Chief Operating Officer (International Development Charity)

Chief Operating Officer (UK International Development Charity)

The Organisation

Our client is a high-profile charitable organisation with a global reputation for driving social change through creativity and collaboration. With a mission to tackle poverty and injustice, the charity partners with communities, policy makers, and cultural leaders to deliver sustainable impact. As it evolves to meet the demands of a changing world, the organisation is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help strengthen internal operations, scale delivery, and embed values of equity, transparency, and innovation across its work.

The Role

This is a key appointment to the Executive Leadership Team. The COO will be responsible for leading the charity's internal operations, ensuring that people, processes, and systems are aligned with the organisation's strategy and purpose. The role oversees key functions including Finance, Legal & Assurance, Technology and Data, People & Culture, and Governance. Working closely with the CEO, the COO will help drive organisational effectiveness, financial sustainability, and operational resilience.

Key responsibilities include strategic planning, operational leadership, board relations, risk and compliance, digital transformation, and culture development. The role will also lead on governance frameworks, internal controls, and business continuity. The organisation is developing its five year strategy and the role will be vital in creating tactical plans to assist with the delivery enabling the charity to have robust processes and enable growth.

The Candidate

The successful candidate will be an experienced senior leader with a strong track record in operational leadership in the non-profit or social impact sector. You will bring a deep understanding of charity governance, finance, and compliance, alongside experience of managing cross-functional teams across HR, Legal, Finance, and Technology.

You will be values-led, collaborative, and comfortable working at pace in a mission-driven environment. Strong communication skills, strategic vision, and the ability to deliver cultural change and innovation will be essential. Professional accountancy qualifications or equivalent experience overseeing finance functions are expected.

Application Process

Please apply using the link immediately. For a confidential discussion, please contact Syed at Civitas Recruitment. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis.