Reporting to the Executive Director of Europe, the Chief Operating Officer serves in a key leadership position as a member of Oceana’s European Senior Management Team ensuring the successful operation of Oceana Europe. In this role s/he will manage the programmatic and operations functions of the organisation in support of the Executive Director’s vision and Oceana’s strategy. The COO will participate in the creation of this vision and strategy and will work with staff to develop campaign goals and plans.  S/he will ensure coordination and collaboration among all functions and with the entirety of Oceana to bring available resources to bear in order to achieve lasting impact.

S/he will fulfil this role through clear line management of each of the functional Directors (Science, Policy, Communications and Fundraising) and will create enabling conditions for the support functions to work effectively.

Principal Duties, Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

The Chief Operating Officer will ensure the success of Oceana by taking leadership in the following:

Policy Campaigns.  In consultation with the Executive Director, working with the Senior Management Team directors for Research and Science, Communications and Development, develop campaign plans, set milestones, and report on progress.  Focus on helping the respective teams further develop expertise, practices, and systems to improve campaign planning and execution.

Implementation, reporting and accountability.  Implement, monitor and report on progress against plans.  Propose, obtain approval for and make mid-course corrections when needed. Ensure cross-functional and cross-geographic engagement to meet objectives so that each staff person understands their role and how they relate to and are integral to the success of others. Create a culture in which each person holds themselves and others to a high level of accountability and where sharing of insights and opportunities is routine.

People management.  Supervise the members of the Senior Management team and Controller, and support them in the management of their respective teams. Ensure that all departments and staff have work plans in place to effectively support achieving the organisational goals set forth.

Compliance, risk and budget management.  Ensure the organisation is managed in a way that complies with local laws and regulations and with Oceana’s global policies and procedures. Guarantee the effective financial management of the organisation and provide financial stewardship in line with Board and legal requirements.  Lead staff in the development of annual and long term budgets. Monitor the budget, report status and make mid-course corrections when needed.

Planning.  Facilitate communication among the Executive Director, the Senior Management Team, headquarters based CFO, SVP for Global Development, and Assistant General Counsel – finding the most efficient and useful ways to communicate in order to review progress, share ideas, and receive input or approval.

Problem solving.  Help the Executive Director resolve problems that arise from time to time in any organisation. Possible solutions may include more clearly defining roles and responsibilities, correcting miscommunications, or proposing alternatives.  Seek to identify underlying causes and propose ways to avoid similar problems.

External stakeholders.  Play a key role in efforts to influence, manage and develop external stakeholder relations.

In addition, the COO will undertake special cross-organisational initiatives and perform other duties as requested by the Executive Director.

Job Requirements

Education and work experience:

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  Advanced degree in international business or finance e.g. MBA and at least 5 years’ experience in a leadership position in an international non-profit; or equivalent combination of education and experience.


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  Experience managing senior staff who themselves are leading complex and multifaceted endeavours.


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  A proven track record in leading and working with multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary and decentralised teams.


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  Strong background and experience in planning, financial management and performance management.


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  Proficiency in the use of computer office applications – word processing, spread sheets and presentation.

Skills and knowledge:

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  Previous experience in management or an operational role, with broad international exposure.


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  Demonstrated ability to be adaptable and flexible in the type of initiatives undertaken.


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  Demonstrated ability to achieve results through others with little direction and ability to lead and achieve results without formal authority.


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  Experience in working in matrix structures.


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  Strong interpersonal skills, able to interact with and influence senior management and staff in a positive manner.


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  Highly analytical and strategic capabilities / skills / proficiency with the ability to see the big picture and context and to help others do the same.


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  Excellent written and spoken English required, other European languages valued.


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  Experience and a good understanding of operating in different cultural environment and managing remote teams.


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  Of a decisive, proactive and collaborative disposition as well as an excellent communicator.


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  Passion and commitment to Oceana’s mission.

Advanced degree in international business or finance e.g. MBA and at least 5 years’ experience in a leadership position in an international non-profit; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience managing senior staff who themselves are leading complex and multifaceted endeavours. A proven track record in leading and working with multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary and decentralised teams. Strong background and experience in planning, financial management and performance management. Proficiency in the use of computer office applications – word processing, spread sheets and presentation. Previous experience in management or an operational role, with broad international exposure. Demonstrated ability to be adaptable and flexible in the type of initiatives undertaken. Demonstrated ability to achieve results through others with little direction and ability to lead and achieve results without formal authority. Experience in working in matrix structures. Strong interpersonal skills, able to interact with and influence senior management and staff in a positive manner. Highly analytical and strategic capabilities / skills / proficiency with the ability to see the big picture and context and to help others do the same. Excellent written and spoken English required, other European languages valued. Experience and a good understanding of operating in different cultural environment and managing remote teams. Of a decisive, proactive and collaborative disposition as well as an excellent communicator. Passion and commitment to Oceana’s mission.