Senior legal advisor jobs in Oxford, oxfordshire

About us

GSG Impact is a UK-registered charity with a global footprint. We work with a network of National Partners and collaborators across multiple countries to help build “impact economies”, strengthening the systems, relationships and market infrastructure that enable capital and policy to deliver better social and environmental outcomes. Our work brings together evidence, convening power and practical support, partnering with leaders across public, private and civil society to accelerate progress and share what works globally. 

The role

We are seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead our organisational operations, including finance, HR, governance, compliance and risk. You will ensure strong systems, controls and processes that enable excellent delivery across an international organisation. 

Key responsibilities

• Lead organisational operations across finance, HR, IT, legal, admin and key systems

• Own budgeting, forecasting, reporting, audit and treasury/controls

• Strengthen UK charity governance, policies, compliance and risk management

• Oversee contracts, procurement, supplier management and external advisers

• Lead people operations across multiple jurisdictions (including Employer of Record arrangements) 

About you

• Track record in UK charity governance/compliance and international operations

• Senior operational leader with strong financial and people management experience

• Confident working across complex stakeholder environments and multi-country teams

• Clear communicator, pragmatic problem-solver, calm under pressure 

How to apply

Please send CV (max 2 pages) and a cover letter (max 1 page) explaining your suitability.

GSG Impact is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We are committed to safeguarding and will carry out appropriate pre-employment checks.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications or appoint a suitable candidate before the advertised closing date.

The Deputy Director of Operations (DDO) supports the Director of Operations and Development (DOD) in ensuring the smooth, compliant, and strategic functioning of the ELSC across multiple jurisdictions, including the UK, Netherlands, and Germany.

The DDO line-manages the Finance and Human Resources Managers and provides operational leadership in compliance, finance, HR, coordination, and employee engagement.

The ELSC has four departments (Legal, Monitor & Research, Advocacy & Communications, and Operations & Development) and five work teams (Britain, Netherlands, Germany, EU, Crimes and Complicity).

The DDO coordinates staff gatherings and internal engagement, including planning the annual in-person all-staff event, managing logistics for departmental and work team meetings, and supporting cross-departmental collaboration.

The role also assists the Director of Operations and Development with meeting facilitation and agenda development, co-facilitates weekly remote all-staff meetings, and supports the coordination of the monthly staff assembly.

This role requires exceptional organisational, interpersonal, time-management, and analytical skills.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrable experience in a senior operations and/or compliance role (5+ years).
• Experience with Finance, Governance, and Human Resources.
• Strong understanding of British, Dutch, and German legal and organisational frameworks (or ability to acquire this quickly).
• Experience organising events, preferably in more than one jurisdiction.
• Experience with line-management.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Demonstrated skills in managing HR and Finance functions.
• Demonstrated skills in line-managing a remote team and excellent interpersonal communications.
• Proficiency in English with excellent written and spoken communication skills (English is the working language of the ELSC).
• Excellent understanding and knowledge of the political and human rights situation in Palestine.
• Facilitation proficiency, both remotely and in in-person events.
• Teamwork skills and flexibility; ability to manage time and competing priorities according to organisational needs.
• Highly organised, strong attention to detail, driven, with excellent strategic planning and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritise and delegate tasks and manage a busy workload.
• Commitment to anti-racism, anti-discrimination, and equal opportunities.
• Willingness to travel and work occasional unsocial hours as required.
• Flexibility within the broad remit of the post.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Graduate in Business Administration, Law, Human Resources, Public Policy, Public Administration, Sociology, or other relevant fields.
• Master’s Degree in a related field.
• Basic knowledge of International and European law.
• Proficiency in German, Dutch, or Arabic.

MAIN DUTIES AND TASKS

Management

• Line manage Finance Manager and Human Resources Manager.
• Schedule regular 1:1 meetings with direct reports, provide guidance on division of tasks, and monitor workload.
• Support direct reports in the implementation of Finance and HR strategy.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance for ELSC entities in the Netherlands, Britain, and Germany.
• Ensure Dutch insurance compliance and associated operational requirements.
• Review and monitor payroll monthly.
• Lead the establishment of a German legal entity, working with external advisors as needed.
• Oversee the British office operations, including the evaluation of office space.
• Conduct a review of office costs and usage.
• Provide administrative and logistical support to the Senior Legal Committee where needed, including facilitation and documentation.

Staff Coordination

• Plan and oversee the in-person all-staff gathering (2026) in coordination with the ELSC executive management team.
• Coordinate the logistics of annual departmental gatherings.
• Organise Work Team gatherings, supporting cross-departmental collaboration.
• Support the Director of Operations (DOD) with facilitation and agenda development for internal meetings.
• Facilitate 50% of Remote All-Staff Meetings (60min, weekly).
• Support the coordination of Monthly Staff Assemblies.

People & HR

• Oversee HR policy implementation and delivery of the annual People Strategy.
• Support the HR Manager in leading HR operations and in the recruitment and induction of new staff.
• Oversee the development of an Organisational Handbook.
• Review and improve the performance review process.
• Establish promotion guidelines to create transparent career progression pathways.
• Maintain and update the Organisational Chart quarterly.
• Review the Organisational Wiki (“The Fridge”) yearly.

Finance

• Oversee ELSC financial operations.
• Support the Finance Manager, providing oversight and strategic direction.
• Ensure effective operation of the Finance Committee, led by the Finance Manager.
• Review and distribute monthly financial reports to Department Heads via the Finance Committee.
• Ensure monthly financial summaries are reported to Work Teams through the Senior Legal Committee.
• Oversee completion of the organisational audit.
• Support short-term investment strategies.
• Monitor and report on operational budgets, ensuring accountability and fiscal responsibility across departments.
• Liaise and coordinate with the ELSC Treasurer Board member.

Training

• Standardise training and qualifications frameworks across departments to ensure transparency, fairness, and consistency in line with the ELSC Pay & Benefits Scale.
• Lead investment in staff training and development initiatives to strengthen organisational capacity.
• Support the qualification and professional development of junior legal staff through structured learning pathways in three jurisdictions with the support of the Director of the Legal Department.