Relief Applications is seeking an Interim COO for a 6-month maternity cover. Lead operations, technical coordination, and delivery for a digital humanitarian organization. Remote (Europe-based).
Job Title: Interim Chief Operating Officer (Maternity Cover)
Organization: Relief Applications Location: Remote (Europe-based) Contract Duration: 6 Months (April – October 2026) Workload: 80–100% (Flexible) Salary Range: €40,000 – €50,000 Annual Gross (Pro rata) Application Deadline: 22 February 2026
The Opportunity
Relief Applications is seeking an Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO) to ensure leadership continuity during a six-month maternity leave. This is a critical operational role designed for a hands-on leader capable of maintaining delivery momentum while we navigate a period of growth.
The role focuses primarily on operational stability and delivery coordination. However, it also offers the opportunity to shape our technical coordination and business development efforts. We are looking for an autonomous operator who possesses the organizational rigor to manage complex digital projects and the technical literacy to bridge the gap between our developers and humanitarian partners.
While this is a time-bound engagement, it serves as a key pivot point for the organization. Depending on performance and organizational needs, there is potential for a longer-term senior operations role following the interim period.
Core Mandate
1. Operational Leadership & Delivery Your primary responsibility is to maintain the pulse of the organization. You will manage the project management team, tracking timelines, risks, and deliverables across our portfolio. You will act as the first point of escalation for delivery issues, ensuring that our projects remain on track and our documentation is rigorous.
2. Technical Coordination You do not need to be a developer, but you must speak the language of technology. You will facilitate discussions between technical leads and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring clarity on tools, data handling, and AI integration. Your goal is to identify technical risks early and coordinate mitigation strategies before they impact delivery.
3. Business Development & Partnerships Working closely with the CEO, you will contribute to the growth of the organization. This includes translating client needs into realistic operational approaches, shaping proposals, and representing Relief Applications at select industry conferences. You will help us identify which workflows should be scaled and which should be deprioritized based on market signals.
4. Selective Project Management In specific high-stakes scenarios—particularly those requiring French language skills—you may step in to directly manage projects. This ensures that our most sensitive initiatives receive senior-level attention when capacity is constrained.
Candidate Profile
This role sits at the intersection of operations, technology, and humanitarian impact. We value practical experience and a “problem-solving” mindset over a perfect checklist of qualifications.
Essential Qualifications
- Experience: 5–7 years in operations management, project coordination, or technical project management.
- Technical Literacy: Proven experience coordinating digital platforms, data systems, or AI-enabled tools. You must be comfortable working with technical teams.
- Sector Knowledge: Experience working with NGOs, humanitarian organizations, or impact-driven projects.
- Languages: Fluency in English and French is mandatory. Spanish is a strong asset.
- Autonomy: Demonstrated ability to lead effectively within a fully remote, distributed team.
Desirable Skills
- Familiarity with data protection, cybersecurity, or responsible AI frameworks.
- Experience managing multidisciplinary teams across different time zones.
Contract & Timeline
- Start Date: Mid-April 2026 (Ideally 2–4 weeks prior for handover).
- Duration: 6 months fixed-term.
- Location: Remote, but candidates must be based in a European time zone to facilitate team coordination.
- Compensation: €40,000 – €50,000 annual gross (pro rata).
How to Apply
Closing Date: 22 February 2026
To apply, please submit the following:
- A short CV.
- A brief video (1–3 minutes): Explain your approach to operations and coordination, specifically highlighting your experience working with technical teams.
Click Here to Submit Your Application
Relief Applications is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a strong operational mindset and comfort in complex environments.