Join the Commonwealth Foundation at an exciting moment as we launch our new 2026–2031 Strategy with a renewed focus on the value of both our Advocacy and Creative approaches.
Location: Central London (Hybrid)
Annual Salary Range: £40,612 to £45,079 per annum
Closing date: 19 August, 1pm BST
Contract: Permanent / Full-time (35 hours per week)
We are seeking an experienced and collaborative professional to support the delivery of the Foundation’s Advocacy and Creative Programme. They will contribute to flagship initiatives, including the Commonwealth Short Story Prize and adda, our online literary magazine. The postholder will also deliver creative outputs linked to advocacy priorities, and other high-profile activities that engage civil society, creative practitioners and partners from across the Commonwealth.
This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of creativity and advocacy, supporting programmes that amplify diverse voices, foster dialogue and contribute to the Foundation’s wider strategic objectives.
As Senior Programme Officer, you will play a key role in delivering creative projects and initiatives, managing relationships with writers, artists and partners, and ensuring the effective coordination of programme activities. Working closely with colleagues across the Foundation, you will contribute creative perspectives to advocacy platforms and help strengthen engagement with creative communities across the Commonwealth.
This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a collaborative and international environment, enjoys working across a range of creative projects, and is passionate about using creativity to support civic participation across the Commonwealth.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience delivering creative, cultural, advocacy or engagement programmes in an international, civil society or not-for-profit context
- Combines strong project management and organisational skills with a creative and collaborative approach
- Builds effective relationships with writers, artists, partners and stakeholders across diverse cultural contexts
- Is confident in handling multiple priorities, coordinating complex activities and delivering high-quality outputs to deadlines
- Brings creativity, initiative and sound judgement, with a strong interest in storytelling, civic participation and amplifying diverse voices
Working with us
We aim to create an environment where everyone can contribute at their best. Our hybrid working model combines the benefits of both office-based and remote working inclusively and flexibly.
Staff work from the office for at least five days per fortnight, including Wednesdays as an all-staff day. This role is offered on a permanent full-time basis; however, flexible working arrangements can be discussed as part of the recruitment process.
Our offer to you
We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support staff wellbeing, work–life balance and longer-term financial security. This includes:
- 30 days of annual leave, alongside public holidays and privilege days
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Private medical and dental insurance
- Life Assurance
- Enhanced sick pay
- Enhanced family leave and pay
- Learning and development opportunities
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
How to apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement demonstrating, with relevant examples, how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements set out in the person specification. Please follow the link below to submit your application.
Please note that we cannot consider incomplete applications.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date and invited to a first-stage online interview.
Full details of the Job Description, Applicant Information Pack, and Behavioural Competencies Framework can be downloaded using the links below.
For queries, please contact our Recruitment Team. Contact details are availble on our website and in the Applicant Information Pack.
Eligibility
To be considered for this role, candidates must have the right to work in the UK. You will be asked to confirm your right to work as part of the application process.
Selection process
First Interview dates: w/c 7 September
Candidates successful at the first interview will be invited to attend a second-stage interview in person.
Second interview dates: TBC
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The Commonwealth Foundation values diversity of thought, background, identity and experience, recognising that inclusive teams strengthen organisational effectiveness and impact.
We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where differences are respected, contributions are valued, and everyone is supported to thrive. We particularly encourage applications from individuals from historically marginalised and underrepresented groups.
If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our Recrutiment Team (contact information available on the website and in the application pack). We will work with you to provide appropriate support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Help us achieve our vision that fewer people die by suicide.
We're looking for an experienced and proactive Project Manager to join our Quality and Service Improvement team. This role is responsible for leading the successful delivery of operational projects from inception through to implementation, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and achieve their intended outcomes.
This is a great opportunity for an experienced project professional to play a core role in delivering meaningful operational development. Working within a collaborative and purpose-driven team, you'll lead key projects that help improve quality, effectiveness and impact across the organisation
Contract terms:
- £41,416 per annum, plus benefits
- Fixed term contract until end of May 2028
- 35 hours per week (full-time)
- We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences
- Hybrid, linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office
- We value meeting in person and working collaboratively. We work in person around 2 days or more per month
- 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
What you'll be doing:
You'll work closely with colleagues across the organisation, volunteer leaders, subject matter experts and external suppliers, bringing people together to deliver multifaceted, cross-functional projects that support operational excellence and continuous improvement.
As part of the Quality and Service Improvement team, you'll help embed strong project management practices, provide clear governance and reporting, and ensure stakeholders remain engaged and informed throughout the project lifecycle.
Key responsibilities:
- Leading operational projects from planning through to successful delivery.
- Developing and managing project plans, budgets, risks and dependencies.
- Coordinating colleagues, volunteer leaders and external partners to achieve project outcomes.
- Monitoring progress, resolving issues and providing clear reporting to stakeholders and governance groups.
- Ensuring projects meet agreed objectives, quality standards and deliver lasting improvements.
What you’ll bring:
- Experience delivering complex projects from start to finish.
- Strong stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills.
- Knowledge of project management methodologies and tools, e.g. Agile and Waterfall.
- The ability to manage risks, budgets and competing priorities effectively.
- Strong analytical skills and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
- A project management qualification (desirable)
- Experience working within a volunteer-led environment (desirable)
For full details, please see the Job Description and Person Specification
Why Samaritans?
At Samaritans, you’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission. You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.
We offer flexible hybrid working, great benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. To find out more about Samaritans, please read our recruitment brochure.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the people we support and who support us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels seen, heard and supported, at all levels of the organisation.
Apply now
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love for you to apply. You will be asked to answer some short application questions and to upload your CV and cover letter. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.
Applications close: midnight Tuesday 11th August 2026
Online Interviews: w/c 24th August
At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do.
We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team.
We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through. We recognise that some candidates may use assistive technology or tools to help with accessibility, structure or grammar.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
We prevent suicide through the power of human connection. Connecting people in crisis with trained volunteers who will always listen.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.