At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate projects and operations, ensuring smooth delivery and effective communication.
- Company: Zinc Network, a leader in strategic communications and behavioural science.
- Benefits: Diverse team, meaningful work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Join us to make a real impact on global challenges and develop your skills.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or relevant experience; strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Introducing Zinc Network
For over fifteen years, Zinc Network has been helping governments and businesses navigate the world's most complex challenges using communications, technology, and behavioural science. We work on some of the toughest briefs: protecting children online, strengthening democratic resilience, and championing purpose-driven technologies and organisations.
Working in partnership with a global network of media outlets, communities, and influencers, we help clients understand complex issues, design and deliver behavioural interventions, create compelling campaigns, activate trusted grassroots networks, and evaluate impact. We're now building Kora — our AI-powered platform that systematises this expertise into scalable technology, enabling clients to work faster, more impactfully, and more cost-effectively.
We're looking for people who want to operate at the intersection of geopolitics, security, and technological disruption, and who are committed to building a safer, more secure world.
Outline of the job
We are seeking a Project & Operations Coordinator to join a forthcoming strategic communications programme. This is an entry-level role supporting both the programme delivery and operations functions of the project. The successful candidate will help ensure the smooth day-to-day running of programme activities by supporting coordination, administration, logistics, reporting, financial tracking, and operational processes across the team.
The role is ideal for someone highly organised, proactive, and detail-oriented who is looking to develop experience in international programme management and operations within a fast-paced strategic communications environment. The Project & Operations Coordinator will work within the programming and operations functions of the business and will report to the Senior Project Manager on a day-to-day basis. The role will be either based in London (UK) or require the ability to commute to Zinc’s London office every week. The position is contingent upon funding.
Key responsibilities
- Programme coordination
- Support the day-to-day coordination of project activities, timelines, and deliverables.
- Maintain project trackers, documentation, and reporting materials to ensure deadlines and outputs are accurately monitored.
- Organise meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagements, including scheduling, agendas, note-taking, and follow-up actions.
- Support the preparation of donor reports, presentations, briefing materials, and internal updates.
- Coordinate communication and scheduling across internal teams, consultants, and external partners.
- Operations support
- Support project operations including resource planning, scheduling briefings and meetings, procurement, due diligence, contracting administration, onboarding, invoicing and timesheet tracking.
- Grant management including contracting, reporting compliance, payment and grant close out.
- Assist with budget tracking and maintaining accurate financial and operational records.
- Coordinate travel, logistics, and event arrangements for staff, consultants, and partners.
- Support compliance with donor requirements, safeguarding, data protection, and security protocols.
- Assist with vendor setup, raising Purchase Orders, process invoices, payment tracking and spend reconciliation, and other administrative finance processes alongside our Project Accountants where required.
- Team support
- Monitor project actions, risks, and operational issues, escalating where appropriate.
- Contribute to improving internal processes, templates, and ways of working across the project team.
- Provide general administrative and coordination support to programme and operations colleagues as needed.
Requirements
Qualifications and skills:
Essential
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in foreign affairs, international development, strategic communications, political science, or a related field.
- Strong organisational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively across multicultural and cross-functional teams.
- Confidence using Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace tools.
- Ability to handle sensitive information professionally and confidentially.
- Proactive, adaptable, and willing to learn in a fast-paced environment.
Desirable
- Experience supporting donor-funded or international projects.
- Experience with invoicing, procurement, budget tracking, or grants administration.
- Interest in strategic communications, information integrity, or behavioural change programming.
- Knowledge of Eastern and Central European socio-political contexts is an advantage.
What we can offer you
The opportunity to work with colleagues from a diverse range of professional and cultural backgrounds including the very best ex-diplomats, television producers, digital media strategists, linguists, researchers, and behavioural scientists from both the public and private sector. Across Zinc Network there’s a commitment by everyone to deliver meaningful change across all the subject areas, social challenges, and policy goals we’re striving to achieve.
Area of selection
We’re committed to hiring a diverse workforce from different professional and cultural backgrounds, and to that end we encourage a variety of people to apply to join our company to represent the diverse range of subjects associated with our projects.
Conditions of employment
Candidates who receive a job offer will be required to:
- Disclose any previous disciplinary action against them resulting from a substantiated safeguarding (including any breaches involving trafficking-related activities) or workplace investigation.
- Undergo background checks including employment verification, sexual offender registry, identity confirmation, and anti-terrorism vetting.
How to apply
Please include a cover letter stating how you meet each of the requirements. If you require an accommodation to be made at any point throughout the recruitment process, please advise us when contacted.
Deadline 30th June 2026
Project and Operations Coordinator in London employer: Zinc Network
Zinc Network is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on global challenges. With a commitment to professional development, team members benefit from diverse experiences alongside experts in various fields, all while working in the vibrant city of London. The role of Project and Operations Coordinator offers a unique opportunity to grow within a dynamic environment focused on strategic communications and international programme management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project and Operations Coordinator in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Zinc Network and its projects. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills align with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experiences and how they relate to the role of Project & Operations Coordinator.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Zinc Network team.
We think you need these skills to ace Project and Operations Coordinator in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Project & Operations Coordinator. Be specific about your organisational skills and any relevant experience in international programme management.
Show Off Your Attention to Detail:In this role, attention to detail is key. When you’re filling out your application, double-check for any typos or errors. We want to see that you can maintain accurate records and documentation right from the start!
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:We love collaboration at Zinc Network! Use your application to showcase examples of how you've worked effectively in teams. Whether it’s through group projects or previous roles, let us know how you contribute to a positive team dynamic.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Zinc Network!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zinc Network
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Zinc Network's mission and recent projects. Understanding their work in strategic communications and international development will show your genuine interest and help you connect your skills to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Organisation Skills
As a Project and Operations Coordinator, being organised is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Highlight how you kept everything on track and met deadlines.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a few questions about the team dynamics or project management processes to demonstrate your engagement.
✨Be Proactive and Adaptable
Zinc Network values proactive individuals who can adapt to fast-paced environments. Share instances where you took initiative or adapted to unexpected changes in a project. This will illustrate your readiness for the dynamic nature of the role.