Job Opportunity: Operations Assistant and Installation Team Member (Forget-Me-Notts)

Operation Orphan works to create a brighter future for orphans and vulnerable children around the world by keeping them safe, warm, healthy and learning. This is achieved by working closely with trusted partners internationally and in the UK, to support the children in a sustainable and culturally-relevant way.

Operation Orphan’s UK-based Project, Forget-Me-Notts, sources, delivers, and installs essential items for vulnerable children based on requests from social workers. The children are often living in conditions that are challenging. The project’s main focus is to tackle bed poverty, by providing bed solutions for children who may be sleeping in unsuitable or damaged beds, or not have a bed at all.

Role title: Operations Assistant and Forget-Me-Notts Installation Team Member
Contract type: Permanent employee (with 3-month probation)
Location: Operation Orphan Head Office, 143 Attenborough Lane, Nottingham, NG9 6AA
Working hours:  4 days per week (Mon-Thur, 09:00-17:00)
Annual leave: 20 days pro-rata, plus office closure over Christmas
Salary: £12.71 per hour
Application process: CV and cover letter to be sent to caitlin@operation-orphan.org, followed by in-person interview
Application deadline: Friday 29th May 2026

Overview
The charity is seeking a part-time Operations Assistant and Installation Team Member (Forget-Me-Notts). This varied role combines two elements:

  • Operations Assistant: support the operations and core administration of the charity, providing a solid foundation for the projects to operate from;

  • Forget-Me-Notts Installation Team Member: assisting with the installation of various second-hand or new furniture in family homes, ensuring quality and safety standards are met.

This dual role offers an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in both operations management in the charity sector, and having a hands-on impact on children's lives. The successful candidate will be motivated and reliable, with a proactive approach to working within a small team to support the charity in different ways.

Operations Assistant - Duties:

  • Support the COO and day-to-day running of the charity, including general administration, health and safety, data processing, and other operational support

  • Handle enquiries from supporters, donors, and members of the public; in-person, over the phone, through email, and letters

  • Support finance processes and reporting, including fundraising and petty cash

  • Supervise and manage volunteers, including running our Duke of Edinburgh programme

  • Support logistics, warehouse/donation stock management, and aid distributions

  • Support the charity's International Crisis Response Team and logistics in case of a deployment

  • Support the organising and execution of events as they occur (e.g. fundraising, aid distribution preparation)

  • Follow safeguarding, data protection, cyber security, and health and safety procedures

The role also supports the charity’s waste-recycling trading subsidiary, Waste Nott Want Nott:

  • Managing customer enquiries, bookings, and taking payments

  • Planning collection routes and coordinating with drivers

  • Performing day-to-day admin for the business

  • Completing, tracking, and filing waste management paperwork

  • Checking and sharing schedules and bookings

Installation Team Member - Duties:

  • Manage warehouse space to process, organise, and store donated items

  • Prepare items for delivery and installation, including test-building second-hand items of furniture, and checking items for condition and quality

  • Join the referral team to deliver and install items for families, adhering to manufacture’s instructions and using power tools and hand tools

  • Complete and submit paperwork and evidence for installations

  • Practice safe manual handling while carrying and building furniture (often in tight spaces)

  • Perform dynamic risk assessments while on site

  • Follow referral, safeguarding, data protection, and health and safety procedures

  • Liaise with Referral Coordinator, Referral Users, and recipients

  • Communicate in a professional, sensitive, and friendly manner with recipients, donors, volunteers, and members of the public

Requirements

  • Previous experience in operations or an office/charity environment is helpful but not essential; a keen willingness to learn is important

  • Excellent organisational and administrative skills with the ability to multitask effectively

  • Attention to detail and ability to follow procedures

  • Strong communication skills and a professional manner when dealing with donors, team members, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders, across various platforms and in-person

  • Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and operational needs

  • Basic phone and computer literacy including familiarity with MS Office applications

  • Basic understanding of tools, equipment, flat-pack furniture, and safety procedures used in installation work is advantageous but not essential

  • Manual handling/lifting and carrying

  • Ability to work effectively and professionally in environments that may be unpredictable or physically or emotionally challenging (e.g., family homes where there has been trauma, or conditions that are difficult to live in)

This role provides an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking meaningful work and looking to use both their practical skills and administrative skills to have a direct and positive impact on children's lives. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS Check.