Director of Finance & Operations
Resource Justice Network
9 – 12 Month FTC (an immediate permanent appointment is also possible)
£90,374 per annum (or, the day rate equivalent Outside IR35)
About Resource Justice Network
Resource Justice Network (RJN) is the world's largest civil society network advocating for just and equitable governance of the planet's natural resources.
Growing out of the Publish What You Pay campaign, the member-led network now brings together over 1,000 organisations in more than 50 countries — primarily in the Global South, where extractive and energy industries operate.
With two decades of experience securing transparency, accountability and justice in the oil, gas and mining sectors, RJN works at every level, from frontline communities to global policy, towards a vision of shared prosperity on a thriving planet: societies governing their natural resources in just and equitable ways, in harmony with the planet.
Having undergone significant transformation, notably the launch of a new organisational strategy, Strategy 2030, Resource Justice Network is seeking an exceptional Director of Finance & Operations to join a passionate, highly capable, Senior Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter of a global, member-led movement.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Finance & Operations will be a trusted strategic advisor to both the Executive Director and Global Board, with responsibility for stewardship of the organisation’s finances and management of funding in a complex, ever-evolving, landscape.
Whilst the role retains responsibility for Operations, you'll be supported by an experienced Head of Operations who leads day-to-day operational delivery. You'll also be supported by a highly capable Management Accountant and Grants & Compliance Accountant, enabling you to drive strategic financial direction while also overseeing and delivering the statutory responsibilities of the role too.
Key Responsibilities
· Provide strategic financial leadership to the Executive Director, Global Board and Finance & Fundraising Committee.
· Lead the annual budgeting process, quarterly forecasting, multi-year financial planning and scenario modelling.
· Support fundraising by providing robust financial analysis and reviewing funding proposals.
· Ensure excellent stewardship of restricted donor funding and organisational reserves.
· Lead and develop the finance function, encompassing a highly capable Management Accountant and Grants & Compliance Accountant.
· Oversee the organisation's banking and cash management.
· Lead the annual audit, acting as the main point of contact for external auditors.
· Support the Head of Operations in overseeing organisational operations and governance.
· Produce clear, insightful financial reporting that enables effective decision-making.
· Maintain robust financial controls, compliance and organisational accountability across an international operating environment.
The successful candidate will have:
· A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or UK-recognised equivalent).
· Experience operating as the number one in finance, supporting executive and non-executive directors
· Significant experience working in an international donor-funded organisation, with a strong understanding of restricted donor funding and grant management.
· Experience working across diverse countries, cultures and governance structures.
· Proven ability to build effective relationships with Boards, Executive teams and non-finance stakeholders.
· Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information into clear, practical insight.
· A collaborative leadership style, sound judgement and the confidence to provide constructive challenge.
· Experience overseeing operational functions such as HR, governance or IT would be advantageous but is not essential.
Salary & Benefits
· Salary of £90,374.
· 8% employer pension contribution.
· 40 days annual leave, inclusive of public holidays.
· Hybrid working, with attendance at the London office one day per week.
· The opportunity to help shape the future of an internationally respected organisation making a tangible difference across more than 50 countries.
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) is partnering with Robertson Bell on a retained basis to recruit a Director of Finance on a permanent basis. This is a rare opportunity to join a globally influential organisation at a pivotal point in its growth, leading the transformation of the finance function whilst helping drive the organisation's ambitious mission to eliminate avoidable sight loss worldwide.
This is far more than a traditional Finance Director role. The successful candidate will inherit a finance function ready for transformation, with the full backing of an ambitious Senior Leadership Team committed to investing in modern systems, stronger processes and strategic financial leadership. It is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious finance leader looking to make their first move into a Director position, whilst remaining close to the operational detail and leading meaningful organisational change.
The role
- Partner with the Deputy CEO and Senior Leadership Team to shape the organisation's financial strategy and support the delivery of its ambitious three-year strategic plan.
- Lead the transformation of the finance function, moving from manual, spreadsheet-led reporting to streamlined systems, efficient processes and insightful business partnering.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting and financial planning, including scenario modelling to support significant organisational growth and major international funding opportunities.
- Deliver high-quality management reporting for the Executive Team, Finance & Audit Committee, Board of Trustees and major international funders.
- Lead the production of statutory accounts, oversee the annual audit process and ensure full compliance with Charity Commission, Companies House and tax requirements.
- Develop robust financial controls, policies and governance frameworks that support a growing international charity.
- Manage treasury activities, cashflow and foreign currency exposure across an increasingly global operation.
- Build strong relationships with budget holders across the organisation, embedding a proactive and commercially minded finance business partnering culture.
- Lead, develop and mentor a small finance team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
- Play a key leadership role in organisational decision-making, helping ensure finance is viewed as an enabling function that supports innovation and impact.
The organisation
The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness is the only global alliance dedicated to eliminating the world's avoidable vision crisis. Representing NGOs, professional associations, hospitals, academic institutions, corporations and philanthropies, IAPB works to influence policy, mobilise investment and strengthen health systems across the world.
The organisation has experienced significant growth in recent years, expanding to over 50 staff and securing substantial new investment to support its ambitious global agenda. This includes convening the inaugural Global Summit for Eye Health in November 2026, bringing together heads of government, multilateral organisations and major funders to accelerate progress towards ending avoidable sight loss for the 1.1 billion people currently living without access to the eye care they need.
With strong leadership, genuine investment in organisational development and a culture built around being ambitious, collaborative, inclusive and strategic, IAPB offers an outstanding opportunity to shape both the finance function and the future direction of the organisation.
Essential criteria
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Experience working within an international charity.
- Strong understanding of charity finance, including restricted funding, grant reporting and Charity SORP.
- Demonstrable experience producing high-quality financial reporting, budgeting and statutory accounts.
- Experience improving financial systems, controls and reporting processes.
- Proven ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders, trustees and non-finance colleagues.
- Strong leadership skills, with experience developing and supporting finance teams.
- Commercial mindset with the ability to translate financial information into strategic insight.
- Excellent communication skills, with confidence presenting complex financial information to a range of audiences.
Apply now
This is a permanent, full-time position with a salary of £87,000 based on a hybrid working model requiring one day per week in the London office, typically on Tuesdays.
The role offers an excellent benefits package, including a 10% employer pension contribution, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, flexible working, enhanced family leave policies and an Employee Assistance Programme.
IAPB is the premier eye health body which brings together a unique network of members and membership bodies from across the world.

