Deputy head of research jobs

The Difference is an education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. Our vision is to see lost learning falling nationally by 2030 and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, particularly those most vulnerable.

We are a small, growing charity delivering many school leadership programmes, with a growing research and policy arm. We have had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and campaign to lower exclusions across England.

The Role
This is an exciting time to join The Difference as we increase our impact, reach more schools, and develop our influencing strategy. As Head of Policy and Public Affairs you will: 
 

Design and execute an impactful influencing plan 

• Design an influencing plan - Identify via horizon scanning opportunities to influence national policy using open policy windows, or by nudging/creating new ones. 

• Execute an influencing plan - Utilise own assets and assets across the organisation, including the Director team, to deliver against the influencing plan.

• Relationship building - Build highly credible and impactful relationships with a variety of stakeholders who hold power. This will include policy makers in national governments, local government officials, politicians, other third sector organisations and think tanks. 

• Leadership - Play a significant role internally and externally in communicating the organisation’s policy position, raising organisational and own brand.

Build policy capacity and credibility across the organisation

• Policy positions and solutions- Use the concepts, work and experience of The Difference’s programmes to develop new, and refine existing, national policy positions to shift incentives. 

• Thought leadership - Be the organisation’s education policy and political expert. 

• Generating income - Use own and team’s expertise and credibility to generate income via speaking engagements and consultancy to support the organisation’s financial sustainability. 

Person Specification

Essential – We are looking for someone with the following knowledge, experience and skills, though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
 

• Deep expertise in education policy, particularly on the topic of lost learning and the various policy and political debates, including areas of controversy, surrounding this policy topic. 

• Strategic thinker with a proven track record in identifying policy windows and designing activities that lead to meaningful national policy change. 

• Excellent relationship builder, who brings with them their own network of influential stakeholders and has a plan for building new relationships. Adept at navigating tricky situations and explaining complex, sometimes difficult, messages.

• Expert convener with a strong knowledge of the education sector, including which schools, trusts and local authorities are influential and experience in bringing a variety of perspectives together to generate consensus. 

• Persuasive and clear writing style for publication, including reports, press, blogs and ghost writing for members of the senior leadership team, often based on consensus positions, and designed to communicate key messages for impact. 

• Confidence and credibility in communicating nuanced messages in a contentious landscape, in writing, verbally and in public (e.g. on panels), to raise the profile of The Difference. 

• Strong project manager who can design systems and processes to keep self, team and other stakeholders on task and on time. Experience of designing programmes of work and monitoring their effectiveness. Flexible project management style that can adapt to a changing environment. Confidence in managing a variety of stakeholders and supporting them to deliver on time. 

Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following: 

• Familiarity with The Difference’s programmatic work, theory and practice. 

• Lived experience or insight into the school experiences of marginalised young people (e.g. those with experience of the care system, mental ill health, special educational needs, exclusion, and racism).

We know that some people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply unless they meet every listed requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you could make a strong contribution, we warmly encourage you to apply. 

We actively welcome applications from people whose backgrounds are under-represented in the charity sector, including but not limited to: people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the case system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.

At Ambitious about Autism, we are currently looking for a Trust Fundraiser to join our team.

This role will be a key part of our Philanthropy team, working on securing funding from charitable trusts and foundations with the capacity to give up to £30,000. The Philanthropy team is highly regarded, consistently bringing in over half of our organisation's total voluntary income.

You'll research, identify and drive forward new income opportunities, maintain relationships with existing donors and ensure our supporters have an excellent experience through giving to us. You'll deliver high quality, written applications and reports to trusts and foundations, in line with funder deadlines and keep in touch with donors and prospects via phone, virtually and in face-to-face meetings and visits.

