Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Network of… at NEF · Brussels

About NEF

The Network of European Foundations (NEF) is an association of leading European foundations dedicated to strengthening philanthropic cooperation and collective action. By enabling foundations to pool resources, share expertise and jointly support collaborative projects, NEF advances social inclusion, democracy and international development across Europe and beyond.

Based in Philanthropy House in Brussels, with two branches in the Balkans, NEF hosts and manages eight collaborative projects and oversees an annual budget of approximately €20 million.

About the role

NEF is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead and strengthen the organisation’s operations during an important period of growth and organisational development.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director and serving as a key member of the leadership team, the COO ensures that NEF’s systems, structures and operational functions support the organisation’s strategic objectives and mission. The position carries significant delegated authority from the Executive Director.

The COO oversees finance, grantmaking, donor mobilisation support, human resources, payroll, information technology, data management, compliance and organisational processes, for both NEF’s core activities and its hosted initiatives.

NEF’s core team is small: six people. The COO will directly manage 3 team members and work with external providers for outsourced functions, e.g. accounting, payroll / social secretariat, IT. The role therefore needs a hands-on approach and a good team player.

This role suits a senior leader who combines strategic thinking with practical operational expertise and who is motivated by supporting philanthropy and civil society.

What you will focus on

• Working with the Executive Director to put NEF’s strategic priorities and organisational development goals into practice.

• Building strong systems, processes and performance management across the organisation.

• Maintaining high standards of governance, compliance, risk management and accountability.

• Leading continuous improvement and digital transformation.

Main responsibilities

Strategic leadership and organisational performance

• Serve as a member of NEF’s leadership team and contribute to strategic planning, organisational development and decision-making.

• Translate organisational priorities into operational plans, objectives and performance indicators.

• Lead organisational change and continuous improvement initiatives.

Operations management

• Oversee NEF’s operational areas: finance, grantmaking, donor mobilisation support ([e.g. funder due diligence, contracting and reporting]), human resources, payroll, information technology, data management and administration.

• Ensure that operational systems and resources support both newly established and long-standing collaborative initiatives.

• Develop, review and improve internal policies, procedures and operational frameworks.

• Lead the implementation of digital solutions that improve how the organisation works.

Financial oversight and compliance

• Ensure sound financial management, internal controls and compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Support budgeting, financial planning and resource allocation.

• Ensure adherence to NEF’s policies, contractual obligations, donor requirements and governance frameworks.

• Oversee organisational audits.

Risk management and governance

• Lead organisational risk management and support business continuity planning.

• Monitor and mitigate operational, financial, legal and reputational risks.

• Provide operational reporting and analysis to the Executive Director and the Board.

• Ensure compliance with Belgian AISBL regulations and oversee compliance for NEF’s branch operations in the Balkans.

People leadership

• Lead, mentor and develop members of the core team.

• Promote an inclusive, collaborative organisational culture.

• Strengthen internal coordination and communication.

External relations

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with auditors, legal advisers, service providers, funders, partners and relevant authorities.

• Represent NEF on operational, compliance and organisational matters when required.

• Travel occasionally to the Balkan branches and other external meetings.

What we are looking for

Required

• At least eight years of progressively responsible leadership experience in operations, finance, organisational management or a related field.

• Proven experience managing teams across different functions and complex organisational operations.

• Strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, governance, compliance and risk management.

• Demonstrated experience leading organisational change, process improvement or digital transformation.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to turn data into decisions.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and stakeholder-management skills.

• Fluency in English.

An advantage

• Experience in the philanthropic, nonprofit, foundation, civil society or international development sectors.

• Experience in grantmaking operations and donor-funded programmes.

• Knowledge of Belgian employment law or the AISBL legal framework.

• Working knowledge of French or Dutch; other European languages are also welcome.

What we offer

• The opportunity to shape the operations of a leading European philanthropic network.

• A senior leadership role with significant responsibility and influence.

• A collaborative, international working environment in Brussels.

• The chance to contribute to social impact across Europe and beyond.

• Salary of €8,000 to €10,000 gross per month, depending on qualifications and experience [including 13th month and double holiday pay].

• A comprehensive benefits package along with an indefinite, fuil-time contract, including meal vouchers, extra-legal holidays, a pension scheme, hospitalisation insurance, homeworking and phone allowances, and flexible remote working (up to 2 days per week). Professional development opportunities.

How to apply

Please apply through Workable with your CV and a cover letter outlining your motivation and relevant experience, no later than 1 December 2026 at 12:00 CET.

Selection process: First interviews are planned for the week of 7 December 2026 at Philanthropy House in Brussels. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted with details of the next steps in the selection process.

Candidates must have the right to work in Belgium.

NEF is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds.