Programme operations associate jobs in edinburgh
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You will be responsible for coordinating the internal operations of the organisation including contract management, ICT, office and HR support. This role will also be responsible for travel logistics, event administration, contractual, grant and financial administration and internal office systems. This would include but is not limited to reviewing financial reports, checking invoices and timesheets, booking meeting spaces, catering for meetings, booking staff travel, insurance renewal and support on managing the IT and HR providers.
The appointee will also take the same role for CoST – The Infrastructure Transparency Initiative – a transparency and accountability programme which operates in 21 countries.
Key responsibilities:
Execute financial administration tasks to time (25%):
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Add invoices to the accounting software package Xero purchase ledger
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Support payments to suppliers and partners.
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Preparing sales invoices for submission
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Review invoices and timesheets submitted by consultants prior to payment.
Organising and providing meeting support (15%):
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Organise meetings and international workshops in the UK and in overseas locations within an agreed budget. This includes the planning and coordination of logistics, such as participants registrations, venue selection, travel arrangement, accommodation and catering, as well as the circulation of meeting documents and invitations, and the processing of travel expenses and invoices.
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Provide on the day support for meetings and workshops including catering and ICT.
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To provide secretarial support to the Board of Trustees. including identification of appropriate meeting dates, circulation of papers and drafting of minutes.
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Update information concerning Trustees and the latest audit with Companies House.
Support the administration and monitoring of grants agreements (15%)
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Coordinate the invitation and submission of grant proposals.
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Prepare draft grant agreements based on approved applications.
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Review quarterly financial reports submitted by partners in receipt of grant funding highlighting any areas of concern and improvement.
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Carry out internal financial audits of partners in receipt of grant funding highlighting any areas of concern and improvement in how the funding is managed.
Coordinating the administration and monitoring of consultancy contracts (25%).
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Support the recruitment, negotiations and management of consultants and advisors including coordination with the client.
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Prepare draft consultancy contracts based the agreed scope of work and conditions.
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Coordinate and monitor consultants’ timesheets to capture time billed against the days allocated in the contracts and approval process.
Execute office administrative tasks to time (20%)
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Coordinate, relay internal emails to staff, reserve equipment and venues for presentations and in-person staff meetings, maintain office calendars and send out meeting reminders.
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Provide administrative assistance to colleagues when necessary.
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Coordinate ICT issues with the service provider.
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Day-to-day management of staff recruitment including placing of advertisements and arrangements for shortlisting/interviewing.
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Maintaining staff personnel files and holiday and sick leave records
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Support renewing insurance policies.
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Support the development of operational policies including financial procedures, employee handbook etc.
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Support organisational planning and diary management.
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Provide administrative assistance to colleagues when necessary.
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Coordinate shared meeting space, travel, ICT and HR support agreements and operations to ensure the company provides the agreed service.
Experience
At least 2-3 years’ experience of operational administration and/or assistance with programme oversight, including implementation and governance.
Experience of administering financial, contracting and operational systems.
Experience of project management and events administration, both online and in person.
Desirable Experience
International travel logistics and finance administration.
Background in not-for-profit sector.
Essential Attributes:
Legally able to work in the UK.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proven project management, administrative and organisational skills
Strong attention to detail.
Excellent ICT skills especially excel.
Highly motivated with an ability to work within budgets and meet deadlines.
Ability to prioritise, plan and organise work.
Commitment to EAP’s Mission, Vision and Values.
Strong diplomacy, networking and relationship-building skills.
Desirable attributes
A graduate.
An interest in international development, infrastructure and public policy.
Experience of using purchaser ledger systems such as Xero.
Knowledge of charity accounting.
Knowledge of contracting consultants and grant agreements.
Key relationships:
EAP Executive Director
EAP Director of Programmes
EAP Lead Policy and Research Adviser
EAP Communications Manager
EAP Senior Finance and Office Manager
EAP Senior Programme Manager
CoST Head of Members and Affiliates
CoST Regional Managers and Technical Advisors
EAP Board of Trustees
CoST Board of Trustees
Strategic Partners
Associates
Accountabilities
Delegated budget / financial authority – 0
Number of people managed directly – 0
Number of consultants managed – 0
Authority level for purchase of resources, materials or services - £0k
Your CV should not be more than 2 pages long and your cover letter should be maximum one page.
Registered Charity 
6 - 10
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
At the heart of the 2027 programme is a paid, 12-month role within a leading foundation, trust, or social investment organisation. You’ll be employed full-time in a grant-making or related position with one of our dynamic host organisations across the UK. In this role, you’ll contribute directly to improving the communities your host serves while earning a salary of at least £25,000 (or £25,642 if based in London).
Alongside your placement, you’ll take part in an acclaimed development programme designed to build the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for a successful career in the funding sector. Through this, you’ll explore the challenges within grant-making and social investment, develop your leadership potential, and work alongside peers to imagine and create a more equitable and effective funding system. The programme supports you not only to thrive in your new role but also to grow into a future changemaker in the sector.
This unique blend of training, professional experience, and network-building will equip you to take the next step toward a decision-making role in a foundation, trust, or social investment organisation—helping to shape how resources are used to create lasting change in communities.
Why 2027 exists
Launched in 2017, 2027 was born out of a desire to shift power in the grant-making sector. It aims to bridge the gap between funders and the communities they serve—particularly by addressing the lack of people with lived experience of working-class communities in decision-making roles. 2027 helps change who is involved in making funding decisions and how those decisions are made.