We are looking for someone who has:

• The ability to manage a task or project from conception to completion and meeting set deadlines
• The ability to engage, inspire, manage and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent interpersonal written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to think creatively and innovatively to generate income in line with the organisational strategy
• Excellent organisational, prioritisation and time management skills in order to work to tight deadlines in a busy environment

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Team Manager – Safer Renting

Salary: £38,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Location:  London SE17 / Hybrid working

Are you passionate about housing justice and protecting renters’ rights? Join Cambridge House as a Team Manager in our Safer Renting Team and make a real difference in the lives of private renters.

As part of our dynamic team, you will:

• Lead and inspire a team of tenancy rights caseworkers, ensuring high-quality advice and casework services.
• Support and develop your team, managing performance and well-being to help them thrive.
• Deliver expert tenancy rights advice and advocacy.
• Shape the future of our service, contributing to research, campaigns, and service development initiatives.

We’re looking for someone with strong leadership skills, a commitment to social justice, and experience in housing advice or casework. If you’re ready to empower renters and drive positive change, we’d love to hear from you.

Why join us?

• Competitive salary of £38,000 per annum
• Permanent, full-time role with opportunities for growth
• Be part of a mission-driven organisation making a tangible impact
• Hybrid and Flexible working arrangements
• Join an organisation with a diverse and incredible group of people providing pioneering and high-quality services.

To apply please download the recruitment pack. .Completed applications  should be emailed to us and must include your CV ( which should include 2 reference contacts)  and a supporting statement outlining your interest and suitabilty for the role . You will also be asked to complete and return our Diversity monitoring form and Criminal Records Declaration form, both of which can be found on our recruitment page. The sucessful applicant will need to undergo a  DBS check (enhanced) .   Interviews will be held on Saturday 14th February 2026.

ASSIST Trauma Care is one of the leading UK providers of therapy for the psychological effects of trauma and, in particular, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. We are seeking a Specialist Children’s Trauma Therapist to work throughout Northants/Rugby.

You would be required to deliver trauma-focused CBT to children affected by trauma. 

You must be experienced in working with children, delivering CBT techniques, and have a minimum of post-diploma experience in working with psychological trauma.

The Talent Set are delighted to partner with Tommy’s on a fantastic Deputy Marketing Director role. This pivotal position offers an opportunity for a strategic leader to shape and drive next level growth for baby and pregnancy charity Tommy’s, making a meaningful difference through striking brand activity, innovative campaigns, engaging content and storytelling and impactful digital marketing.

The Deputy Marketing Director will raise awareness and consideration of the Tommy’s brand, bring more people to the charity for support and market the charity to target audiences, businesses and potential donors and fundraisers.

This is a particularly exciting moment to join Tommy’s as an organisation. We have recently unveiled a new creative brand platform and in the delivery phase of a 5-year growth strategy. With maternity care firmly in the public spotlight, there is also significant opportunity to shape the conversation, build momentum and extend our reach. We are seeking someone creative and proactive to lead this next chapter, helping to translate increased visibility into meaningful change to help bring more babies home.

About the Charity
Their vision: To stop the heartbreak and devastation of baby loss and make pregnancy and birth safe – for everyone.

Their mission: Tommy’s leads research and transforms care. They provide expert information and support throughout the pregnancy journey. Working with communities and partners, Tommy’s challenges inequities and campaigns for change to make pregnancy and birth safer for all. Together, we save babies’ lives.

Marketing & Engagement directorate vision: To make Tommy’s unmissable as a household name and a fundraising cause. The directorate encompasses, Marketing, Communications and Campaigns, Public Fundraising and Digital and Innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the marketing team to deliver integrated brand and marketing campaigns that raise awareness of Tommy’s mission and impact through research and provision of support among the target audiences
• Develop and implement comprehensive marketing strategies aligned with the organisation’s mission and goal
• Oversee the creation and execution of multi-channel campaigns, ensuring clear messaging and impactful delivery
• Cultivate relationships with external partners and stakeholders to enhance brand visibility and support fundraising efforts
• Manage budgets and resources effectively, ensuring maximum return on investment
• Use data and insight to understand audience, channels and brand and to guide the strategy, planning and execution
• Set and track marketing OKRs, KPIs and budgets, evaluating progress, performance and delivery
• Lead on content, audience and stories strategies
• Drive the digital marketing strategy, growing social media presence, optimising SEO, digital campaigns, SEM and website content
• Support our income and growth through promoting public fundraising activities and supporting corporate partnerships 

Person Specification

• Demonstrated experience in strategic marketing leadership and brand development and engagement within the non-profit or charity sector
• Proven ability to develop impactful campaigns across digital, print, and media channels
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and inspire diverse audiences
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively
• Proficiency in marketing analytics and data-driven decision-making
• Commitment to the values of the organisation and a demonstrable interest in the pregnancy and baby sector
• Ability to work collaboratively with various teams and external partners

What’s on Offer

• Salary: £60,000-£64,000

• Permanent
• Location: London, hybrid – 2 days in the office per week

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV demonstrating your suitability for this role by clicking the 'apply now' button (please do not apply via email). We aim to get back to all successful candidates within 48 working hours.

Commitment to Diversity
The Talent Set are committed to diverse and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, disability, or age. We actively encourage applications from a wide range of backgrounds and are always happy to make reasonable adjustments to ensure a fair recruitment process.

At Ambitious about Autism, we're currently looking for a Head of Philanthropy to join our Fundraising team.

You'll lead, oversee and implement ambitious plans, as set out in the new fundraising strategy and enabling us to fully capitalise on the opportunities presented over the next few years, with a focus on the development of a major donor strategy, growing our profile and supporting a high-performing Philanthropy team. Alongside this you will personally manage a portfolio of high value solicitations, resulting in 6- and 7-figure gifts.

You'll evaluate each income stream and develop plans aligned with fundraising strategy, ensuring these translate into deliverable objectives. You'll play a key role in the development of fundraising appeals, including large scale proposals and approaches, as well as developing creative and compelling funding applications to engage new supporters.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Proven experience of planning and implementing successful major donor fundraising programmes
• Proven experience of securing high-value major gifts
• An understanding of trends and developments across the sector and demonstrable knowledge of best practice in major donors, trusts and foundations fundraising
• Experience of financial management of expenditure budgets including setting, accurate forecasting and achieving financial and non-financial targets

In return, we offer great benefits including a generous holiday allowance and commitment to continued professional development (CPD), flexible, hybrid working and more!

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious individual who would like to work for a forward-thinking, open and honest organisation and make a real impact to the young people we work with. Please find our full recruitment pack on the link below.

If you have any questions about the role or would like to have a confidential chat, please contact James Axford, Recruitment Officer.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.

Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Liberty is looking for a skilled manager with strong political instincts to step into the exciting role of Interim Head of Policy & Campaigns for a period of twelve months. We will be implementing a bold new strategy in a rapidly changing external environment, where existential threats to human rights and civil liberties give our work a renewed sense of urgency. This is an opportunity to help deliver high-impact campaigns that seek to influence policy at national level. You will be well supported by a highly skilled peer group and senior leadership and will lead a team of four Policy & Campaigns Officers to deliver innovative, politically insightful campaigns.

The Interim Head of Policy & Campaigns will play a key role in successfully implementing parts of Liberty’s new strategy. The role will oversee the development and implementation of Liberty’s policy and campaigning priorities: undertaking high quality research, influencing decision makers, building coalitions, producing policy and campaign materials, providing policy input to strategic litigation, and building public and political support for Liberty’s work.

We are seeking someone with strong political influencing experience who holds Liberty’s values and ambitions close to their heart, as we work to ensure everyone in the United Kingdom is treated fairly, with dignity and respect. This is a key role in securing the long-term policy change needed to protect the human rights and civil liberties of everyone who lives in the UK.

We are looking for a strategic leader who brings a collaborative approach to their work. You will have policy and research experience in human rights, or a related field such as the equality sector or social welfare sector. You will have a strong understanding of how to secure policy change in challenging political environments.

