Head of humanitarian programmes jobs

About GNDR

We are the Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), the largest global network of organisations committed to working together to improve the lives of people affected by disasters worldwide. Since being established in 2007, we have grown into a network of over 2,000 member organisations across 130+ countries, representing millions of people on the frontlines of hazards, climate change and mass displacement. Through transformative, evidence-led programming and powerful advocacy, we are driving climate action and disaster resilience alongside our members across the globe.

About the role

GNDR is seeking a motivated and strategic leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as our new Head of Operations. 

With the launch of our 2026–2030 Global Strategy, this is a defining moment to shape how GNDR functions and ensure our global network is equipped to deliver real impact.

In this role, you will set the operational vision that underpins our strategy, ensuring our systems, people, and resources are aligned, sustainable, and future‑ready. You will lead all core operational functions, building the strong operational foundation that enables GNDR to thrive. Working closely with teams across regions, you will ensure our operations are coherent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of our members and the communities we serve.

If you’re driven by the opportunity to shape organisational excellence, strengthen global operations, and create the conditions for meaningful change, we’d love to hear from you.

Overall scope of the role

The remit of this post will cover the following core responsibilities:

• Strategic financial oversight
• Funding, grants and partnerships
• People, culture and organisational development
• Systems, logistics and IT
• Legal, risk and compliance
• Governance and board support
• Strategic leadership
• Line management and team development

Candidate requirements

We are ideally seeking candidates with:

• Expert financial stewardship, including management of grant‑funded budgets, financial controls, reporting, procurement, and supplier partnerships
• Operational and governance leadership spanning finance, HR, IT, compliance, risk, and organisational systems
• Inclusive people and culture leadership, with HR expertise and experience supporting cross‑cultural, geographically dispersed teams
• Strong digital capability, from driving digital transformation to confidently using finance, HR, and IT systems
• Strategic and organisational development skills, including planning, project oversight, risk management, and guiding teams through change
• Senior‑level strategic leadership, contributing to organisational direction and fostering effective cross‑team collaboration
• A deep commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and alignment with GNDR’s mission and values

Eligibility

Eligible candidates must have the right to work in the UK.  Candidates will need to be able to travel internationally when necessary. 

This role is primarily remote. We’ll ensure you have a safe and appropriate remote working setup, and we’re open to discussing flexible working arrangements as part of the recruitment process. Our hybrid working approach is currently under review, so there may be occasional in‑person meetups in London in the future, subject to ongoing consultation.

Please note that all offers of employment at GNDR are conditional and subject to satisfactory background checks.

We encourage applications from people who meet most of the essential criteria listed in the job description below. You don’t need to tick every single box to be considered. We recognise that strong candidates may bring relevant strengths and experience in different ways, and we don’t want this to deter you from applying. If you can demonstrate a solid overall match with the role, we’d love to hear from you.

For a full job description and person specification please follow the link below.

Start date

We are ideally looking for candidates who are available to start as early as possible. However, we recognise that availability may vary due to individual notice periods, and we are happy to accommodate some flexibility where possible.

How to apply

Please submit an up to date copy of your CV (max. two A4 pages) and a cover letter (max. one A4 page) outlining skills and experience relevant to the role by email to our HR team. Please include in the subject of the email, the following: “Application for the Head of Operations role”.

Please note: we are unable to accept incomplete applications.

Contact information of our HR team are availble on our website, please follow the application link below.

Closing date

11 March 2026 at 12pm (GMT)

Due to the high volume of applications we expect to receive for this role, we may not be able to provide individual feedback. However, we will endeavour to contact all applicants to update them on the outcome of their application.

Interview

Week commencing 16 March 2026

Please note: The interview process usually consists of two online stages, which may include a role‑specific task. Candidates who are successful at the shortlisting stage will be invited to a first online interview. If you progress from there, you’ll be invited to a second‑stage interview, where we may also ask you to complete a task assessment. Interviews are typically conducted by a panel of two to three people, including the hiring manager. We encourage applicants to let us know about any adjustments needed to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible and equitable.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion 

We are dedicated to creating a team that embodies the rich diversity of the society and communities we serve. Our commitment lies in cultivating an inclusive environment, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented ethnicities, nationalities, socioeconomic circumstances, LGBTQIA+ and individuals with disabilities. We celebrate the unique experiences and perspectives that every candidate brings and are dedicated to ensuring fair and equitable opportunities for all.

We’re committed to making our recruitment process as accessible and inclusive as possible for individuals of all needs and abilities. If you require any adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, please contact us. Contact information are available on our website, please visit our jobs pages.

Our benefits and wellbeing

At GNDR, we are committed to cultivating a happy and healthy working environment for all our staff. We provide a competitive salary and benefits package across all of our locations.  Find out more about our approach to wellbeing and our benefits on our website.

Flexible working

In order to support and encourage a healthy work-life balance for our staff, we are happy to consider flexible working requests as part of our recruitment process. As a global organisation, most staff work remotely depending on their role and location. 

If you have any questions on any of the above information or if you have any specific requirements that would enable you to participate more fully in the recruitment process,  please contact our recruitment team.

First Give

First Give is a national charity that partners with secondary schools to inspire and equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to drive change. Through our structured programmes, students explore social issues, connect with charities, and take tangible steps to improve their community.

Empowering and equipping young people to meaningfully contribute to their community is a first step to addressing many of the challenges we face at this time of social disconnection and division. Our vision is of a more generous society where everyone is willing and able to give their time, money and skills to the causes they care about.

The Route to a Million Campaign

This is an exciting time for First Give, as we seek to expand and diversify our fundraising streams into Corporate and HNWI. To support this, we are launching the Route to A Million campaign in March, aiming to raise an additional £1.5 million over the next 3 years on top of our forecast income. The campaign is supported by a newly recruited campaign board, and the new Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships will spearhead the work required to achieve this target.

Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic and entrepreneurial Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships to supercharge First Give’s next phase of income growth. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our mission, offering the opportunity to shape and deliver a multi‑year fundraising strategy that fuels real, measurable impact for young people and society as a whole. First Give is a small charity, with a growing fundraising team and big ambitions. You will therefore be someone who thrives in a start-up environment, brings new ideas to the table and is comfortable leading a brand-new team.

As the senior leader for all income streams, you will own and drive our major donor programme; unlock new philanthropic partnerships; and build a talented team across other income streams to achieve ambitious goals. Working closely with the Director and our emerging Campaign Board, you will play critical role in growing our £1m+ annual income, deepening donor engagement and building the culture, systems and relationships that will propel First Give into its next phase of expansion.

This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional fundraiser who thrives in a values‑driven, high‑ambition environment and wants to make a lasting contribution to a fast‑growing education charity.

Contract: Full time (35 hours per week), Permanent

Salary: £60K (+£2K London weighting if applicable)

Location: This is a hybrid contract. The successful candidate will be expected to work from our London office or attend in-person meetings and host donors at school Final events as required. The remainder of the week can typically be worked remotely, with flexibility as required.

The students we work with come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and so do we.  We want to foster a diverse and inclusive culture, to empower our teams to achieve our vision drawing on the broadest possible range of experiences. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates from minoritised groups currently underrepresented on our executive team, particularly black and minority ethnic and disabled candidates.

Please download the candidate pack for more details, and don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like a chat about the role or any reasonable adjustments we can make before applying: contact details provided in the candidate pack.

This is your chance to lead the charge on impact! You will build and roll out our Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework to capture the real difference we make and share it with everyone from funders to supporters.

You will be the bridge between data and impact, translating insights into compelling stories that demonstrate our outcomes whilst strengthening our programmes, partnerships, and strategic direction.

We need someone who:

• Has humanitarian or not-for-profit sector experience
• Can spot trends, distil key insights, and turn them into actionable intelligence for fundraising and programme strategy
• Is passionate about improving the lives of displaced people worldwide
• Brings sharp analytical skills to optimise how we direct resources where they're needed most
• Can communicate data-driven insights in ways that build trust and inspire action

Your work will ensure that Choose Love's resources create maximum impact for displaced communities. If you're ready to combine your analytical prowess with purpose-driven work, we'd love to hear from you!

• Being based in London, United Kingdom (UK) and having the right to work in the UK is essential 
• Those who have applied to this role previously need not apply

Communications Manager

Part-time: 18.75 hours per week (0.5 FTE)

Contract duration: Fixed term until 30 June 2026, with strong likelihood of extension

Line managed by: Head of Policy & Engagement

Location: Remote within the UK (with occasional travel as needed)

Salary: £40,000 FTE (£20,000 pro rata)

About GISF and Protect Aid Workers (PAW)

The Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF) is a member-led NGO network working to strengthen security risk management across the humanitarian and development sectors. With over 150 member organisations, GISF provides resources, convening spaces, and expertise to help keep aid workers safe.

Protect Aid Workers (PAW) is a multi-partner mechanism that supports humanitarian personnel who have experienced serious security incidents while carrying out their work. PAW provides financial assistance and access to legal support to aid workers and their families following critical incidents, including detention, serious injury, kidnapping, or death. The mechanism aims to fill gaps in protection and support where organisational or national systems are insufficient. PAW is delivered through a consortium of partners, including GISF, Legal Action Worldwide, and Protect Humanitarians, and funded by the European Commission.

About the role

GISF is seeking a Communications Manager (0.5 FTE) to lead a high-quality, high-impact communications for the Protect Aid Workers (PAW) initiative, ensuring strong, consistent, and compelling public-facing outputs that amplify the programme’s impact and visibility across partner and audiences. The role will be embedded within the PAW programme, while reporting into the GISF Secretariat under the line management of the Head of Policy and Engagement.

Key responsibilities

Lead on priority PAW communications deliverables, including:

Human stories and case-based communications

• Work closely with PAW case managers to identify suitable stories of aid workers who received support from the PAW mechanism following an incident
• Develop and produce compelling written and visual human stories with consideration of sensitivities
• Translate case learnings into accessible comms products

Design and visual communications

• Develop and maintain PAW graphic templates and visual assets
• Produce partner comms kits, social media assets and visual toolkits
• Ensure consistent branding across all PAW outputs, including materials produced by partners

Events and external engagement

• Support the events team with communications needs for key programmatic events
• Develop event-specific comms plans, materials, and live outputs
• Coordinate with PAW partners to align messaging

Other

• Provide additional communications support as needed

Person specifications

• Demonstrable experience leading communications for complex programmes, partnerships, or campaigns
• Experience developing human stories end-to-end, from identifying suitable cases to final presentation
• Competence in graphic design tools, particularly InDesign and Canva
• Proven experience producing high-quality visual materials, including templates, toolkits, or brand assets
• Ability to turn ideas into clear, visually engaging products (infographics, reports, slide decks etc)
• Strong writing skills for different audiences
• Experience leading communications for events

Attributes

• Strong judgment and sensitivity when handling difficult subject matters
• Ability to build trust with partners and beneficiaries
• Commitment to high-quality delivery and collaborative working style

NRC UK was established in 2020 with the main objective of strengthening the profile, outreach, and impact of the Norwegian Refugee Council as a humanitarian organisation in the United Kingdom. We work to leverage relationships with UK foundations, corporates and private philanthropists to secure funding that enables NRC to deliver its mission and improve the lives of people displaced by conflict.  We also work to influence stakeholders and partners in the UK in order to influence their humanitarian policies and practices.

You are likely to be in the early stages of your career, interested and experienced in humanitarian work and ready to lend your hands-on organisational and administrative skills to to enable the advocacy and fundraising work of the UK Director, the Private Partnerships Special Adviser and the rest of the core team based in the London office.

You will bring enthusiasm and ability to work confidently and independently with guidance and supervision on a range of external-facing administrative tasks including communications, relationship management, note-taking and record-keeping, desk research & analysis and event organisation.

These tasks and responsibilities will support NRC UK in the implementation of our strategy and action plans on private fundraising and external engagement and will also provide support to the Director in delegated areas on a full range of activities in the UK including advocacy, institutional funding, strategic partnerships, compliance and office management.

Please note this role is offered at 80% of FTE (4 days per week).

Responsibilities

1. Support the Private Sector Partnerships Specialist Adviser (50%) and the UK Director (50%) to deliver on key tasks required in order to meet NRC UK’s private fundraising and broader objectives. 

2. Provide administrative support to the Specialist Adviser on tasks necessary to meet fundraising targets, including communications and relationship management, prospect research, due diligence, meeting and event organisation. 

3. Provide administrative support to the UK Director including communications, organising and attending both external and internal meetings and events, taking notes and minutes, research and analysis, document preparation and coordinating input into internal reports including the annual report. 

4. Provide additional ad-hoc administrative support to the NRC UK team as required. 

5. The Officer will be required to execute existing workplans and meet objectives and deadlines with oversight and support from Adviser and Director. 

