Head of humanitarian programmes jobs

About GISF

The Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF) is a member-led NGO network working to strengthen security risk management across the humanitarian, development and human rights sectors. With over 140 member organisations, GISF provides resources, convening spaces, and expertise to help keep aid workers safe.

The NGO security sector is fast-moving and globally connected. This role offers a chance to work at the heart of major sector events, engage with leading NGOs, UN agencies, donors, and private sector partners, and contribute to shaping the future of aid worker safety. Occasional travel provides opportunities to attend conferences, support key forums, and meet members across regions.

About the role

GISF is seeking a highly capable professional with strong project management skills, excellent stakeholder engagement experience, and the ability to work independently at pace.

The post-holder will play a pivotal role in delivering GISF’s sector-leading events, ensuring a healthy and active membership network, and driving engagement with the commercial sector. As an outward-facing role with broad engagement responsibilities, we are looking for a confident communicator, a natural relationship-builder, and someone with an organised approach to managing multiple priorities.

Key responsibilities

Member & External Engagement

• Project manage GISF’s annual member forum, ensuring coordination of all contributing staff, guest speakers, contractors, and suppliers.
• Oversee the delivery of GISF’s flagship conference convening NGOs, UN agencies, donors and private sector partners.
• Lead the delivery of additional engagements, including GISF’s programme at the Humanitarian Networks and Partnership Week annually in Geneva, high-level roundtables with donors and states, webinars, and more.
• Represent GISF at sector events with professionalism.
• Contribute to GISF’s influencing work and policy level engagements, working closely with the Head of Policy and Engagement on advocacy efforts, policy messaging, and strategic outreach.

Membership administration

• Proactive scoping of new members and engage with interested prospective members on application process.
• Manage the full membership application pipeline, including due diligence and coordination with the GISF Steering Group to approve new members.
• Working closely with the Communications & Engagement Officer to onboard new members, ensuring they are set up across all relevant systems.
• Track, update, and report on member engagement using Salesforce.

Commercial engagement

• Lead on immediate sponsorship efforts for the 2026 Global Conference, including identifying prospective sponsors, developing tailored sponsorship materials, coordinating follow-up, and ensuring sponsor visibility requirements are integrated into conference planning.
• Support GISF’s wider commercial partnership programme by identifying and nurturing new leads through structured outreach and consistent relationship management.
• Coordinate closely with the Executive Director on sponsor meetings and pitches.
• Maintain accurate tracking of leads and progress on Salesforce.
• Document lessons learned, refine outreach processes, and contribute to the development of a partnership strategy and workflow.

Please refer to the attached document for the full person description.

What we offer

• 25 days of annual leave increasing annually after 2 years, up to a maximum 30 days (plus bank holidays)
• Office shutdown between Christmas and New Year
• Employer Pension contributions
• A focus on professional development, including access to overseas events, workshops, and training

How to apply

Application is by submission of a CV and cover letter, contact details can be found in the attached document.

The cover letter should be no more than two pages, and explain why you are interested in this post with GISF and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.

Closing date: 22 December 2025 (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)

Interviews: Week of 5th January 2026 onwards

This post is UK-based. Candidates will need to show evidence of their eligibility to work in the UK. Further information will be provided when an offer of employment is made.

Humanitarian Academy for Development (HAD) is actively recruiting for the position of L&D Operations Manager to be based from its office in Birmingham, UK. Serving the Humanitarian and International Development Sector and its parent Islamic Relief Worldwide - it collects, coordinates and delivers compelling HAD in action content and messaging around the globe to promote the training, research and talent development services HAD offers to retain existing customers and attract new customers. The Division leverages digital platforms, public relations, events and the media, all in line with HAD’s vision, mission and strategy. It is envisioned to be a hub where humanitarian and development theories and practice are studied, examined and developed.

Job Purpose:

· Lead and oversee the operational delivery of all learning and training activities across IRW through HAD, ensuring high-quality, values-driven learning experiences that meet organisational and sectoral needs.

