VACANCY: HEAD OF OPERATIONS
Key Information:
Hours: 28 hours per week, worked over 4 days
Salary: 45,000 EUR for 28 hours per week (FTE €56,250)
Contract: Permanent (Contrat à durée indeterminée)
Location: Paris-based (with some remote work possible)
Language: English/French
Closing date: 16 November 2026
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.
About the role:
The Head of Operations role 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.
Please click here for the full job description
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.