Qualifications

• 3 years of progressive professional experience (preferably within the UK Third Sector) in business development, advocacy, fundraising and/or general administrative duties 
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, Politics, Law, Communications, International Relations or a relevant field.  Equivalent experience will be accepted instead of qualifications. 
• Demonstrable experience in prospect research and ability to identify partnership opportunities based on criteria provided by NRC 
• Demonstrable interest in humanitarian issues, with clear understanding of ethical and principled humanitarian approaches. 
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal 
• Applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK 

Job Profile

Reporting to the Managing Director, you will lead on the recruitment, retention, and value growth of Afghanaid’s supporter base by directing and implementing communications, fundraising and engagement strategies, aligned with broader organisation goals. Designing and managing a tight budget, you will direct the Communication and Giving unit to maximise their success.

You will provide strategic and supervisory oversight of fundraising income from individual giving, regular giving, major donors, trusts and foundations, corporates, community and student fundraising and events, managing annual fundraising appeals and driving organisational unrestricted income growth. 

You will lead on communications for Afghanaid, overseeing print, digital, and paid marketing activities and the growth of communications channels. You will execute Afghanaid’s organisational brand strategy which ensures the integrity of the brand and maximises awareness. You will manage all public relations including crisis communications, as well as the growth of strategic media placements and high profile relationships. You will drive the success of organisational impact storytelling and communications for both internal and external stakeholders. As a member of the executive department, you will collaborate and synergise with other departments to promote organisational success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive organisational strategy, culture and cross-department collaboration to advance Afghanaid’s mission and objectives.

• Lead development and delivery of Communications, Engagement and Fundraising strategies and work plans.

• Line manage and develop a high-performing team, including staff, volunteers and interns.

• Build and maintain relationships with consultants, agencies and pro bono partners.

• Oversee budgets, reporting and data-driven performance management to ensure efficiency and impact.

• Promote a positive and cohesive London team environment, coordinating hybrid working, inductions and HR support.

• Oversee public fundraising strategy across multiple income streams.

• Lead design and delivery of internal and external appeals, campaigns and donor stewardship.

• Identify new funding opportunities, partnerships and innovation in engagement.

• Oversee the full range of Afghanaid’s event portfolio, and attend relevant events to represent Afghanaid;

• Ensure effective CRM management, data integrity and financial reconciliation.

• Serve as brand guardian, ensuring consistency and evolution of Afghanaid’s identity.

• Oversee creation and execution of integrated communications and marketing plans.

• Direct production of engaging digital and print content, including newsletters, social media, and fundraising collateral.

• Manage website optimisation, SEO and analytics to drive engagement and conversions.

• Lead innovation in digital marketing, email campaigns and supporter journeys.

• Advise leadership on reputation management and crisis communications.

• Develop media policies and act as spokesperson when required.

• Manage proactive and reactive media relations, building relationships with journalists, influencers and advocates.

• Promote Afghanaid’s thought leadership through strategic storytelling and public commentary.

• Commission and direct multimedia content to strengthen organisational storytelling.

• Lead content planning, production and performance analysis.

• Champion participatory storytelling approaches and creative innovation.

Undertake any other duties as and when required by the line director.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

You will be an experienced and dynamic communicator with significant demonstrable experience in fundraising and/or communications at a senior level, coupled with an awareness and up to date knowledge and experience of the tools that would maximise the success of our communications and fundraising activities. In addition, you will have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to confidently build and maintain strong relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders. Possessing strong management skills, you will have experience of managing small multi-disciplinary teams, providing direction and leadership to enable development and high performance, and the ability to role-model a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion.

Education/ Training

Master’s Degree in communications, marketing, public fundraising or another relevant field (or at least 5-years’ experience).

Work Experience

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, supporter engagement or communications, with at least 2 years’ experience directly managing staff.

• Experience developing and leading integrated multi-channel and multi-stakeholder communications, engagement and/or fundraising strategies.

• Experience in growing audiences, engagement and/or income streams.

• Experience communicating about and/or fundraising for and/or maintaining engagement with Afghanistan or a similar context.

• Experience using KPIs and data to make data-driven decisions to improve efficacy and efficiency.

• Experience managing and monitoring a tight budget.

• Experience conceptualising, producing and commissioning multimedia content, from marketing and fundraising collateral to audiovisual content.

• Experience running full-funnel, multi-channel marketing strategies including paid advertising.

• Understanding of risks associated with communications, public fundraising, and NGO operating contexts, and experience in mitigating those risks.

