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

Hours
Full time, flexible working hours with hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office / 2 days from home).

Salary
£55,000 per annum.

About the Role
This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced individual to play a central role in driving effective, efficient, and impactful global operations at one of the world’s leading environmental and human rights organisations. As Deputy Chief Operating Officer, you will report directly to the COO and support the smooth, efficient, and ethical running of EJF’s international operations across 16 countries on four continents. You will work at the heart of the organisation, supporting critical priorities such as donor relations, recruitment and retention, financial controls and development, safeguarding, risk and security, cybersecurity, and ensuring the efficient operation of offices around the world.

This senior operational role offers broad responsibilities and meaningful engagement across global teams and strategic priorities. You will be a solutions-focused, highly organised, and values-driven individual who brings experience in HR, finance, and broader operations. This role is ideal for a professional committed to EJF’s mission, vision and values, now seeking senior-level responsibility and broad engagement across global teams and strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities
1. Finance and Organisational Integrity: Collaborate with the finance team to track financial income and expenditure against budgets, provide financial projections to inform strategic decisions, and recommend ethical banking and investment opportunities. Ensure operational systems interface effectively with finance, including procurement value for money. Maintain strong financial controls and systems across global offices, robust against fraud and error.
2. Human Resources: Support and enhance HR systems to be fit for purpose and fair across jurisdictions. Coordinate and support managers with recruitment processes globally. Provide managers with tools and guidance for staff induction, management, retention, performance monitoring, and issue escalation.
3. IT and Artificial Intelligence: Ensure IT, software systems, and internal processes are effective, secure, and cost-efficient. Contribute to EJF’s approach to technology and innovation, particularly the ethical use of AI.
4. Fundraising Support and Donor Reporting: Support fundraising by coordinating complex applications, ensuring accuracy of proposal budgets and operational information. Assist decision-making on fundraising priorities and new income streams. Ensure operational developments are reflected in donor reporting.
5. Safeguarding, Risk and Security: Oversee implementation of safeguarding, cybersecurity, and whistleblowing policies, ensuring consistency across countries. Regularly review safety and security protocols for global teams, including digital systems and data security.
6. Leadership and Coordination: Lead roll-out and review of improved operational processes and systems, ensuring organisational buy-in. Provide detailed updates on operational developments to the COO and senior management. Deputise for the COO when required. Manage an Operations Officer.

Experience
- Demonstrable commitment to EJF's vision, mission and values.
- Strong administrative and organisational skills.
- Financial literacy and experience with finance systems, controls, and protocols.
- At least five years’ experience in HR, finance, or relevant operational roles.
- Experience managing or supporting recruitment and HR systems.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to work effectively across cultures and time zones.
- Sound judgement and discretion handling confidential or sensitive information.
- Proactive, solutions-focused mindset with confidence and initiative.
- Strong ethical commitment to safeguarding and equality.
- Interest in developing a career in NGO operations, preferably with sector experience.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Fluency in English.

About You
You are a highly organised, values-driven professional with a passion for environmental justice and human rights. You thrive in dynamic, international settings and are committed to ethical leadership and operational excellence. You bring a collaborative spirit and a proactive approach to problem-solving, with a strong focus on impact and integrity.

Qualifications
- Degree in a relevant discipline and/or relevant professional qualifications (e.g. CIPD, accountancy, legal) are desirable.
- Additional relevant languages are an advantage.
- Experience working in a non-profit, international NGO or mission-driven organisation is preferred.

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.