Head of Project Finance

About the role

Salary range: £60,000 - £70,000 per annum Contract: Permanent Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week. Standard working hours are Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm Location: Somerset House, London, although flexible and hybrid working are encouraged Application Deadline: 12 July 2026 Please note: We may close the advert sooner if we receive a high volume of applications) All finance roles within the charity require a DBS check (basic) Blue Marine Foundation seeks to protect and restore life in the ocean. Our mission is to see at least 30 per cent of the ocean protected by 2030 and the whole ocean sustainably managed. We support low-impact fishing and equitable use of the ocean and address overfishing - one of the world's biggest environmental challenges. We are a dynamic NGO at the heart of cutting-edge marine conservation with headquarters in London but operating globally. This is an incredible chance to join our highly impactful charity; we look forward to hearing from you. This role heads the Project Finance team and ensures it continues to support Blue Marine effectively as the organisation grows in scale and complexity. It also oversees the full financial journey of Blue Marine's project partners, from due diligence and legal agreements through to strong financial oversight and accurate reporting. A key part of the role is building the financial and operational capacity of partners, helping partners scale their conservation impact through improved financial management and operational effectiveness. Reporting to the Director of Finance, Operations and Governance, the successful candidate will: Oversee and develop the Project Finance team, setting clear priorities, high standards and effective ways of working. Drive the strategic direction of the Project Finance function as Blue Marine's portfolio grows in scale and complexity. Maintain high-level oversight of project budgets, delivery partners, donor requirements, financial risks and reporting obligations across the portfolio. Oversee the end-to-end financial journey of project partners, from due diligence and legal agreements through to ensuring timely and accurate reporting is received. Ensure high-quality, timely project reporting, budget monitoring, audit evidence and donor compliance, with fit-for-purpose processes followed consistently. Provide insight, challenge and analysis to support strategic decisions and funding proposals. Lead Blue Marine's work to build the operational capacity of international project partners, including through some international travel. Champion practical improvements to systems and ways of working, building on an existing culture of continuous improvement. Provide hands-on support during peak reporting periods while maintaining senior oversight. Represent Finance with credibility and integrity across Blue Marine and with external partners and funders. Deputise for the Director of Finance, Operations and Governance where appropriate. Contribute to wider organisational priorities as a member of the senior management team. Uphold Blue Marine's values and always embody this behaviour internally and externally. This list is not exhaustive, and the selected candidate will be required to undertake other relevant tasks from time to time. Essential Significant senior experience in project finance, programme finance or commercial finance, with responsibility for complex budgets, reporting and risk. Strong track record of overseeing large and complex portfolios, including financial reporting, audit evidence, and contractual or donor compliance requirements and risk management. Experience of improving finance systems, reporting tools or organisational processes during a period of growth or change. Strong understanding of financial controls, policies and processes, with the ability to apply sound judgement in a practical and proportionate way. Experience of working with external partners to improve financial processes, reporting and operational effectiveness. Experience of leading and developing high-performing teams, with the ability to set clear priorities and improve ways of working. Confident communicator with the ability to build credibility and constructive relationships with colleagues, funders and external partners. Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and maintain accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-moving environment. Desired Qualified accountant, or equivalent senior-level financial experience. Experience of working with Microsoft-based systems, including Power Platform tools such as Power BI. Experience of bringing structure, clarity and strong financial discipline to complex or evolving organisations. Experience of working with international partners across different legal, operational or cultural contexts. An understanding of, or interest in, the environmental, conservation or charitable sector. Have the following personal qualities: Calm, practical and solutions-focused Collaborative, support

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