The Job
In your placement, you could be:
- Managing parts of a grant portfolio
- Building relationships with community partners
- Making funding recommendations
- Preparing reports and updates for trustees
- Engaging with the funder’s broader organisation to inspire interest in community work
- Ensuring legal and compliance obligations are met
- Representing your host externally and bringing in outside learning
Each role will vary slightly depending on your host organisation. We’ll work with you to ensure a placement that aligns with your goals and development.
Who You’ll Work For
You’ll be matched with a respected host organisation—one of the UK’s leading foundations, trusts, or social investment organisations—based on your location preferences and interests. Previous hosts have included:
- BBC Children in Need
- National Lottery Community Fund
- Joseph Rowntree Foundation
- Sport England
- Better Society Capital
- City Bridge Trust
- NHS Charities Together
The Development Programme
As part of your role, you’ll participate in a comprehensive professional development programme led by sector experts. It includes:
- Residentials: Two in-person events for deep learning and peer connection.
- Masterclasses: Online, expert-led sessions exploring key sector topics.
- Peer Support Sessions: Monthly confidential spaces to reflect and share learning.
- Mentoring: Each Associate is paired with an experienced sector mentor.
- Self-Directed Learning: Curated content for reflection and growth between sessions.
- Peer Coaching: Training and monthly sessions to build coaching skills and mutual support.
- 360 Review + 1:1 Coaching: Holistic feedback and personalised coaching to support your development.
- 2027 Connect: A mix of events to connect with the wider 2027 community, including alumni, hosts, and mentors.
Career Progression
By the end of the programme, you’ll have built the experience, confidence, and insight to take on more senior or decision-making roles in the funding sector—playing a meaningful part in shaping how money is invested for social good.
Job description
- Job Title: 2027 Associate
- Salary: Minimum of £25,000 (£25,642 if based in London)
- Employer: One of our host foundations, trusts, or social investment organisations
- Location: Opportunities across England and Scotland (you’ll share your preferences)
- Hours: Typically 9am–5pm, with some flexibility
- Contract: 12-month fixed term, starting October 2025
*Foundations and trusts are grant-making charities that fund individuals, groups or organisations to run projects that benefit communities. Social investment organisations provide repayable finance to charities and enterprises working to create long-term social change.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
The Ancient Tree Forum (ATF) is seeking a motivated and organised Technical and Engagement Officer to join our small, friendly and flexible team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a charity dedicated to safeguarding the UK’s ancient and veteran trees, along with their wildlife, heritage and cultural values.
This role is vital to achieving our strategic outcomes by providing expert technical advice, supporting and collaborating with the Technical Advisory Panel to develop authoritative guidance and publications. You will act as a key contact for public and stakeholder enquiries and contribute technical expertise to ATF’s communications across our website, newsletter, social media and press activity.
You will engage with sector networks, collaborate with partners and support strategic messaging. This role will help strengthen the charity’s visibility and impact in ancient and veteran tree conservation and protection.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Do you have experience of supporting senior leaders in a fast-paced, high-profile environment? Are you highly organised, proactive and confident managing complex diaries, high-level communications, and senior stakeholder relationships? If so, join as the Executive Assistant to the Director of Shelter Scotland, and you’ll play a vital role in keeping our leadership team running smoothly.
About the role
The Executive Assistant (EA) is responsible for the efficient running of the Director’s office and for providing executive support for the Directorate Leadership Team. The EA also provides full secretariat support for the Shelter Scotland Committee and ensures effective communication between the Directors of Shelter, the 6 Directorate Leadership Teams and with the Shelter Executive Leadership Team.
Role specifics
We are looking for a highly organised and discreet individual to provide executive-level support to the Director and Assistant Directors of Shelter Scotland, as well as wider senior management. You will manage the Director’s office, coordinate a busy diary, handle confidential communications, and act as a key point of contact both internally and externally. You will also provide secretariat support to the Shelter Scotland Committee, ensuring smooth planning and delivery of meetings, agendas, and follow-up actions. The role involves liaising with internal teams such as Media and Policy Advocacy, supporting internal communications, managing documentation and systems (including SharePoint), and offering project and administrative support across the leadership team. A proactive approach, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and experience of working in a fast-paced environment are essential.
About the candidate
We’re seeking someone who:
- Has experience supporting a CEO or senior executive
- Is confident managing complex diaries, inboxes, and priorities
- Has experience liaising with government politicians, philanthropists, and Media
- Has experience supporting a committee
- Is proactive, adaptable, and unflappable under pressure
- Communicates clearly and professionally
- Has excellent attention to detail and can work independently
Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.
About the team
The Directorate Leadership Team (DLT) comprises the Director and the 2 Assistant Directors and meets fortnightly, ensuring oversight of all aspects of the development and delivery of Shelter Scotland’s plans.
About Shelter Scotland
Shelter Scotland is Scotland’s national housing and homelessness charity. Our vision is of a home for everyone in Scotland. For over 50 years, the way we drive change has remained the same. We advise and support people in housing need today and use the insight we gain to inform our campaigns to change tomorrow. We also raise professional standards for those working in Scotland’s housing and homelessness sector by offering a broad range of training courses.
Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday thousands of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.
We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.
We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.
Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter Scotland. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.
Safeguarding statement
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter Scotland is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.
Shelter Scotland does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.