Development officer jobs in Bristol

The development officer supports World Physiotherapy’s global development programmes and initiatives, working closely with the development programme manager and senior development officer. The role contributes to projects that strengthen the physiotherapy profession worldwide through programme development, donor engagement, grant support, project administration, stakeholder communications, and the coordination of meetings and events.

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organised and proactive individual interested in global health and international development. The postholder will work with a diverse range of partners, including member organisations, donors, consultants, academic institutions, and international agencies, helping to advance projects that improve physiotherapy education, practice, and professional development around the world.

Duties and key responsibilities

The development officer will:

• Support the development and delivery of programmes that strengthen physiotherapy globally.
• Provide administrative and operational support to the development programme manager and senior development officer across a range of development initiatives.
• Assist in the identification, design, and development of new programmes and projects that support the establishment and growth of the physiotherapy profession.
• Monitor and track funding, partnership, and development opportunities relevant to World Physiotherapy’s strategic priorities.
• Support donor engagement activities and contribute to the cultivation and maintenance of donor relationships.
• Assist with the preparation of grant proposals, concept notes, reports, and other fundraising materials.
• Support the coordination, administration, and monitoring of existing development projects and programmes.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, records, and databases, ensuring compliance with organisational requirements.
• Coordinate meetings, webinars, workshops, and other activities related to membership and development programmes and partnerships.
• Manage membership and development-related enquiries and assist with follow-up communications with stakeholders and partners.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including member organisations, partners, funders, and consultants.
• Contribute to the preparation of project updates, communications, presentations, and reports as required.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the role and level of responsibility.

Education and qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy, international development, global or public health, or related field
• Commitment to ongoing professional development in governance or non-profit management.

Essential experience and skills

• Experience within the health, education, regulatory, international development sector highly regarded.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience coordinating projects and supporting committees or governance processes.
• Experience in fundraising and/or writing grant proposals.
• Ability to work independently within a hybrid environment.
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders.
• Experience in Microsoft suite/excel.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the physiotherapy profession and the role of professional associations in advancing healthcare and rehabilitation.
• Experience working with international professional associations, non-governmental organisations, or health-related organisations.
• Experience engaging and collaborating with stakeholders from diverse cultural and geographic backgrounds.
• Understanding of global health, rehabilitation, or international development programmes.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in Spanish or French (highly desirable) or another language in addition to English.

Personal attributes

• Highly organised, proactive, and detail oriented.
• Strong integrity and commitment to transparency and accountability.
• Collaborative, diplomatic, and skilled in stakeholder management.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strategic thinker with a practical, solution-oriented mindset.

Impact of the role

The development officer will support programmes and partnerships that strengthen the physiotherapy profession globally. Through assisting with programme development, fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and project coordination, the postholder will help World Physiotherapy deliver initiatives that build workforce capacity, support member organisations, and improve access to high-quality rehabilitation services worldwide.