· Take full responsibility for the management and development of HAD’s digital learning offer, ensuring the transformation of traditional training into engaging, scalable, and high-impact e-learning experiences.

· Enhance the visibility, accessibility, and impact of HAD’s learning programmes through effective communication, marketing, and learner engagement strategies.

· Work with IRW stakeholders to develop and deliver initiatives that strengthen management, leadership, and technical capabilities, aligned with organisational culture and values.

The successful candidate must have or be:

• Extensive experience in coordinating or managing training delivery and operations within a large, multi-site organisation.
• Proven record of managing learning systems, logistics, and administration to a high standard.
• Experience in implementing and monitoring quality assurance processes for training programmes.
• Demonstrated ability to engage learners through communication, marketing, or learner engagement strategies.
• Experience of managing budgets, contracts, and supplier relationships related to training delivery.
• Experience in managing and developing teams across different geographical locations.
• Strong operational planning, project management, and organisational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with experience in marketing or promoting learning initiatives.
• Proficiency in Learning Management Systems (LMS) and e-learning platforms.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills; able to measure and communicate impact.
• Demonstrated understanding of adult learning principles and blended learning design.
• Collaborative leadership style, with the ability to work effectively across cultures and disciplines.

For more information, please click on the Documents tab above to view the full Job Description

Islamic Relief promotes equality and meritocracy, and seeks individuals who are sympathetic to the IR values of; Sincerity, Excellence, Compassion, Social Justice and Custodianship together with our policy standards on Anti-Bribery, Child Protection and Code of Conduct. If you would like to be a part of an organisation striving to make a difference in the world and are looking for a meaningful career, we will be glad to hear from you.

For more information on the excellent company benefits we offer our employees, please visit: 

What we offer UK colleagues - Islamic Relief Worldwide

Please Note: Interviews are expected to take place in mid-late December 2025.

Pre-employment Checks:

Any employment with Islamic Relief will be subject to the following checks:

• screening clearance
• proof of eligibility to live and work within the UK
• receipt of satisfactory references

For UK based roles, we are only able to accept applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to progress applications which would require sponsorship.

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

IRW is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom IRW engages. IRW expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records checks. IRW also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

HAD is an equal opportunities employer

We want a world where no one dies from hunger. Life-threatening hunger is predictable, preventable and treatable. Join Action Against Hunger and together we will stop it in its tracks.

Action Against Hunger is an optimistic, inspiring place to work. We want passionate and dedicated people to help build a better world. We’re a creative team made up of people with a wide range of talents, styles and expertise. But we are united in our relentless dedication to end world hunger. No challenge is too big. With you we can do it. Join us.

We are seeking a Senior Trusts and Foundations Manager to manage vital supporter partnerships to further our shared goal to end hunger worldwide. The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Philanthropy to shape the Trusts and Foundations strategy and deliver ambitious income targets. They will be responsible for managing a portfolio of existing Trusts and Foundations partnerships, and also play a pivotal role in developing the fundraising stream.

The right candidate will be a self-starter who is highly motivated and passionate about ending world hunger. They must bring significant experience of identifying and developing new partnerships, securing high value gifts, and ongoing partnership management. They will excel at supporter stewardship and building meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships that meet shared goals.  A creative thinker, with excellent written and verbal communications skills, their ownership of the Trust and Foundation pipeline will take the channel from strength to strength.

We would love to hear from you if you’re interested in joining us.  For more detailed information on the role – and to see whether you have the necessary experience - please download the attached pdf Job description.

Closing Date: 10-Dec-2025 23:30 Planned date to begin interviews: w/c 15th December 2025.

Please read the following carefully before making your application: then all you need to do is send your CV and write a supporting statement explaining why you want the job and how your skills and experience make you the right person for the role and where you saw this vacancy.

• As a UK based position, candidates must have the right to work in the UK
• We welcome applications from all sections of the community and we encourage as broad a range of candidates as possible. If you need any additional support to help you through this process, please let us know (contact details in the job pack)
• Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we will only contact shortlisted candidates, within two weeks of the closing date Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual feedback
• If you experience any technical difficulties in submitting your application, please contact the charityjob helpdesk

Help us tackle health inequalities and support people excluded from care.

