Chief Operating Officer

Daryl Upsall Consulting International; London; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity organization seeks a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive operational strategy and financial management. The role requires extensive experience in the non-profit sector and professional accounting qualifications. The COO will liaise with the CEO, ensuring governance and operational excellence while fostering team development in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in senior management roles.
• Familiarity with non-profit finance and accounting regulations.
• Proven track record of driving organisational change.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for finance, technology, risk, and compliance.
• Lead operational strategy and governance for the organization.
• Oversee the finance and operations teams for effective delivery.

Skills

Creative problem-solving

Negotiation

Conflict resolution

Mentoring

Team leadership

Education

Recognised professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ACA)

Post-graduate business degree

Job description

Location: London, minutes from Old Street Station

Location type: Hybrid

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer

Manages:5

Annual salary: £85K - £95K GBP

Contract type: Permanent

Working hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)

Candidate level: Director

Background

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) works for the health and dignity of Palestinians living under occupation and as refugees. A UK registered charity, we work in collaboration with Palestinian communities and trusted local partners, and coordinate with key stakeholders and relevant clusters, to meet a wide range of health and social needs, from providing vital medical aid in emergencies, to supporting the development of better health services for the long term. We also uplift the voices of Palestinians, and campaign for an end to the barriers to health and dignity that come from living through occupation, displacement, discrimination and conflict.

Purpose of role

MAP is in a period of growth and rapid development, and as such, the incoming Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be responsible for the financial strategy and management of MAP and for the leadership of operational areas to help deliver the organisation’s mission and strategic goals. The COO provides support to the CEO in areas of governance, legal and risk management and may deputise for the CEO as required.

Responsibilities

Strategy, vision and leadership

• Be accountable to the CEO and Board in the areas of finance, technology, risk and compliance, supply chain and logistics, and safety and security.
• Advise the CEO and SMT on financial planning, legal, governance and related policy matters.
• Work closely with SMT colleagues to ensure that appropriate processes and systems are in place across the organisation, including delivery against KPIs.
• Serve as the management liaison to the Finance & Operations Committee, Audit Risk & Governance Committee and, where required, to the Board of Trustees; effectively communicate and present critical financial and operational matters at governance meetings.
• Ensure robust, secure and scalable IT systems and infrastructure. Lead on information governance & data protection and identify and drive opportunities for digital transformation.
• Lead on the development of MAP’s strategic goals and objectives in all areas of responsibility and contribute to the development of other goals as well as the overall management of the organisation.
• Work with direct reports to ensure the delivery of an effective strategy in all areas of responsibility.
• Maintain continuous lines of communication, keeping the CEO informed of all critical issues.
• Lead cross-organisational projects in line with organisational strategy and direction.
• Build strong working relationships with colleagues across the organisation at all levels, adopting and encouraging a collaborative working approach.
• Represent the organisation externally, as necessary, in areas under the COO’s responsibility.
• Deputise for the CEO as required.

Team development/leadership

• Oversee, direct, and organise the work of the finance and operations teams.
• Create a high-performing team that is ambitious and passionate about MAP’s vision.
• Ensure staff members receive timely and appropriate training and development, to facilitate continual improvement as individuals and as a team.
• Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, and conduct annual performance appraisals.
• Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach and motivate the team to be innovative and professional in its thinking and delivery.

Operations

• Upgrade and implement an appropriate system of policies, internal controls, standards, and procedures.
• Ensure annual audits, budgets, and reports in all areas of operations are produced in an accurate and timely manner for SMT, the Board, and Board sub-committees.
• Ensure strong financial controls, risk management and regulatory compliance, including with UK Charity Commission standards, donor requirements and legal and regulatory requirements in countries and territories of operation.
• Build a culture of continuous improvement in operations and ensure appropriate and timely action to address operational risks when they arise.
• Provide analytical support to the CEO and SMT including development of internal management reporting capabilities.

Profile

Person specification

• Recognised professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ACA) or post-graduate business degree mandatory.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in a senior management role ideally with in-house financial management experience gained in a high-growth organisation.
• Experience either as an employee or board member of a non-profit organisation; must be familiar with non-profit finance and accounting regulations.
• Proven track record of success facilitating progressive organisational change and development within a growing organisation.
• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Bring strong mentoring and coaching experience to a team with diverse levels of expertise.
• Entrepreneurial team player who can multitask.
• Superior management skills: the ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers.
• Self-reliant and results-oriented, with good problem-solving skills.
• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team leader who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical finance and administration initiatives.
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with the SMT, MAP’s Board of Trustees, and staff.
• Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker.
• Prepared and able to travel when required, including to Lebanon, occupied Palestinian territory, and Egypt.
• Passion for MAP’s mission and commitment to MAP’s values.

Terms and conditions

This job description reflects the key requirements of the role and does not form part of your contract of employment. It can be amended from time to time as the needs of the organisation require and as appropriate to the role.

An offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and social media checks.

To apply for the post

To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV/resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how you fulfil the requirements set out in the job announcement by clicking on the link above.

If you have any questions about the role or organisation and would like an informal chat ahead of submitting a formal application, please reach out to Zoe Oldham at [e-mail]

An applicant’s pack is also available on request.

The deadline for application is Monday 7th July 2025 by 9 AM CET.

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Daryl Upsall International actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. In recruiting candidates, we seek candidates with the proven skills required; irrespective of race, gender, religion or belief, age, disability or sexual orientation.