International Chief Support Officer

Barnabas International is a large family of Christian ministries and charities focused on giving practical support to suffering, abandoned and persecuted Christians around the world. The ministry was founded in 1993, and since then, it has funded projects in more than 100 countries, providing hope and help to millions of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Some of our key projects include supplying food aid, medical supplies, educational and vocational training, Bibles, micro-enterprise, disaster relief, help for victims of violence, and support for pastors and church leaders. Barnabas Aid also provides advocacy for religious freedom, especially for persecuted and suffering Christians.

Barnabas is primarily a Christian ministry and a charity. Employees are expected to subscribe to the Vision, Mission, Value and Statement of Faith, and their work may be viewed as being vocational. There is an occupational requirement for applicants to be practising Christians, who are engaged in their local church, in order to be able to carry out our roles.

The International Chief Support Officer will assume responsibility for all central operational functions across the organisation, namely HR, Finance, Facilities, Technology and Data. 

This position will ensure that the organisation’s distinct Christian identity, operational excellence and resource efficiency, is maintained globally.  

i.        Protect, maintain and adhere to Barnabas Aid’s distinct Christian identity

ii.       Line manage and supervise all personnel and work within the support functions, optimising their efficiency and impact for His glory

iii.     Support the International CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) with strategic decision-making and day-to-day operations

Operational Leadership and Strategy

·        Assist in the development and execution of the operational strategy, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s mission and global objectives.

·        Optimise and standardise operational processes to ensure effective use of resources, efficiency, and adherence to operational best practices.

·        Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in the Support functions and implement necessary changes.

·        Develop systems for monitoring operational performance and ensuring consistent quality and accountability across all international operations

People and Leadership Development

·        Oversee the global HR function, working closely with the International HR Director to ensure that the organisation has a well-supported, skilled, and motivated workforce across its international offices. This includes recruitment, performance management, employee development, and ensuring that HR policies align with the mission and values of the organisation.

·        Foster a high-performance culture that aligns with the ministry’s Christian values, ensuring collaboration and commitment across teams.

·        Lead, mentor, and develop the support function, ensuring its effectiveness and capacity to deliver operational success.

Finance and Resource Management

·        Work closely with the International Finance Director to manage the charity’s global finances. This includes overseeing the preparation and monitoring of budgets and maintaining the charity’s financial health across all country offices as well as ensuring the effective allocation of resources across international offices.

·        Ensure cost-effectiveness and compliance with financial management standards, including donor regulations and internal policies.

·        Oversee financial forecasting and risk management plans for operational functions, ensuring the financial sustainability of the organisation.

Risk and Compliance Management

·        Work with the International CEO and SLT to assess and address emerging risks.

·        Manage the Internal Audit & Compliance Officer to ensure high standards across all areas of work.

·        Oversee risk management across the organisation, ensuring safety, security, and compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and organisational policies.

·        Ensure operational compliance with industry standards, supporter requirements, and local regulations.

Technology and Data Management

·        Oversee the global IT strategy in collaboration with the International Technology and Data Director, ensuring that the charity’s technological infrastructure is robust, secure, and supports the operational needs of the international offices.

·        Oversee the management and protection of data across all regions, ensuring compliance with data privacy laws and implementing strategies for data collection, analysis, and reporting to support operational decision-making.

Facilities Management (UK):

·        Ensure that the facilities management always supports operational efficiency. This includes overseeing the management of office spaces, multi-purpose properties, security, and other essential resources to ensure that staff can work and visit safely and efficiently.

Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

·        Ensure effective internal communication regarding organisational updates and progress, particularly concerning project functions.

·        Work with the SLT to maintain clear communication with external stakeholders regarding operational matters.

·        Collaborate with the International Chief Executive Officer to ensure the alignment of external communications with the organisation’s mission and global objectives.

·        Leadership and Management: Strong leadership skills with experience managing large, diverse teams across multiple international locations. Demonstrated ability to lead through change and effectively manage organisational transformation.

·        Operational Expertise: Proven ability to manage complex international operations, including finance, HR, logistics, technology, and facilities management in a cross-cultural environment.

·        Financial Management: Excellent financial acumen with experience overseeing budgets, resource allocation, and cost-effectiveness in global operations.

·        Risk and Compliance: Experience managing risk, including safety, security, and legal compliance, in international and potentially high-risk environments.

·        Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels and represent the organisation both internally and externally.

·        Project Management: While not directly responsible for projects, experience in supporting project operations and working closely with project teams to ensure seamless delivery of projects within the broader operational framework.

·        Cultural Competence: Ability to lead and work effectively with diverse teams from different cultural and geographic backgrounds.

·        Technology Proficiency: Strong understanding of digital systems, technology, and data management for international operations.

·        Bible-believing follower of Jesus: Demonstrates a personal commitment to discipleship and growing in faith. In good standing with their Church, actively participating in its life and community. Committed to affirming and signing Barnabas Aid’s Statement of Faith. 

·        Strong Leadership & Integrity: Able to lead with vision, decisiveness, and transparency, while upholding Christian values and organisational ethics.

·        Emotional Intelligence & Resilience: Demonstrates empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to stay composed under pressure, supporting others in high-stress situations.

·        Cultural Sensitivity & Global Mindset: Aware of and adaptable to diverse cultural contexts and global challenges, fostering inclusive and respectful environments.

·        Collaborative Team Player & Diplomat: Builds strong relationships across teams and with external stakeholders, promoting cooperation and conflict resolution.

·        Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Critical thinker with a solution-oriented mindset, capable of navigating complex situations and making informed decisions.