• Experience supervising, organising, motivating and developing staff.

• In depth knowledge of trends in storytelling, brand, PR, marketing and fundraising.

Professional Skills, Competencies, Values and Attitudes

Afghanaid’s core values are creativity, fairness and honesty. Our staff is passionate about and proud of Afghanaid. Teamwork is fundamental to our standards and demonstrated by taking initiative, assisting others and taking on additional responsibilities and tasks if necessary. We are results driven, committed and motivated to achieve targets and take accountability for our own actions.

Specifically, the holder of this position should also demonstrate the following:

Essential

• Fluent in spoken and written English. 

• Track record of increasing audiences, fundraising totals and engagement metrics from multiple different sources, with a strong business development mindset.

• Experience securing five or six figure gifts from funders;

• Solutions and results orientated; energised by thinking outside the box, and by finding and pursuing novel or innovative approaches and solutions.

• Experience using Salesforce CRM and Marketing Cloud

• Skilled at spotting and prioritising opportunities and synergies, and effective in securing wide-ranging forms of engagement and partnership.

• Excellent listening, speaking and writing skills; strong capabilities of persuasion and a proven track record of uniting people around a common goal.

• Multimedia skills, with knowledge, experience and enthusiasm in driving digital innovation.

• Highly organised with strong leadership and project management skills, able to collaboratively manage competing priorities with senior and junior colleagues.

• Demonstrably skilled brand custodian, able to mitigate risks, anticipate and capitalise upon opportunities, and strengthen reputation.

• Capable of working independently as well as collaboratively, both in leading a team and as part of the team.

• Passionate about driving change, and inspiring individuals and groups to support a cause to deliver that change.

Desirable

• Experience working within an international development or humanitarian context, particularly with causes related to Afghanistan

• Strategic understanding of UK and global fundraising landscapes and emerging giving trends.

• Proven ability to represent an organisation publicly with confidence, professionalism and credibility.

• Experience guiding senior leaders or trustees on media, communications and reputational matters.

• Skilled in crisis communications and reputation management.

• Understanding of inclusive and ethical storytelling practices, with sensitivity to safeguarding considerations.

• Experience developing high-value corporate or media partnerships.

• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, resource-limited environment and adapting to changing external circumstances.

The Organisation

Afghanaid is a British humanitarian and development organisation. For over forty years, our dedicated personnel have worked with millions of families in some of the poorest and most remote communities in Afghanistan. We build basic services, improve livelihoods, strengthen the rights of women and children, help communities protect against natural disasters and adapt to climate change, and respond to humanitarian emergencies. We are headquartered in Kabul, and operate provincial and district offices across Afghanistan, as well as a Marketing and Fundraising office in London. We employ around 500 personnel, 97% of whom are Afghans.

Other Information

Afghanaid’s core values are creativity, fairness and honesty. Our staff are passionate about and proud to work at Afghanaid. Teamwork is fundamental to our standards and demonstrated by taking initiative, assisting others and taking on additional responsibilities and tasks if necessary. We are results driven, committed and motivated to achieve targets and take accountability for our own actions.

Our remuneration and benefits package is competitive with other similar organisations. 

This position presents an excellent opportunity for someone who has the ambition and determination to move up in their career.

First Give

First Give is a national charity that partners with secondary schools to inspire and equip young people with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to drive change. Through our structured programmes, students explore social issues, connect with charities, and take tangible steps to improve their community.

Empowering and equipping young people to meaningfully contribute to their community is a first step to addressing many of the challenges we face at this time of social disconnection and division. Our vision is of a more generous society where everyone is willing and able to give their time, money and skills to the causes they care about.

Corporate Parnterships Manager

We are seeking a self-motivated and driven Corporate Partnerships Manager to lead on growing and stewarding First Give’s portfolio of high-value funders. This role will focus on developing corporate partnerships and will also support our Campaign Board and major donor activity.

First Give is a small charity, with a growing fundraising team and big ambitions. You will therefore be someone who thrives in a start-up environment, brings new ideas to the table and is comfortable setting up new systems and processes. You will play a pivotal role in shaping First Give’s income growth, working closely with our Head of Philanthropy and the Director. This role will also support key engagement activities, including hosting donors at student-led Final events and facilitating employee volunteering at schools.

This is an exciting opportunity for a confident fundraiser and communicator looking for the next step in their career. Someone who thrives on strategy, storytelling, and social impact.

