Job Opportunity: Operations Assistant 

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.

Role title: Operations Assistant
Contract type: Permanent employee (with 3-month probation)
Location: Operation Orphan Head Office, 143 Attenborough Lane, Nottingham, NG9 6AA
Working hours:  1.5 days per week (Mon 09:00-12:45, Weds 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. This varied role supports the operations and core administration of the charity, providing a solid foundation for the projects to operate from. This role offers an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in operations management and the charity sector. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting with various operational tasks, ensuring smooth day-to-day functioning, working within a small team with opportunities to support the charity in different ways.

Duties

  • Support the COO and day-to-day running of the charity

  • General administration and basic IT 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

  • Manage social media: creating and monitoring content; responding to enquiries

  • Write blogs and perform light website maintenance

  • Manage contacts and data through designated platforms and databases

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

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

  • Complete health and safety checks and manage office consumables

  • 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

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 and team members, across various platforms and in-person

  • Ability to work well under pressure in a dynamic environment, both independently and in a team

  • Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and operational needs

  • A proactive attitude with a focus on delivering exceptional service

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

This role will be well-suited to a candidate who is looking for meaningful work. The candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS Check. There is potential to create a dual role in combination with our other vacancy, Forget-Me-Notts Installation Team Member - please indicate if you are interested in this in your cover letter.