Head of Operations

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. Ourmissionis 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.
Ourworkis 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.

About the role:

TheHeadofOperationsrole translates COPE’s strategic goals into clearoperationalobjectives, working closely with the Executive Director, wider staff and Board to shape and implement COPE’s financial andoperationalstrategy.

In coordination with the Finance & Administration Manager, this role helps overseebudgeting, expenditure tracking, financial reporting and audits, suggestingcorrective measures if needed.HeadofOperationsensures strong day-to-day monitoring, compliance andcoordination of projects, including performance indicators.

In partnership with the Executive Director, wider staff team and Board, theHeadofOperationsalso 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. TheHeadofOperationscontributes to COPE’s annual programmaticworkplan, enabling core advocacy, capacity-building and network development-based initiatives.

COPE is committed to its mission of promoting the rights, inclusion and well-being of all children affected by parental imprisonment.

We value diverse perspectives and experiences, including lived experience of the criminal justice system, whether personally or through a family member.