Contract: Full-time, 35 hours per week. Permanent.

Salary: £40K (+£2K London weighting if applicable)

Location: The successful candidate will be expected to work from our London office or attend in-person meetings and host donors at school Final events for two days per week on average. The remainder of the week can typically be worked remotely, with flexibility as required.

Reporting to: Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships

The students we work with come from a diverse range of backgrounds, and so do we.  We want to foster a diverse and inclusive culture, to empower our teams to achieve our vision drawing on the broadest possible range of experiences. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates from minoritised groups currently underrepresented on our executive team, particularly black and minority ethnic and disabled candidates.

Please download the candidate pack for more details, and don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like a chat about the role or any reasonable adjustments we can make before applying: contact details provided in the candidate pack.

**PLEASE NOTE: To apply for this vacancy, please ensure you firstly download a copy of our application form from the documents section below and complete it. Click the 'apply' button and fill out your personal details in the relevant sections. Once you have submitted these you will be asked if you would like to attach any documents. At this stage please submit the completed version of the application form.**

Title: Corporate Partnerships Manager (12-month contract)
Salary:Circa £47,500
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract type:  Fixed-term contract for 12 months
Reports to:    Head of Corporate Partnerships
Key relationships:  Head of Corporate Partnerships,  Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager, New Business Lead, UNHCR PSP
Location:  WeWork, 1 Mark Square, London EC2A 4EG (hybrid working policy operates)

WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO 
 

United Kingdom for UNHCR is the United Nations Refugee Agency’s national charity partner for the United Kingdom. We generate public awareness of the plight of refugees and raise funds to help protect them through UNHCR’s humanitarian operations across the world.  
 

Our supporters include UK private individuals, communities, corporate partners, trusts and foundations. The funds we raise help UNHCR deliver emergency relief such as shelter, medical care and basic supplies to people fleeing conflict and persecution, as well as healthcare, education and livelihoods opportunities for those who remain displaced over the long term.  
 

Nobody chooses to be a refugee, but we can all play a part in their protection, and we want those who work with us to share our values and passion for the cause.  
 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING
 

We strongly value diversity and recognise that it is critical to our success and the cause that we serve. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all who work with us and strongly welcome applications from diverse backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of being a refugee, asylum seeker, internally displaced person, or a stateless person.   UK for UNHCR is proud to have Diversity & Inclusion Working Group. The Diversity & Inclusion Working Group is a group of colleagues focusing on tasks that drive action in the implementation of our D&I Approach.  The group also works to create safe spaces that brings colleagues together for events, discussions and learning experiences that celebrate and support diversity and tackle barriers to inclusion.   

ABOUT THE ROLE
 

At a time of unprecedented global displacement, this is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in mobilising private sector support for people forced to flee their homes.
 

We are seeking an ambitious and strategic Corporate Partnerships Manager to lead and grow our emergency corporate fundraising portfolio. This role will position UK for UNHCR as the go-to partner for companies responding to humanitarian crises, driving high-value financial and in-kind support when it matters most.
 

Operating at the forefront of global emergency response, you will shape and deliver a compelling corporate emergency proposition, steward a portfolio of five- and six-figure partners, and act as a key point of contact during major humanitarian crises. You will work closely with the rest of the corporate partnerships team, senior leadership and colleagues in the UK and internationally to translate urgent global needs into impactful private sector engagement.
 

This is a high-visibility, fast-paced role offering strategic ownership, senior stakeholder engagement and the opportunity to directly influence income growth within a critical area of our work.
 

JOB PURPOSE
 

To lead the development and implementation of a sector-leading emergency corporate fundraising strategy, driving significant growth in private sector income and positioning UK for UNHCR as the partner of choice for businesses responding to mass displacement emergencies.
 

The postholder will manage and grow a £1m+ corporate portfolio, aim to secure new multi-year six- and seven-figure commitments, strengthen internal emergency response processes, and collaborate across teams and geographies to maximise impact.
 

KEY RESPONSIBLITIES
 

Strategy & Portfolio Growth
 

• Lead the design and delivery of an emergency corporate fundraising strategy.
• Position UK for UNHCR as the go-to charity partner for companies responding to humanitarian crises.
• Personally manage and grow a £1m+ portfolio of corporate donors, driving uplifts and multi-year six- and seven-figure commitments.
• Review and refresh the UK for UNHCR Emergency Fund proposition for the private sector, securing renewed and new strategic commitments.
• Analyse recent and lapsed emergency donors and implement targeted re-engagement strategies.
• Work with the Senior Corporate Partnership Manager as required on the stewardship and growth of non-emergency strategic partnerships.

