Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Millions of people around the world are suffering daily from drought, famine, diseases, starvation, and malnutrition. One Ummah is working in more than 18 calamity-stricken countries delivering food, water, medicine, shelter, education, and more, whilst also building masajid, schools, orphanages, and water sanitation projects. Your donations save lives. Choose an appeal and save a life today.

One Ummah is a faith-based international relief and development charity working in over 20 countries worldwide on programmes such as water & sanitation, food, education, orphan support, healthcare, shelter, income generation, and emergency disaster relief.

JOB SUMMARY

The post holder will be responsible for achieving the strategic priorities set out by the board of trustees in line with its mission and values, and ensure its long-term sustainability. The CEO will be responsible for the effective management of all aspects of the charity, including operations, governance, finance, fundraising, partnerships, programmes, and stakeholder engagement.

The CEO will lead One Ummah with integrity, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. They will drive strategic growth, championing the charity’s mission while ensuring all operations are guided by Islamic principles. This includes cultivating key partnerships, expanding our reach, and enhancing internal systems for improved efficiency and accountability. The CEO will strengthen One Ummah’s brand and impact, ensuring we effectively serve our community and fulfil our divine purpose.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Board of Trustees, Senior Management Team (SMT)

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Implement a clear vision and strategic plan that aligns with the charity’s mission and values.
2. Lead, inspire, and manage the senior management team to achieve organisational goals and objectives.
3. Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement within the organisation.

Operations Management:

1. Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient and effective management of resources.
2. Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and ethical standards, including those specific to Islamic charitable activities.
3. Implement and monitor performance metrics to assess the impact and effectiveness of the charity’s programmes.
4. Anticipate future challenges and opportunities, positioning the charity to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
5. Develop and oversee the charity’s annual budget, ensuring financial sustainability and prudent use of resources.
6. Lead fundraising efforts, including donor relations, grant applications, and the development of new income streams.
7. Ensure transparent financial reporting and accountability to the Board of Trustees, donors, and regulatory bodies.

Stakeholder Engagement:

1. Serve as the primary spokesperson for the charity, representing it to key stakeholders, including donors, partners, government entities, and the media.
2. Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, partner organisations, and other key stakeholders.
3. Engage with the Muslim community and broader society to raise awareness of the charity’s work and impact.

Governance & Board Relations:

1. Work closely with the Board of Trustees to ensure effective governance and strategic oversight.
2. Provide regular updates to the Board on the charity’s performance and changes in legislation and Charity Commission guidelines which impact on the responsibility of Trustees.
3. Support the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities, including the development of policies and procedures.

Programmes Development & Impact:

1. Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of the charity’s programmes to ensure they are effective and aligned with the organisation’s mission.
2. Ensure that all programmes are delivered in accordance with Islamic principles and values.
3. Identify new opportunities for programme development that respond to emerging needs and trends.

Compliance & Risk Management:

1. Ensure the charity adheres to all relevant legal, regulatory, and ethical standards, including those specific to the charitable sector and Islamic organisations.
2. Identify and manage risks, implementing strategies to mitigate potential issues that could impact the charity’s reputation or operations.
3. Ensure safeguarding and welfare measures are in place, particularly in relation to vulnerable individuals and communities served by the charity.

Qualifications:

1. Qualified to degree standard or equivalent, preferably in Non-Profit Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Social Work, Islamic Studies, or a related field (E)
2. Additional certifications in leadership, strategic management, or non-profit governance are advantageous (D)
3. Formal training in leadership and organisational development, especially within the non-profit or charity sector (D)
4. Completed courses or certifications in Islamic ethics, social justice, or humanitarian law (D)
5. Qualifications in accounting, financial planning, or similar fields (D)

Experience:

1. Proven experience in senior leadership roles within a charity, non-profit organisation, or similar institution (E)
2. Proven track record of successfully leading a team, managing organisational change, and driving strategic initiatives (E)
3. Extensive experience in fundraising, donor engagement, and developing sustainable income streams (E)
4. Experience in leading large-scale fundraising campaigns, grant writing, and securing major gifts (E)
5. Experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating programmes and projects, particularly in the fields of social justice, humanitarian aid, or community development (E)
6. Demonstrated success in managing multi-country programmes, including in conflict or crisis zones (E)
7. Proven experience in managing large budgets, financial forecasting, and ensuring organisational financial health (E)
8. Experience with financial audits, risk management, and financial reporting in a non-profit setting (E)
9. Experience in representing an organisation at high-level meetings, conferences, and in the media (D)
10. Successful track record of building relationships with government agencies, donors, and other key stakeholders (D)
11. Experience in navigating an organisation through crises, including reputational, financial, and operational challenges (D)
12. Demonstrated ability to work in diverse cultural settings with an understanding of the socio-economic challenges facing Muslim communities globally (D)

Knowledge and Skills:

1. Strong understanding of financial management principles, particularly in a non-profit or charitable context (E)
2. Knowledge of UK charity law and regulations, with qualifications in legal studies or compliance (E)
3. Familiarity with international humanitarian law and Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) (D)
4. Ability to develop and implement long-term strategies that align with the charity’s mission and vision (E)
5. Skilled in analysing complex situations and making decisions that balance short-term needs with long-term goals (E)
6. Deep understanding of Islamic principles, ethics, and values, with the ability to integrate these into the charity’s operations and culture (E)
7. Knowledge of key Islamic concepts related to charity, such as Zakat, Sadaqah, and Waqf (E)
8. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate the charity’s vision and mission to diverse audiences (E)
9. Proficiency in public speaking, media engagement, and producing impactful reports and proposals (E)
10. Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, financial analysis, and understanding of financial statements (E)
11. Knowledge of non-profit accounting practices, including fund accounting, financial controls, and compliance (E)
12. Knowledge of current technology trends, including digital fundraising, CRM systems, and data management tools (E)
13. Ability to leverage technology to improve efficiency, communication, and program delivery (E)
14. Strong skills in team building, conflict resolution, and fostering a positive organisational culture (E)
15. Ability to mentor and develop staff, creating opportunities for growth and professional development (E)
16. Expertise in building and maintaining strategic partnerships with donors, government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders (E)
17. Ability to navigate complex political and social landscapes to advance the charity’s mission (E)
18. Knowledge of global issues affecting Muslim communities and an understanding of how cultural contexts impact program delivery (E)
19. Ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of communities and stakeholders (E)
20. Knowledge of UK charity law and other relevant regulations (E)
21. Skills in ensuring that the charity’s operations are legally compliant and ethically sound (E)

Commitment:

1. A strong commitment to the vision, mission, and values of One Ummah (E)
2. A strong commitment to One Ummah’s ethos and culture (E)
3. Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends when required for the needs of the charity (E)
4. A commitment to One Ummah’s vision, mission, and values