outcomes into compelling impact stories, working closely with fundraising colleagues to align programme insights with donor engagement.
- Support Organisational Growth and Innovation - advise leadership on funding opportunities and partnership development to support strategic decision-making, participating in cross-functional initiatives to further the mission and operational excellence of the charity. Be active in team prayer, spiritual formation, and the life of the organisation.
Candidate Profile
We are seeking someone who is:
- Passionate about Christian mission and prayerfully committed to global transformation
- An effective cross-cultural communicator and relationship-builder
- A strategic thinker who pays attention to detail
- A self-starter who takes ownership and delivers results
- Collaborative, adaptable, and motivated by both people and purpose
Key Essential Skills and Experience
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in project/ministry management which can include lived experience of mission project delivery
- Strong planning, budgeting, and project evaluation skills
- Experience building capacity in international or grassroots partners
Applications close: 30th January 2026
First Interview (Online): 3rd and 4th February 2026
Second Interview (In person): 10th February (in Croydon)
Applications should be made via the Charity Job website
CV's should be no more than 3 pages of A4
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.