Emergency Leadership & Internal Coordination
 

• Act as the Corporate Partnerships lead during humanitarian emergencies, coordinating internal processes and serving as a senior point of contact for the Senior Leadership Team.
• Finalise and embed a clear emergency protocol and appeal process to enable rapid, coordinated corporate response.
• Work collaboratively across teams to ensure emergency messaging, reporting and stewardship materials are timely, compelling and aligned.

 Relationship Management & Stewardship
 

• Develop and implement tailored engagement and stewardship plans for established emergency partners and donors.
• Identify high-profile visibility opportunities to promote the Emergency Fund and wider emergency response work.
• Coordinate prospect research and network mapping to identify and unlock new opportunities.
• Support the New Business Lead on pitches and proposals where emergency response is a component.
• Collaborate with the Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager on strategic partnership renewals and new high-value proposals.

Collaboration & Systems
 

• Work closely with UK and international Private Partnerships and Philanthropy (PPH) colleagues to strengthen engagement across markets and channels.
• Contribute to a coordinated calendar of cultivation and stewardship moments alongside the Events Manager.
• Ensure compliance with due diligence, GDPR and internal policies.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date partner records on Salesforce and SharePoint.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES AND EXPERIENCE
 
Essential Experience
 

• A strong track record of securing, managing and growing six-figure+ corporate partnerships within an NGO/INGO or comparable environment.
• Experience designing and delivering corporate donor engagement strategies that generate sustainable income growth.
• Experience working in a fast-paced fundraising environment with the ability to respond flexibly during peak moments.

Essential Skills & Knowledge
 

• Highly credible and confident relationship-builder, comfortable engaging senior corporate leader and Trustees.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate complex humanitarian issues into compelling corporate propositions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing persuasive proposals and reports.
• Strong understanding of the UK corporate partnerships landscape and current sector trends.
• Confident negotiator with strong influencing skills.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under pressure.
• Solutions-focused, proactive and comfortable working with autonomy.
• Strong attention to detail and experience using fundraising databases (e.g. Salesforce).

Desirable Experience
 

• Knowledge of high-value in-kind corporate contributions (e.g. logistics, technology, hygiene items).
• Experience working in a complex, multi-stakeholder or federated environment.
• Experience contributing to multi-year fundraising campaigns.
• Understanding of international development or humanitarian response.

 
 
 WHY JOIN UNITED KINGDOM FOR UNHCR? 

You will be part of a high performing agile team of talented people, all committed to build solidarity and raise funds for refugees and displaced people worldwide. You will be working in a flexible, supportive, and inclusive environment, where your work will be recognised and appraised. 
 

What else?
 

Wellbeing
 

• 28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays 
• Employee Assistance programme providing 24/7 access to online GP, mental health support and virtual wellbeing. 
• Access to 100s of perks with discounts on everyday purchases.
• Office wellness perks.
• Discount on gym memberships. 
• Hybrid and Flexible Working.
• Staff socials.

Financial
 

• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8%.
• Non-contributory group life assurance scheme
• Non-contributory Income protection scheme.
• One-off contribution towards homeworking set up.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
• Enhanced sick pay scheme. 

Development 

• Comprehensive training and continuing development opportunities.
• Individual training budget.

HOW TO APPLY
 

If you have the relevant skills and the passion to use them to support refugees, please apply by completing our application form which is available in the documents section.   
 

Closing date: Friday 6th March 2026

If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation, please contact us . We will make every effort to respond to your request for assistance as soon as possible.
 

United Kingdom for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is registered with the Charity Commission (England & Wales), charity no. 1183415. It is the UK national partner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency.

Grade: 2

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week (flexible working considered)

Position type: Permanent

Responsible to: Head of Global Communications & PR

Direct reports: Communications & PR Officer

Location: Truro, Cornwall (Hybrid) or Remote (UK based) with some travel to Truro

ROLE PURPOSE:

This role works to raise awareness of the issues faced by people around the world who have lost their homes to disaster. It generates positive media coverage for ShelterBox, positioning us as experts in emergency shelter, as well as supporting fundraising with media engagement and PR activities. The role also works to ensure colleagues across the organisation can talk about our work accurately and consistently by producing key messaging about our international programmes.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

ShelterBox is seeking an experienced, motivated and proactive communications professional with excellent attention to detail and line-management experience.