You will have a strong commitment to Liberty’s anti-oppression values and strategy.

Liberty fully embraces flexible working and is committed to employee development. We aim to encourage people from all backgrounds to work with us and are particularly interested in hearing from people from minority backgrounds and all socio-economic sections of society. Liberty supports hybrid working, with a minimum of two days per week in the Westminster office.

The deadline for applications is 9am Monday 26 January 2026

Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.

Please be aware that we do not accept CVs for this role. All applicants must complete the application form to apply.

First round interviews will be held on Wednesday 4 February

Second round interview will be held on Wednesday 11 February

Apply via the job board on our website.

In September 2025 Oxford opened its new home for humanities, the state-of-the-art Stephen A.  Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities. Building on our successes in recent years, we are growing the team with a new senior fundraising role that will work with world-class academics and artists in our faculties and in the Centre’s cultural programming.

In addition to housing a Humanities Library and 7 academic faculties, the Schwarzman Centre includes a world-class, purpose-built concert hall space, theatre, cinema and ‘black box’ performance space, creating a new home for music, film, performing arts and visual arts in Oxford and transforming the experience for students, academics and the local community. The building will create a step change in the visual and performing arts in Oxford, establishing a central base for the Music faculty and History of Art department while offering exciting potential for collaboration with the Ruskin School of Art.

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. We are looking for a new senior fundraiser to join our energetic team to raise major gifts for a range of posts, scholarships and other priorities across the Humanities Division.  Oxford is the world’s leading university for humanities teaching and research. The University’s scholarship in languages, literature, history, philosophy, religion, and the arts – from the earliest civilisation to the present day – enriches our understanding of humankind. Our research informs how we engage with historic issues and contemporary concerns, and contributes to our understanding of – and solutions to – some of the most complex global challenges, from climate change to the impacts of Artificial Intelligence.

 About the Role

This fundraiser will work closely with senior academics in the Humanities Division. The post will focus primarily on funding for posts and scholarships in the academic faculties as well as securing support for the activities of the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities, including the programme of public events that will start taking place in the building from spring 2026. An interest and appreciation for the arts and humanities is essential. 

To Be Successful You’ll Need:

· To be an experienced development professional with a strong track record of securing major gifts and the ability to secure gifts in the range of £100k-£1m+

· Confidence to work with people from a range of backgrounds, both internally and externally

· The ability to think creatively in prospecting, cultivation and stewardship by identifying and maximising opportunities

· To work well as part of a team, with the capacity to work independently on projects and priorities

· A passion for the arts and humanities, and an awareness of the funding landscape in the UK and internationally

What We Offer

As an employer, we value the wellbeing and development of all our employees. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

· 38 days annual leave (including public holidays)

· Hybrid working arrangements for a healthy work-life balance

· Extensive personal and professional development opportunities

· Membership to CASE to support your professional development as an educational advancement professional

· Supportive childcare services and other family-friendly leave schemes for working parents, guardians and those with caring responsibilities

· Generous family leave for maternity, adoption, paternity, and shared parental leave

· Excellent contributory pension scheme for your financial future

· Salary sacrifice scheme for additional savings

· Subsidised sports centre membership to promote well-being

· Cycle loan scheme to encourage sustainable commuting

· Discounted bus and transit travel

In addition, you will have access to a vibrant community with social groups and sports clubs fostering an inclusive atmosphere.

 Application process:

· Click the link to ‘Apply’ and follow the on-screen instructions. You will be taken to our online Applicant portal.

· Applications should consist of a full CV and a letter of application in your own words, in PDF format (maximum of 2 pages; no AI-written applications, please) outlining your motivations to apply for this role, your relevant experience and how you meet the criteria of the person specification.

Only applications received before 12.00 noon on Monday 19 January 2026 can be considered.

Interviews are currently scheduled to take place on Tuesday 27 January 2026, in person in Oxford.

 Development and Alumni Engagement is committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills and experiences. We encourage applicants from all sectors of the community and are especially keen to encourage candidates from under-represented groups to apply.

