At a Glance
- Tasks: Build and lead Yananai’s UK operations and partnerships from the ground up.
- Company: Join a global non-profit dedicated to empowering communities and breaking cycles of poverty.
- Benefits: Gain significant autonomy, access to leadership, and shape innovative initiatives.
- Other info: Voluntary role with potential for future contracted position; diverse and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a lasting international impact while developing strategic partnerships and funding opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in building programmes, securing funding, and engaging stakeholders.
- Volunteer/Commission-Based Model
- Remote/Global/UK/EU preferred for time-zone availability
- Executive Leadership role
- 10hrs a week commitment
About Project Yananai
Project Yananai is a global non-profit headquartered in the United Kingdom, with Affiliate Entities and Management Teams in India, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Our mission is to inspire and empower individuals and communities by fostering enduring relationships, enhancing sustainable skills, and delivering compassionate humanitarian aid. We are dedicated to nurturing resilient societies that are self-sufficient and equipped to break cycles of poverty.
Build Yananai’s UK presence and connect UK expertise, partnerships and funding to our global mission.
Project Yananai is looking for an entrepreneurial and highly connected senior leader to build and lead our UK Operations and Partnerships function.
This is a new role with the opportunity to shape how Yananai builds its UK network, develops partnerships, generates funding and connects UK expertise and resources with our international programmes.
Working closely with the CEO and Deputy CEO, you’ll turn ambitious ideas into practical, sustainable programmes and build the relationships and infrastructure needed to make them happen.
What you’ll do
- Build and develop Yananai’s UK operations and partnership network from the ground up.
- Develop our UK Volunteering Access Portal, connecting universities, education providers, professionals, trainers and skilled volunteers with our international Community Learning Hubs.
- Lead the development of UK AI InfoHubs, creating accessible opportunities for communities to develop AI awareness, literacy and skills.
- Build strategic relationships with government, universities, schools, colleges, education providers, businesses, foundations, charities, professional bodies and community organisations.
- Identify and develop funding opportunities across grants, foundations, corporate partnerships and philanthropy.
- Develop compelling proposals, business cases and partnership opportunities.
- Build relationships that bring funding, expertise, volunteers, resources and programme opportunities into Yananai.
- Establish robust governance, safeguarding, risk and compliance systems.
- Build and lead a lean, high-performing UK team as the operation grows.
- Represent Project Yananai externally and help position the organisation within UK and international networks.
About you
We’re looking for a senior leader who is comfortable creating something where there isn’t an established blueprint.
Your background could be in charity, education, international development, social enterprise, technology, business, government or another mission-driven environment.
What matters most is your ability to build relationships, develop opportunities and turn strategy into action.
You’ll ideally bring experience across several of the following:
- Building or scaling a programme, organisation, education initiative or new organisational function.
- Developing strategic partnerships and/or securing funding.
- Working with government, universities, schools, colleges, corporates, foundations, charities or community organisations.
- Programme development and delivery, ideally with an international, education or social-impact focus.
- Senior stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
- Leading teams, budgets, governance and operational delivery.
- Turning strategy into action and taking ownership in an entrepreneurial environment.
You don't need to be an AI specialist or have a traditional charity background. We’re looking for someone who can bring people, ideas, partnerships, funding and opportunities together — and turn them into meaningful programmes.
Why join Project Yananai?
This is an opportunity to build a UK operation with a genuinely global purpose. You’ll have significant autonomy, direct access to senior leadership and the opportunity to shape innovative initiatives from the beginning.
The role is initially offered on a voluntary pathway or commission-based model, with an expected commitment of approximately 10 hours per week, with the intention of building sustainable funding that can support a future contracted position.
If you’re a builder, connector and strategic leader who wants to create something with lasting international impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Project Yananai is an equal opportunity organisation. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures. Project Yananai is a UK registered charity number 1209060.
Chief Operations & Partnerships Officer in Doncaster employer: Project Yananai
Project Yananai is an exceptional employer for those seeking to make a meaningful impact on a global scale. With a commitment to fostering an inclusive work culture, we offer unique opportunities for professional growth and the chance to shape innovative initiatives that empower communities. As a volunteer or commission-based role, you will enjoy significant autonomy while collaborating with senior leadership to build our UK operations and partnerships, all from a remote setting that values flexibility and diverse perspectives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operations & Partnerships Officer in Doncaster
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operations & Partnerships Officer in Doncaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Project Yananai, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at Project Yananai.
How to prepare for a job interview at Project Yananai
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Project Yananai and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
