Chief Operating Officer

Azura is pleased to be partnering with an essential NGO that focusses on strengthening Western security, in its search for a Chief Operating Officer (COO).

This is a unique opportunity to create the operational foundations of a mission-driven organisation conducting quality investigations and analysis through a network of international partners.

Founded just over two years ago, the organisation has quickly evolved from a start-up operation to a respected force in the defence of Western democratic values. Working through a trusted global network of partners, it delivers investigative research and intelligence-led insights that help expose malign influence and hybrid threats.

Now entering a new phase of professionalisation and long-term delivery, the organisation is transitioning to a UK-based core team while maintaining its global reach. With significant unrestricted funding secured for 2025 and a strong internal team in place, this is a key moment to shape the systems, strategy, and culture that will drive lasting impact.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will serve as both strategic partner and operational lead, ensuring the organisation moves from agility to resilience without losing its edge. This individual will oversee core functions including finance, HR, legal, IT, compliance, procurement and grant operations.

This is a hands-on role for a methodical but agile individual with commercial instinct and a passion for protecting those in vulnerable positions. The COO will play a pivotal role on bringing structure and stability to a fast-evolving organisation building scalable internal infrastructure, mitigating complex cross-border risks, and supporting senior leadership in key trade-offs and strategic pivots.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead operational systems and processes across all functions.
• Oversee financial management, budgeting, reporting, and compliance.
• Ensure efficient resource allocation to maximise impact and value for money.
• Manage HR, IT, facilities, and administration functions.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Management Board to develop and implement the strategic plan.
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable operational plans and KPIs.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead risk management, safeguarding, and health and safety policies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.
• Support the CEO in shaping the long-term vision of the organisation by developing the brand, refining product offerings, and deepening understanding of the NGO's USPs.
• Drive diversification of income streams by crafting compelling bids and pitches, supporting creative events, and expanding networks of funders and government stakeholders-ideally leveraging existing personal networks to enhance opportunities.

The ideal candidate will:

• Be a qualified accountant (or have equivalent financial expertise) with experience in international, mission-driven organisations.
• Have proven experience operating in complex, high-compliance environments such as security, intelligence, or investigative sectors, experience in the humanitarian sector would be a plus.
• Have demonstrated experience in designing and implementing and maintaining information management systems, access management.
• Possess blue-chip operational leadership with a start-up mindset and the agility that comes with that.
• Be skilled at navigating ambiguity and risk, with expert judgement in politically sensitive environments.
• Demonstrate strong ability to eliminate complexity by simplifying processes, excelling at foundational tasks, and effectively implementing systems.
• Clearly communicate the role and importance of the administrative department and its processes to the wider team, ensuring everyone understands and aligns with established frameworks.
• Exhibit strong emotional intelligence and a collaborative, low-ego approach to leadership.
• Thrive in complexity and bring structure, rigour, and clarity to evolving systems.
• Have previous programme management experience to facilitate effective donor reporting, foster a comprehensive understanding of the broader team, ensure seamless integration between programme activities and organisational objectives, and uphold best practices in programme management.
• Align strongly with the organisation's mission to strengthen Western resilience against hybrid threats and malign influence.
• Enjoy solving complex operational challenges with pragmatism, humour, and innovation.
• Be capable of designing and managing robust systems to handle multiple income streams, along with the associated reporting and contractual compliance requirements across different jurisdictions.
• Have a comprehensive understanding of 501(c)(3) regulations and experience managing funds internationally.
• Demonstrate expertise in establishing new entities and offices across regions including the US, Europe, and the Middle East.
• Have knowledge on best practices in contract management in UK, Netherlands and the US, with the ability and proven experience in managing contracting with parties in different countries while abiding by relevant tax laws.
• Possess a solid understanding of relevant employment legislation, commercial law, data protection regulations, intellectual property rights, and data sharing agreements. Skilled in drafting, managing, and ensuring compliance with these legal frameworks.

Cultural Fit

This is not a traditional COO role; it's best suited for someone who relishes complexity, operates well outside of corporate conventions, and enjoys designing "invisible infrastructure" that underpins high-impact work. The successful candidate will be a calm, grounded counterbalance to creative leadership and someone who leads through credibility, insight, and reliability.

Location

The role is primarily based in London, UK (for 4 days a week), with the option for hybrid working (as agreed).

Initial contracting will be via the Dutch entity, with a planned transition to a UK-based structure.

To Apply

If you are energised by the opportunity to operationalise purpose and shape the future of an organisation working at the frontlines of democratic defence, we encourage you to get in touch today. Azura is managing the search process and will be conducting first-round interviews on a rolling basis.