You’ll coordinate and deliver DOTW’s (London-based) outreach clinics and national advice line, guiding volunteers and ensuring compassionate, high-quality services for people facing destitution, violence, trafficking, or homelessness.

We’re looking for someone with excellent coordination and advocacy skills, emotional resilience, and experience supporting vulnerable groups. You’ll lead with empathy, think on your feet, and keep service users’ safety and dignity at the heart of everything you do.

We offer clinical supervision, wellbeing support, and training in trauma-informed and safeguarding practice.

We warmly welcome applicants with lived experience of migration, homelessness, or exclusion from health services.

Director of Relationship Fundraising

We are thrilled to be working in partnership with World Vision. As a global Christian humanitarian charity, World Vision is dedicated to tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice, empowering children, families, and communities to thrive. Through advocacy, emergency relief, and long-term development, they bring hope and transformation where it’s needed most. At the heart of their mission is a deep commitment to demonstrating God’s unconditional love.

We are looking for an experienced fundraising leader to become their new Director of Relationship Fundraising. This is a wonderful opportunity for a practising Christian to shape and scale high-impact relational fundraising. You will lead and integrate Philanthropy, Trusts & Foundations, and Legacy giving into a high-performing team, driving income beyond £10 million annually.

You’ll champion innovation, and personally steward ultra-high-net-worth donors while ensuring data-driven, replicable fundraising models. As a strategic and relational leader, you’ll bring operational excellence, spiritual maturity, and a coaching mindset to a dynamic, growing team.

Externally, you’ll be a visible ambassador, inspiring partners, representing World Vision UK at key events, and engaging with supporters. Internally, you’ll work cross-functionally to embed relationship fundraising into a multi-channel strategy that delivers exceptional supporter experiences.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:

• Proven track record of leading and scaling high-value fundraising programmes (philanthropy, legacies, and/or trusts & foundations), ideally within a complex or global organisation.
• Demonstrable success in delivering sustainable, multi-million-pound income growth through relationship fundraising.
• Experience of managing and coaching high-performing teams, with the ability to embed accountability, ownership, and development at all levels.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills, capable of delivering results in a dynamic, multi-stakeholder environment.

This is an incredible opportunity for a practising Christian fundraising professional to join a passionate team dedicated to serving the world’s most vulnerable children. You’ll help bring in vital income that will transform lives and make a real difference for children in need across the world.

This role is subject to a Enhanced DBS check, which will be carried out by the employer.

For more information, please contact Nick Thomas, Senior Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement, explaining how you believe you match the requirements of the role, including the genuine occupational requirement to be a practicing Christian.

Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please confirm in your application, or contact our Operations Teams separately. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and that meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the vacancy.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion*, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.

*In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, Part 1, Schedule 9, it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practicing Christian and in agreement with World Vision’s mission and values.

UK-based applicants only.

Location: Hybrid/Milton Keynes (1 day per week onsite)

Closing date: Sunday 7th December 2025

Charisma vetting interviews: Must be completed by 1pm on Tuesday 8th December 2025

1st Interviews with World Vision UK (virtual): As and when a candidate passes their Charisma vetting interview

Final interviews (in person in Milton Keynes): Tuesday 6th January 2026

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

IRC UK
IRC UK is part of the IRC global network, which has its global headquarters in New York. Our team in the UK works to raise profile, deliver policy and practice change, and increase funding to help restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Since 2021, IRC UK has also provided integration services directly to refugees in the UK.
In Europe, the IRC also has offices in Berlin, Bonn, Brussels, Geneva and Stockholm. 

The Purpose of the Role
IRC’s External Relations (ER) department brings together Fundraising, Communications and Policy & Advocacy functions. With the aim to raise money, awareness and influence for crisis-affected populations worldwide, the department combines knowledge and expertise across multiple national markets.  
 
The IRC fundraising teams are comprised of colleagues and teams working in the USA, UK, Germany, Sweden and Korea as well as emerging markets delivering direct marketing, content, account management, philanthropy, board liaison, corporate as well as trust and foundation partnerships to support IRC’s national fundraising strategies. 
 
