Research development officer jobs in Bristol

Position: Global Head of Finance

Location: London or Bath, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office

Contract type: Permanent

Salary range: £56,000 to £62,000 per year, dependent upon experience

Applications: Please apply via the application form linked in this job posting by 10 August. 

About EJF

The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) is a global non-profit organisation working to protect the natural world and our fundamental human right to a secure environment. We work at the frontlines of environmental injustice, alongside communities most affected by climate breakdown, biodiversity loss, and exploitation - transforming evidence into action, and injustice into lasting change.

Through field investigations, rigorous research, and strategic international advocacy, we expose environmental crime, challenge impunity, and catalyse systemic reform. Our work delivers real-world impact, shaping policy, strengthening governance, protecting vital ecosystems, and defending those who risk their lives to safeguard them.

Our campaigns span four interconnected areas: oceans, climate, forests and wetlands, and the training, protection, and empowerment of environmental defenders and investigative journalists. From illegal fishing and plastic pollution to deforestation, land grabs, and climate breakdown, we confront some of the most complex and urgent crises of our time - always with a focus on accountability, equity, and durable solutions.

EJF has a diverse team of campaigners, filmmakers and community mobilisers working across four continents, united by a shared ambition: to protect people by protecting the planet. We are bold, evidence-led, and impact-driven. We speak truth to power - and we build pathways to a fairer, more resilient future. Join Us.

About the role:

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced, precise and conscientious qualified accountant to join a dynamic, high-impact team working to protect the global environment and defend human rights. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you'll lead the international finance team and provide financial insight and analysis to the CEO and Senior Management Team to support a fast-growing, ambitious charity.

This role is right for you if you're an energetic, meticulously organised finance professional with a strong commitment to protecting the environment and the people who depend on it. You'll work globally to ensure EJF's financial administration runs efficiently in every country where we operate, securing value for money so that resources are focused on delivering impact.

Key responsibilities:

• Maintaining and improving EJF's global financial policies, systems, controls and processes, ensuring they are applied consistently in every country where EJF operates. 

• Managing six finance staff working in the UK and overseas.

• Ensuring the production of accurate, accessible and insightful monthly and annual global financial reporting for internal and external audiences.

• Providing strategic financial forecasts, insights and advice to the CEO, Senior Management Team and Trustees to inform planning and decision-making.

• Preparing budgets for funding proposals and ensuring accurate and timely financial projections of spend against grants and reporting to funders.

• Leading the annual organisational budget process, including multi-year financial plans.

• Mentoring team leads on financial budgeting, tracking and expenditure oversight.

• Monitoring and ensuring value for money in expenditure, identifying and removing inefficiencies and waste. 

• Developing and executing EJF's treasury strategy, including managing currency risk and reserves.

• Overseeing payroll and pensions, working with external providers where relevant. 

• Completing regulatory returns as required by the Charity Commission and statutory bodies in the countries of operation.

• Leading the annual external audit and overseeing the preparation of statutory accounts.

• Managing financial risk, including safeguarding EJF against fraud, and maintaining relationships with auditors, banks and other professional advisers.

Essential skills and experience 

• Demonstrable commitment to EJF’s vision, mission and values and a determination to change the world for the better.

• Qualified accountant with a superb eye for detail. 

• Minimum of six years' work experience, preferably in the international charity sector, including responsibility for managing a finance team.

• Demonstrable experience designing and implementing financial controls and securing good value for money through procurement and commissioning.

• Strong IT skills, and experience managing IT systems and/or databases.

• Excellent communication skills, in writing and in person.

• Proactive and solution-oriented, highly organised and self-motivated.

• Enthusiastic, outgoing and friendly, able to work in a growing, diverse, international team with minimal supervision.

• Experience of working with the UK Charity SORP and the production of the annual report and accounts.

• Experience with multi-currency income & expenditure and management of the processes around sub-grants to overseas partners.

• Ability to travel to EJF's countries of operation to assess the development and implementation of financial systems and to manage finance staff.

Desirable skills and experience

• Employment or volunteer experience in the not-for-profit sector.

• Experience using Iplicit.

• A track record of producing budgets and financial reports for successful international projects in the Global South funded by bilateral donors.

We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds in the environmental and human rights sectors to apply. If you believe you would be a great fit but don’t meet every requirement, we would still love to hear from you.

What we offer

We offer a rewarding package designed to support your well-being, flexibility, and professional growth:

• 22 days’ annual leave (exclusive of bank holidays), increasing with each year of service, plus additional paid leave between Christmas and New Year.

• Private healthcare package.

• Generous pension scheme, with employer contributions increasing over time.

• Flexible working hours and hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office / 2 from home).

• Cycle-to-work scheme.

• A dynamic, supportive, and inclusive working environment, with genuine opportunities for professional development and career progression.

• The chance to contribute to an organisation delivering real-world impact for people and planet.

Application process

To apply, please complete the application form linked in this job posting. This includes:

1. A personal statement outlining your suitability for the role (max 2 pages)

2. Your CV (max 2 pages)

The deadline for applications is 18:00 BST on 10 August, 2026.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Candidates must have the legal right to work in the UK.

EJF is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity within the workplace.