Charity Operations Manager

Location: Remote / Cambridge (1 days per week in the office)
Hours: 37.5 per week
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 per annum
Reporting to: Managing Director
Term: Permanent

Aquilas is delighted to be partnering with Royal Papworth Charity to recruit a Charity Operations Manager to play a key role in the delivery of the charity's strategic objectives, ensuring effective governance, operational oversight, and stakeholder engagement across a diverse portfolio of grant-funded hospital projects.

We are looking for an experienced and motivated person who wants to drive transformational change across the entire charity. If you have Charity, Operations, Governance or NHS grant giving experience please take a look.

About the Charity:

Royal Papworth Charity plays a vital role in ensuring that Royal Papworth Hospital is able to offer superior facilities, exceptional patient care and an enhanced patient experience thanks to the generosity of our supporters. We provides grants to support transformational projects across the hospital, many of which have a direct and immediate impact on our patients, their families and our staff. 

Royal Papworth Hospital is the UK's leading heart and lung hospital, delivering care to more than 50,000 patients a year in its new state-of-the-art hospital in Cambridge.

About the role:

This is a leadership role responsible for the operational delivery of a diverse portfolio of grant-funded projects across the Trust, driving innovation in patient care and clinical excellence.

The postholder will oversee the charity's governance, compliance, and financial operations, ensuring robust systems are in place to support effective decision-making and strategic delivery. Working closely with clinical teams, senior managers, and external stakeholders, the Charity Operations Manager will play a central role in translating strategic priorities into impactful, well-governed programmes.

Person Specication:

• Demonstrates good levels of financial acumen including the management of financial budgets.
• Experience of leading or working in complex project teams within an organisation.
• Proven ability to influence, inspire and effectively manage staff.
• Experience of working across organisations on projects.
• Understanding the significance of national developments and their impact at a local, regional level.
• Sound knowledge in the use of information technology and its application in practice.
• Ability to analyse and interpret data.
• Experience in writing development propositions.
• Experience presenting complex, sensitive or contentious information to a wide range of stakeholders with varied backgrounds.
• Analyses multiple demands on the service and resources, while balancing needs against available resources. Assesses likely impact on local service of national developments.
• Ability to provide and receive highly complex and sensitive commercial information. Experience working with complex facts or situations which require analysis, interpretation and evaluation of a range of options.
• Plan and organise broad range of complex activities; formulates, adjusts plans or strategies.
• Ability to communicate across organisational boundaries effectively.
• Excellent oral and written skills, with experience in using PowerPoint for report writing.
• Excellent attention to detail. Ensuring data and reports are presented to a high-quality standard.
• Presentation skills and the ability to present to a range of groups and individuals.

To Apply:

To receive a candidate pack or arrange a confidential conversation, please contact:

Kieran McGorrian, Head of Not for Profit Appointments, Aquilas 

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Liverpool Zoe’s Place (LZP) to recruit its first Chief Executive Officer.

Zoe's Place was founded in Liverpool in 1995 as the first hospice in the UK specifically providing for the needs of babies and younger children. Liverpool Zoe’s Place (LZP) was established in December 2024 and took over full responsibility for the management of the hospice on May 1st 2025. In late 2024 the people of Liverpool, the North West, and even further afield helped us to raise more than £7,000,000 to secure the future of our hospice, and to build a state-of-the-art new facility in West Derby.

Our team of specialist nurses and healthcare assistants are supported by a wide range of other healthcare professionals to provide respite care, therapies and bereavement care to babies and children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families.

As Chief Executive, you will:

· Bring inspirational leadership to the LZP.

· Manage, plan and implement LZP’s strategy.

· Ensure the Hospice provides and promotes excellent clinical care.

If you are inspired and excited by what Liverpool Zoe’s Place does, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive Officer

Salary: £75,000 - £80,000 p.a.