The IRC’s private fundraising capability in the UK has grown significantly over the past five years. Ambitious growth plans are in place to deliver increasing income from the private sector as part of an exciting global External Relations strategy.  
 
The Director of UK Mass Markets is responsible for the leadership and direction of the Mass Markets team in the UK and for securing long-term sustainable income for the IRC through individual donor acquisition, retention and supporter care. You will lead and develop a high-performing team by growing mass marketing audiences and income, developing exciting and targeted campaigns, identifying opportunities for product, channel and audience diversification, and championing UX and a supporter centric fundraising model. The Director will also serve as a key partner to the UK Executive Director as they facilitate cross-team collaboration, accountability and success among all private fundraising teams in the UK (Philanthropy, Global Corporate Partnerships, Foundations & Trusts and Mass Markets). The Director will play a leadership role in IRC UK more widely as a member of the UK Senior Management Team (UKSMT). The UKSMT is collectively responsible for achieving the cross-functional goals of IRC UK’s strategy and actively fostering an inclusive workplace at IRC UK.
 
This role is responsible for:  
I.  Securing significant and sustainable funding in the UK for IRC’s work 
II.  Leading strategic activities that support IRC’s mass market fundraising presence including campaigns for the End-of-Year, World Refugee Day and emergencies

Scope and Authority 
This position has responsibility for delivering the UK Mass Market team strategy and targets and Supporter Care within the overarching Global Mass Markets strategy and UK Strategic Plan. 

Responsibility for Resources:
This post will have responsibility for three direct reports (1x Senior Acquisition Marketing Manager, 1 x Retention Marketing Manager, 1 x Donor Services Assistant) and a substantial expenditure budget. The role is part of the global Mass Markets team and is matrix managed by the Executive Director in the UK and the Global Vice President of Mass Markets.

Key Working Relationships
Internal:
•  Counterparts and senior leads in global Mass Markets team 
•  UK SMT: Directors of Strategy and Delivery, Communications, Advocacy, Philanthropy, Finance, People and Culture, Awards Management
•  Global peer-level team: Directors and Heads of Mass Markets for Korea, Germany, Sweden, USA and Global Mass Market Support Leads
•  Digital team members (UK and global) 
•  Global Creative Studio and Brand 
•  Senior Director for Retention
•  International Operations team, incl. data & analytics roles  

Key Accountabilities

·  Aligned to the overall Global External Relations Strategy, develop, implement, monitor and report on IRC UK’s fundraising and supporter engagement strategy. 
·  Lead fundraising campaigns (acquisition, retention, mid-level) that deliver unrestricted income to enable IRC’s work. Channels include e-mail, direct mail, inserts, Facebook advertising, new forms of social media, and adwords, as well as telemarketing etc.
·  Develop a supporter engagement programme that focusses on developing and deepening long-term relationships and drives retention rates.
·  Develop and deliver an innovation programme, ensuring fundraising products and activity are at the forefront of the UK sector and allow IRC to cut through to new audiences.
·  Deliver outstanding supporter services, ensuring supporter interactions are dealt with professionally and appropriately.
·  Contribute strongly to overall Global External Relations strategy and budget development during the budgeting and investment request process.  
·  Lead, inspire, develop and performance manage the UK Mass Markets team.
·  Ensure effective collaboration between the UK-based leads of the Foundations and Trusts, Global Corporate Partnerships, and Mass Markets teams, in executing comprehensive, aligned donor engagement strategies across the UK. 
·  Collaborate with other UK leaders on the UK Senior Management Team, holding collective accountability for achieving the goals of the UK strategy and advising on the wider management of IRC UK to support those goals.  
·  Reporting to the UK Board of Trustees, including presentations to the full Board and the External Relations Committee as required. 
·  Representing IRC in the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Fundraising Directors group.
·  Be the senior contact for all mass marketing partnerships with third party supplies.  
·  Act as senior voice in cross-market working groups and committees. 
·  Network and build external profile of the IRC UK Mass Markets team by attending relevant fundraising and sector events, and building other external stakeholder relationships. 
·  Input into effective risk management of mass marketing income by accurately assessing opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses on a regular basis, and iterating the programme based on results.  
·  Accurately forecast, monitor and report on income and expenditure budget lines. 
·  Keep up to date with sector developments in individual giving, digital fundraising to ensure IRC is at the forefront of fundraising developments. 
·  Work closely with Mass Markets team in other national markets (i.e. Korea, Germany, Sweden, US) and the International Operations team to ensure all engagement is coordinated, and where appropriate, synchronised.  

Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications:

·  Driven, motivated and proactive with a solutions-based attitude and resilient in the face of setbacks. 
·  Proven ability to manage, meet and monitor fundraising budgets and Key Performance Indicators. 
·  Excellent organisational skills, especially the ability to manage a complex, varied and substantial workload. 
·  Ability to understand legal frameworks and requirements, and implications of decisions in the best interest of the charity. 
·  Excellent verbal and written English and the ability to produce well designed and high-quality proposals and reports.
·  Institute of Fundraising, Cass or comparable qualifications would be an advantage.  

Experience:
·  Extensive experience of individual giving (or mass marketing) and digital fundraising and ideally, mid value and legacy giving, within a large or medium global charity, including a proven track record of both acquisition and retention.**  
·  Launching new channels and products with success. 
·  Comprehensive understanding and experience of audience and donor segmentation, analytical modelling such as LTV and use of insights to drive strategy and performance.** 
·  Experience and understanding of creative process and relationship with brand identity through different channels and audiences. 
·  Proven track record of success in a leadership, line management, recruitment, performance management and talent retention.**
·  Demonstrated history of being an empowering and supportive manager to front-line fundraisers.
·  Experience working for a centralised, international organisation would be a strong advantage.  
·  Experience using Salesforce an advantage.  

Criteria in the Person Specification marked with ** are the minimum criteria in line with our commitments under the Disability Confident Employer Scheme in the UK. 
UK based candidates who state that they have a disability and meet these criteria, will be invited to interview.

The Salvation Army is recruiting a Philanthropy Fundraiser for Scotland and Northern Ireland. This role will play an important part in generating income to support the crucial work that the charity does in Scotland.

The Salvation Army is a truly inspirational organisation that provides a range of services supporting the homeless, families and vulnerable older people and has been doing this for over 100 years.

The position of Philanthropy Fundraiser, Scotland and Northern Ireland will play a key role in developing support from charitable trusts & foundations and major donors in Scotland and Northern Ireland. You will take ownership of managing and developing fundraising relationships establishing new prospects and engaging with existing supporters.

Key responsibilities: 

• Manage & develop a portfolio of existing and prospective medium sized charitable trusts & foundations across Scotland and Northern Ireland 

• Manage & develop a portfolio of existing and prospective major donor gifts across Scotland and Northern Ireland 

• Research and identify prospective funders who align with The Salvation Army’s aims and objectives and key strategic funding priorities 

• Support the team with planning, organising and associated administration of any donor related events, including the annual Christmas carol concert reception 

Experience and skills: 

• Preferably the successful candidate will have previous experience of fundraising, with a proven record in generating income from trusts & foundations and/or major donors 

• You will have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey information to donors and colleagues in a clear, effective and professional manner 

• The successful candidate will have the ability to plan, organise and prioritise a varied workload to effectively meet your objectives to the expected quality standards and time scales  

The role is based in Scotland with hybrid working. Ideally the candidate will be based in the Central Belt of Scotland with the ability to access offices in Glasgow or Edinburgh with two days per week being office based. (preferably one of these days based in the Glasgow office) 

Salary: £31,224 plus pension, 25 days annual leave, life assurance, cycle to work scheme, travel loan and childcare vouchers.

Closing date: Midnight Sunday 7th November 2025 - please ensure you have got in touch with THINK Recruitment for an informal call by Friday 5th as we cannot shortlist any candidates who we haven't spoken with.