Deputy Chief Operating Officer

Position: Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Location: London or Bath, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office
Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer

About EJF

The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) exists to protect the natural world and uphold 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.

EJF is a global non-profit driven by a powerful belief: that environmental protection and human rights are inseparable. Through courageous 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 deeply interconnected areas: oceans, climate, forests and wetlands, and the training, protection, and empowerment of environmental defenders and journalists. From illegal fishing and forced labour to deforestation, land grabs, and climate displacement, we confront some of the most complex and urgent crises of our time – always with a focus on accountability, equity, and durable solutions.

EJF is an international organisation with a diverse team 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 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 is a senior operational role that 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 who is committed to EJF’s mission, vision and values, now seeking senior-level responsibility and broad, meaningful engagement across global teams and strategic priorities.

Key responsibilities

1. Finance and Organisational Integrity:

• Work with the finance team to provide time-bound, clear tracking of financial income and expenditure against agreed budgets; insightful financial projections to inform strategic decisions; and recommendations on ethical banking and investment opportunities and changing needs.
• Ensure operational systems work effectively when they interface with finance, including ensuring value for money when undertaking procurements.
• Work closely with the finance team to ensure strong financial controls and systems are in place across the global offices, robust against fraud and error.

2. Human Resources:

• Supporting and enhancing EJF’s HR systems to ensure they are fit for purpose, fair and appropriate across all jurisdictions.
• Coordinating and supporting Managers with effective recruitment processes globally.
• Ensuring managers have the systems and tools they need to induct, manage, and retain staff, including guidance on management, issue escalation, monitoring performance and reviews.

3. IT and Artificial Intelligence:

• Ensuring that the IT, software systems and internal processes that the EJF team depend on are effective, secure and offer value for money.
• Contributing to EJF’s approach to tech and innovation, particularly the effective, ethical use of AI.

4. Fundraising Support and Donor Reporting:

• Support fundraising, including coordinating complex applications and ensuring proposal budgets and other operational information are accurate and consistent.
• Supporting decision-making relating to future fundraising priorities and new income streams.
• Ensuring operational developments are accurately reflected in donor reporting.

5. Safeguarding, Risk and Security:

• Overseeing the implementation of EJF’s safeguarding, cybersecurity and whistleblowing policies and monitoring, ensuring consistency across countries.
• Working with relevant teams, regularly review safety and security protocols in EJF’s global teams, including digital systems and data security.

6. Leadership and Coordination:

• Leading the roll-out and periodic review of improved operational processes and systems across the organisation, ensuring buy-in across teams.
• Providing clear, detailed updates on operational developments to the COO and, where appropriate, to the Senior Management Team and Directors.
• Deputising for the COO when required
• Management of an Operations Officer

Essential skills and experience

• Demonstrable commitment to EJF’s vision, mission and values and a determination to change the world for the better.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills.
• Financial literacy and experience working with finance systems, controls and protocols.
• At least five years’ experience in HR, finance, or other relevant operational roles.
• Demonstrated experience managing or supporting recruitment and HR systems.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across cultures and time zones.
• Sound judgement and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive information, including HR and personnel matters.
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset, with confidence, taking initiative and improving systems.
• Strong ethical commitment to safeguarding and equality.
• An interest in developing a career in NGO operations, preferably with experience in the sector.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in English.

Desirable skills and experience

• Degree in a relevant discipline; relevant professional qualifications (e.g. CIPD, accountancy, legal) and additional relevant languages are desirable.
• Experience working in a non-profit, international NGO or other mission-driven organisation.

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.

The deadline for applications is 25 May.

Interview processes for different roles will vary, but is likely to include three stages: a short screening call, a panel interview with a task relevant to the role, and a final interview.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Candidates must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom.

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