Overview Head of Operations (80%)


About COPE

Children of Prisoners Europe (COPE) is a pan-European network working with and for children affected by parental imprisonment. Our vision is that every child be guaranteed fair and non-discriminatory treatment, protection of their rights and equal opportunities, regardless of their gender, social, economic or cultural background or the legal status of their parents. Our mission is to prevent and respond to violations of the rights of children with imprisoned parents, from arrest through to reintegration after the end of a prison sentence, to ensure their individual needs are met, and their best interests are continuously assessed. We take a systems approach to improving the lives of children with imprisoned parents, namely ensure that the systems (welfare, social, justice, education, …) children come into contact with are able to respect their rights and meet their needs, rather than expecting children to adapt to inadequate systems and supports. We foster the exchange of knowledge, develop good practice and strengthen understanding of the psychological, emotional and social needs of these children.

Our work is grounded in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child, the Council of Europe Strategy for the Rights of the Child, and Council of Europe Recommendation CM/Rec(2018)5 concerning children with imprisoned parents.


Role

The Head of Operations translates COPE’s strategic goals into clear operational objectives, working closely with the Executive Director, wider staff and Board to shape and implement COPE’s financial and operational strategy.

  •     In coordination with the Finance & Administration Manager, this role helps oversee budgeting, expenditure tracking, financial reporting and audits, suggesting corrective measures if needed. Head of Operations ensures strong day-to-day monitoring, compliance and coordination of projects, including performance indicators

  • In partnership with the Executive Director, wider staff team and Board, the Head of Operations also drives fundraising efforts by identifying new funding opportunities and completing grant applications (particularly EU Operating Grant Management). The role requires ongoing communication with the Board to strengthen and improve organisational effectiveness. The Head of Operations contributes to COPE’s annual programmatic work plan, enabling   core advocacy, capacity-building and network development-based initiatives.

 

Responsible to Executive Director

 

Salary:

Annual gross salary of €45,000 for 28 hours per week (full-time equivalent: €56,250), subject to final agreement with the successful candidate.

 Hours:

28 hours per week, worked over 4 days (some flexibility). The anticipated working pattern is Monday to Thursday, with precise working days to be agreed with the successful candidate.

 Location:

This post is based at the COPE office in Paris with scope for some remote working. Additionally, it will involve some amount of time in the field representing COPE at meetings, events and public speaking.

 Probation:                   

A probationary period of 4 months will apply which may be extended.

 Terms of employment

The employee’s employment contract is governed by the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement for Social and Family Support Workers: social and socio-cultural centres, early childhood centres, and local social development associations (SNAECSO) particularly regarding paid leave and notice periods.

 Holidays:

In addition to the 11 French national public holidays, the employee will be entitled to 25 days annual paid leave in accordance with French law, plus 6.4 additional days according to a collective bargaining agreement, for a total of 31.4 days annual paid leave.

Employee benefits:

The employee will be covered by supplementary pension and insurance plans and be entitled to some additional medical expenses and meal vouchers.

 

NB: Applicants must hold the right to work in France. In exceptional circumstances we will consider those who can demonstrate that they will soon have a right to work.

Key responsibilities

The Head of Operations plays a critical role within COPE and is responsible for translating the organisation’s strategic objectives into effective and sound operational, financial and administrative practices, in tandem with its annual programmatic work plan.

 

Strategic and operational management

 

·       Translate COPE’s strategic goals, as defined by the Board, into a clear and measurable operational plan, with identified objectives 

·       Professionalise COPE operations by developing, improving and implementing systems, processes and internal procedures

·       Support organisational development and operational efficiency across all functions



Financial strategy and oversight

·       Contribute to the development, implementation and periodic review of COPE's financial strategy in collaboration with the Executive Director, Finance & Administration Manager, Treasurer and Board

·       Monitor organisational resource allocation to ensure programmatic priorities maximize COPE impact

·       Support strategic budgeting and financial planning processes by providing analysis and contributing to budget development alongside the Finance & Administration Manager and Treasurer

·       Review financial performance and risks, identify significant variances and recommend strategic corrective actions, where appropriate

·       Support on the preparation of annual financial statements, external audits and statutory reporting in partnership with the Finance & Administration Manager and Treasurer

·       Support the preparation and review of financial reports for the Board, funders and other key stakeholders

 

Fundraising and resource mobilisation

·      Identify and pursue new funding opportunities aligned with COPE’s mission and strategy, contribute to the development of fundraising strategies

·      Spearhead fundraising initiatives, enhance fundraising tools and strengthen fundraising portfolio to scale donor relationships

·      Prepare and submit funding proposals in partnership with the Executive Director and wider staff (including EU Operating Grant proposals)

·      Monitor funding streams and ensure alignment between funded activities, budgets and contractual obligations

·      Report writing on funds received


Compliance and legal alignment

Alongside Finance & Administrative Manager, help ensure that internal processes, policies and procedures are aligned with legal and regulatory requirements, e.g., EU obligations, French labour law

·       Flag compliance risks to the Executive Director and Board and propose mitigation measures where necessary

Project and performance monitoring, programmatic activities

·      Support day-to-day monitoring of project implementation, funding status, activities and key performance indicators (particularly in line with EU Operating Grant management), help maintain alignment between operational delivery and funder requirements

·      Help enable the effective delivery of COPE’s programmatic work by coordinating operational, financial and monitoring processes across key initiatives. Potential delivery of programmatic work and development where occasionally needed — type of activity dependent on individual skillset (e.g., participating in advocacy initiatives, staff-member exchange visits; drafting reports).

NB: Please see the Person Specification - Selection Criteria in the full job description: https://childrenofprisoners.eu/jobs/



How to Apply: 

If you are interested in applying for the Head of Operations role and contributing your skills to a European network advancing the rights of children affected by parental imprisonment, we would welcome your application.

Please submit your CV and a cover letter explaining your relevant experience, your approach to operational and financial management and your motivation for working with COPE.

Application deadline: 16 November 2026 
Application email or link: recruiting[at]networkcope.eu
Expected start date: February/March 2027


COPE is committed to its mission of promoting the rights, inclusion and well-being of all children affected by parental imprisonment. We encourage applications from candidates who share these values and can contribute to our work across Europe. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, including lived experience of the criminal justice system, whether personally or through a family member.

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.