Chief Finance and Operating Officer Full Time

Shell Foundation (SF) is a UK-registered charity that empowers underserved populations in Africa and Asia with access to clean energy products and services. A unique foundation on the global stage, we use grant, debt, and equity funding to support commercially sustainable solutions at the intersection of inclusive growth and a clean energy transition. We are independent of any company or government, with a global and independent Board of Directors. We have a mandate for innovation, and seek to be nimble, credible, and willing to take the early risks that others may not. Our work has already improved the lives of 229 million people.

The Role

As Chief Finance & Operating Officer (CFOO), you will be at the helm of Shell Foundation’s financial and corporate functions, ensuring the effectiveness and integrity of finance, governance, risk and compliance, people, legal, IT/facilities, and safety. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will work alongside the CEO, Chief Programme Officer, and Chief Impact Officer to drive strategic execution and organisational success.

You will provide expert counsel on financial, governance, and operational matters, ensuring Shell Foundation’s independence, long-term sustainability, and accountability to its beneficiaries and funding partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage, and develop finance, HR, legal, IT, and governance teams.
• Ensure strategic execution with efficiency, transparency, and financial sustainability.
• Oversee endowment (approx. $600m) and investment strategy.
• Safeguard corporate compliance, charity legislation, governance, and risk frameworks.
• Strengthen controls, assurance, planning, and reporting for transparency and decision-making.
• Maintain board and committee governance, liaising with trustees and committee chairs.

Who You Are

We are looking for a seasoned leader with significant experience in finance, governance, and risk management. The ideal candidate will have at least two of the following:

• Strategic partnership experience with a CEO and engagement with trustees.
• Knowledge of UK charity accounting, regulation, and taxation.
• Broad finance and operational leadership experience, including governance, risk, and decision support.

Additionally, the following skills and experience would be highly desirable:

• Experience in investment management and governance.
• Expertise in structuring transactions and agreements.
• International experience (Africa/India preferred) or oversight of global operations.
• Leadership in a medium-sized entity or autonomy in a larger corporate organization.
• Strong collaboration, influencing, and communication skills.

For further information and details on the role, process and how to apply, please visit: http://www.berwickpartners.co.uk/93935

For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners:

Ardiana Hashani

Senior Researcher, Financial Leadership Practice

Berwick Partners

+44 (0) 20 7367 9790

Ardiana.Hashani@berwickpartners.co.uk

Closing date for applications: Friday 11th July

C1FO