Description:
Action on Poverty (AOP) is looking for an experienced and purpose-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to play a pivotal role in our mission: mobilising and collaborating with changemakers globally to eliminate poverty.
As a key leader within AOP, you will drive financial, operational, and risk management excellence across a dynamic, multi-country organisation. You will work closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to ensure AOP operates efficiently, sustainably, and innovatively, enabling us to deliver impactful and scalable poverty-reduction initiatives.
This is an opportunity to make a real difference, leveraging your expertise to shape strategy, enhance systems, and empower teams across Australia, Vietnam, and the Solomon Islands.
Why Join AOP?
- Purpose-Driven Impact: Be part of a respected international development organisation that co-designs innovative poverty solutions with communities and social entrepreneurs worldwide.
- Build the Future of International Development: AOP has experienced incredible growth from its commitment to doing aid differently – this is a unique opportunity to be part of building the new aid paradigm.
- Strategic Leadership Role: Lead and enhance financial, operational, and governance frameworks that underpin our sustainable growth.
- Collaborative Culture: Work alongside passionate professionals and global partners to create lasting change.
- Commitment to Innovation: Help drive best-practice solutions in financial management, risk mitigation, and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead financial and operational strategy, ensuring best-practice financial management, compliance, and risk oversight.
- Optimise internal systems and processes to support AOP’s mission and international operations.
- Manage finance, legal, IT, HR, and risk functions across Australia, Vietnam, and the Solomon Islands.
- Ensure compliance with DFAT ANCP accreditation and major donor requirements.
- Champion innovation and efficiency, driving continuous improvement in operations and governance.
- Represent AOP in key external forums, building relationships with institutional donors, regulatory bodies, and international partners.
Who We’re Looking For
You are a strategic, solutions-focused leader with a strong financial and operational background. You thrive in fast-paced, complex environments and are committed to social impact.
Essential Criteria:
- Proven executive leadership experience in a not-for-profit or international development organisation.
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.
- Deep understanding of international development operations, including multi-country program oversight.
- Risk management expertise, with experience implementing risk frameworks from board level to operations.
- Strong compliance knowledge, particularly with DFAT ANCP accreditation and donor requirements.
- Excellent communication skills—able to engage effectively with boards, donors, and international teams.
- Relevant qualifications (CA, CPA, MBA, or equivalent).