You will be skilled in writing a variety of materials - including press releases, statements, and Q&As, and in simplifying complex information. You will also understand the nuance of language, ensuring messaging reflects dignity, avoids harmful narratives and upholds humanitarian neutrality in sensitive contexts.

You will enjoy finding strong stories and ensuring they are told ethically. You will be experienced in creating news, working with the media and contributing to multiple projects at pace.

We are looking for someone with experience in crisis communications who can help protect and enhance our reputation by identifying potential issues early. You will also have experience delivering media interview training, building confidence in spokespeople, and supporting them through briefings and interviews.

You will have experience of line management. You will have experience of working with a direct report to develop their abilities and support them to be motivated and produce great work.

This is a great opportunity to be part of a dynamic fundraising and communications department, working together to achieve our mission of no one without shelter after disaster.

The role requires someone who can pivot priorities quickly when needed. When major disasters happen, our teams need to be able to flex very quickly to that focus.

MAIN ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This role works as part of a small and dynamic Communications & Digital team and has direct line management of our Comms & PR Officer. You will focus on gaining media coverage for our international programmes, understanding the issues and opportunities of our work and securing impactful media interviews. You will support our fundraising campaigns and events with media engagement.

You will work closely with the Head of Global Communications & Digital and colleagues across the Fundraising & Communications department to develop and deliver communications and media engagement activities supporting campaigns and driving awareness.  

The role line-manages a Communications & PR Officer. You will work with them to extend the output and reach of our comms and media work and support them to feel motivated and produce high-quality work.

This role also supports wider departments by producing centralised messaging to ensure colleagues talk about our work consistently and are aligned with our brand.  

You'll work with the wider communications and fundraising teams on integrated campaigns, ensuring key messaging is aligned and PR angles and risks are considered.

There may be occasional opportunities to travel to countries where ShelterBox works for media purposes. This travel is not mandatory. There will be regular travel to the Truro head office to support media interviews, deliver training, and participate in organisational collaboration days.

Flexibility with working hours sometimes required, especially during sudden-onset emergencies (TOIL available for additional hours).

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:

PR & Comms Lead 

• Manage a variety of communications and PR activities to raise awareness of the needs of people who have lost their homes to disaster.

• Produce a range of high-quality written materials for different audiences. 

• Develop strong working relationships with people across the organisation, including in our international programmes and fundraising teams.

• Take a proactive approach to media engagement and communications as our PR and communications subject-matter expert.
• Line manage the Comms & PR Officer, supporting them to prioritise their workload, ensuring they have clear goals, and are performing well.

Media Engagement 

• Maximise media opportunities for ShelterBox across national and regional, print, digital, and broadcast media. 

• Maintain a strong understanding of the media landscape and keep across relevant stories and trends.

• Work with colleagues to identify strong stories and create news angles.

• Prepare and use a variety of effective PR tools, including press releases, quotes, features, blogs and photo opportunities.

• Sell-in stories, respond to media enquiries, and secure interviews.

• Deliver interview training for colleagues.

• Prepare messaging and briefings for spokespeople for interviews and events. 

• Ensure plans are ready to roll-out when major disasters happen - including comms plans, media lists, trained spokespeople, quotes and other resources. 

• Identify, develop and maintain great relationships with external stakeholders, including journalists, PR agencies, and freelancers.

Communications 

• Produce high-quality written materials, including messaging, Q&As, and reports, ensuring consistency with brand and tone of voice.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across social media, website, celebrity, brand, content, and fundraising) to deliver integrated campaigns.

• Support reputation management, lead crisis communications activities, and play an active role in the Crisis Management Team.

• Offer creative ideas and planning for communications campaigns. 

• Coordinate and, when required, manage external agencies and consultants.

• Evaluate PR and communications activity to measure success and improve future performance.
• Manage subscriptions and licences for communications tools, including media monitoring platforms, and liaise with procurement on tender processes when required.

Other Responsibilities

• Work as a member of our EDI team, ensuring EDI principles are included within our comms and media work.
• Undertake any other duties that are commensurate with the post.
• Carry out the duties of post in accordance with the ShelterBox's policies and procedures on Health and Safety and take responsibility for ensuring personal health and safety.

• Work flexibility, prioritise workload and work effectively as part of a team. 

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.