Contract: Permanent / Full-time

Location: Zoe's Place, Yew Tree Lane, West Derby, Liverpool, L12 9HH

How to apply:

Please review the Recruitment Pack for further information about Liverpool Zoe’s Place, the CEO position and for details on how to apply.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 13th February 2026

Both Liverpool Zoe’s Place and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

About the Role​​

Based in the UK, this role will play a central role in managing and supporting the recruitment and onboarding of multiple project delivery roles across various countries, whilst also offering HR support to an ambitious FCDO-funded global safeguarding programme. The postholder will oversee the full recruitment lifecycle for direct hires, from job posting and candidate screening to interview coordination and onboarding, while also supporting partner organisations by coordinating their HR processes with the programme central team.​

This is a full-time, 18-month fixed-term contract. This is an 18-month fixed-term contract available on a full-time basis or as a four-day week role. As an organisation, we support flexible working arrangements, which can be discussed at the interview stage.​​

Main responsibilities​

Human Resources:

• Serve as the primary HR contact for all programme and partner HR matters, providing first-line HR advice to staff and managers, escalating complex issues to the central HR team as needed.

• Oversee the delivery and improvement of HR guidance, leading workforce planning, succession planning, and talent management.

•Oversee the annual performance management cycle, onboarding, and exit processes, supporting continuous improvement of HR systems.

• Act as the Programme Safeguarding Focal Point, monitoring and improving adherence to HR and safeguarding standards, and with support, leading investigations and reporting under the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

​

Resourcing/Recruitment Coordination & Delivery:

• Lead the design and delivery of recruitment strategy for all SDDirect recruited roles, coordinating the full recruitment lifecycle using the company applicant tracking system (ATS), including job posting across platforms (LinkedIn, Devex, ReliefWeb, and social media), screening, longlisting, shortlisting, interview scheduling, reference checks, and onboarding administration.

• Act as the central communication point between internal teams and partners, ensuring timely flow of accurate information between hiring managers, partner HR, and recruitment leads, and supporting resourcing and recruitment activities led by partner organisations to ensure alignment with project policies. ​​

Skills and Experience:

• Minimum 7 years' experience in recruitment coordination and/or HR roles, ideally within international development or humanitarian programmes.

• Proven experience managing multi-country recruitment processes, including coordination with partner organisations and remote teams.

• Proficiency in using recruitment platforms (e.g. LinkedIn, Devex, ReliefWeb) and applicant tracking systems (ATS). 

• Excellent project management and diary coordination skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities across time zones. 

• Demonstrated advanced stakeholder engagement experience with diverse stakeholders, including internal teams, consultants, and partners.

• High level of attention to detail, especially in documentation, compliance, and GDPR-aligned record keeping.​​​

Please follow the link to our website ​​for a full description of the role's responsibilities, duties, and person specification.

​

How to Apply​

​If you are interested in joining our dynamic team, please refer to the Person Specification and submit your tailored CV via our careers website. The deadline for applying is Sunday, 1st February 2026.

Due to the high volume of applications, we are only able to respond to shortlisted candidates.​

Please note that the selected candidate must have the right to work in the UK.​

Our Selection Process​

Social Development Direct’s organisational vision is a just and equal world founded on gender equality and social inclusion. Our mission is to provide excellence in social development to support policies, laws, social norms and institutions that advance social, economic and political justice for all. We are committed to creating a safe, diverse, and inclusive workplace and welcome people from underrepresented groups to apply.​

The selection process for this recruitment process will include an assessment and a competency-based interview with the hiring teams virtually via Microsoft Teams ​

For those who are invited to interview, we may process information about whether or not applicants have a disability or impairment so we can make adjustments during the recruitment process and implement the Disability Confident scheme. Our HR team will ask you to confirm that you have read our privacy notice and consent to providing this information before doing so. Our full privacy notice can be read on our careers page. ​

​Should you have any enquiries or need assistance or accommodations to ensure accessibility throughout the application process, please contact the HR team using the details on our advertising page.