Head of humanitarian programmes jobs

Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy Lead (Maternity Cover)

12-month Fixed Term Contract (commencing July/August 2026)

Full Time. Hybrid working (minimum of 2 days per week in the office)

Location: London

Salary: £66,218 per annum (including London allowance)

About us

Christian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. We are a global movement of people, churches and local organisations who passionately champion dignity, equality and justice worldwide. We are the changemakers, the peacemakers, the mighty of heart.

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and recognise the value this brings in forming strong, creative and high performing teams. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, and from those with experience from outside of the voluntary sector. And no, you don’t have to be Christian to work here – we encourage people of all faiths and none to apply. We just ask that everyone lives out our values of dignity, equality, justice and love. We value a good work-life balance, so we’re open to part-time and flexible working. We also offer hybrid working for our office-based colleagues.

Learn about our vision, mission and values

About the role

Reporting in to the Head of Humanitarian, the Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy Lead is senior position that will lead Christian Aid’s humanitarian programme policy and advocacy work, aligning with organisational values and goals to maximise impact.

The post-holder will be responsible for shaping, leading and promoting our humanitarian policy and advocacy, and will represent Christian Aid at the global level in raising the organisation’s visibility and influencing humanitarian policy and practice.

The role will be Christian Aid’s representative at the humanitarian leadership level within the DEC and will work with the Head of Humanitarian in engagement with the ACT Alliance, and will enable our Multi-Country Cluster (MCC) leadership team to develop and deliver humanitarian programming that brings about positive change in humanitarian action and practice.

Some of the main areas of responsibility for the Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy Lead include:

• Lead on the development of Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy and ensure it is aligned with the overall Policy and Influencing strategy and connected across the Impact Department and wider organisation.
• Develop and implement best practice in humanitarian response across MCCs, providing sector experience to support teams and ensure an enabling culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Identify and source technical support for MCCs and partners where needed in our humanitarian signature priority programme areas, making the best use of limited resources.
• Act as a key influencer in sector policy and practice with regards to level of support to locally led responses amplifying impact.
• Drive an increased visibility of Christian Aid and the work of partners across regional and global platforms, looking for opportunities to share learning and amplify impact.
• Foster and build on our strong and dynamic relationship with the DEC, evidence of high performance across DEC appeals.
• Lead engagement with international humanitarian policy forums and stakeholders to drive meaningful change and improvements in the humanitarian eco system with reference to humanitarian advocacy priorities around localisation, accountability to affected populations, disaster resilience, anticipatory action, survivor-led response and cash-based responses to emergencies.
• Ensure learning and feedback is captured and promoted to enable a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Foster a culture of innovation where Christian Aid is on the front foot in developing and piloting new people-centred humanitarian approaches that build on existing progressive ways of working.
• Deputises for the Head of Humanitarian in their absence.

This opportunity is a Fixed Term contract for maternity leave cover commencing in July or August 2026. 

About you

Who we are looking for:

Essential:

• Post graduate or equivalent qualification in an emergency or development related subject.
• Significant knowledge of humanitarian issues and best practice in humanitarian action.
• Significant experience of leadership in a humanitarian context.
• Experience of leadership across a diverse range of humanitarian contexts.
• Significant experience of influencing policy and decision-makers globally, at UK level and in countries affected by crisis.
• Highly developed ability to build good contacts with senior officials and with organisations in the sector, including church-based organisations.
• Highly developed communication skills and experience of working with news media.
• Detailed understanding of humanitarian best practice and international standards including SPHERE and CHS.
• Understand of and commitment to Christian Aid’s people-centred humanitarian programming approaches including sclr, assess and assist, and anticipatory action.
• Highly developed ability to equip and encourage staff to take responsibility and promote empowered working within a complex organisation.
• Significant experience of managing performance to a high level.
• Highly developed ability to contribute to and work successfully as part of leadership and cross-organisational teams.
• Highly developed oral and written communication skills, including preparation of assessment reports, project proposals including budgets and report writing.
• Highly developed ability to negotiate, influence and persuade others.

Further information

At Christian Aid we strive to be an inclusive and diverse employer and recognise the value that this brings in helping to build strong, creative and high performing teams.

We are actively encouraging racialised minorities, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, returning parents or carers who are re-entering work after a career break, people with caring responsibilities, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, women, and older workers to apply. This is because these groups are under-represented within our teams, especially at senior level, and we recognise and value the contributions members of these groups make to strong, creative and high performing teams. 

We have a strong Christian ethos and we encourage applications from all faiths. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of and sympathy with Christian Aid’s faith identity. 

All successful candidates will require a DBS/police check appropriate to the role and location and a Counter Terrorism Sanction check as part of your clearance for commencing your role with us. We also participate in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.  In line with this Scheme, we will request information as part of the referencing process 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.

This role requires applicants to have the right to live and work in the country where this position is based and undertake the role that you have been offered. If you are successful and we make you an offer for the role, we will be required to conduct a right to work check on your immigration status in the UK. We will contact you regarding the documentation you will need to provide to evidence this. 

CAFOD is looking for a strategic and collaborative leader to shape how digital, data and technology enable our mission, strengthen supporter engagement, and build a resilient, future-ready organisation.

The Role

You’ll lead our DDaT Solutions function, working across the organisation to design and deliver high-impact, cost-effective technology and data solutions. You’ll oversee multidisciplinary teams spanning business analysis, digital and business solutions, and data & insight—while managing key suppliers, budgets, and delivery priorities.

As a senior adviser to the Executive Team, you’ll play a critical role in setting direction, balancing innovation with stability, and ensuring technology investments deliver real value.

What You’ll Do

• Shape and deliver CAFOD’s digital, data and technology strategy
• Lead enterprise platforms, data, and solution design to support organisational goals
• Drive transformation programmes and ensure value from technology investments
• Advise senior leaders on priorities, risks, and opportunities (including AI and automation)
• Strengthen governance, data quality, and risk management
• Build high-performing teams and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement

What You’ll Bring

• Experience leading large-scale digital, data or technology functions
• Strong track record delivering technology-enabled change
• Ability to balance innovation with security, resilience, and value for money
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, including at the executive level
• Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams

The full job description is available on CAFOD's careers page 

CAFOD is a welcoming, supportive workplace committed to a safe, inclusive culture where everyone is respected. CAFOD will make reasonable adjustments at every stage of the recruitment process to ensure candidates with disabilities or individual needs are fully supported. 

Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults

CAFOD recognises the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect.  CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse.  CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount.  Any candidate offered a job with CAFOD will be expected to adhere to CAFOD’s Safeguarding policy and sign CAFOD’s Code of Behaviour as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, and appropriate screening checks can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. CAFOD 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, and consent to, these recruitment procedures. 

Role: Interim Director of Fundraising (Maternity Cover)

Hours: Full-time

Remuneration: Up to £80,000 GBP gross annual pro rata (dependent on experience). We are open to considering applications on a substantial part-time basis for the right candidate.

Right to work: Applications are accepted only from those with the right to work in the UK.

Duration: Approx. 8 months from starting late July

Location: UK-based; UK-Med is based in Manchester – postholder would need to agree sufficient attendance in Manchester office.

Can you provide inspiring interim leadership to drive fundraising growth that powers humanitarian impact?

UK-Med is a frontline medical aid charity founded on the values and expertise of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). For more than 30 years we’ve been working towards a world where everyone gets the healthcare they need when emergencies hit.

We are seeking an Interim Director of Fundraising (Maternity Cover) to lead our fundraising and communications function, accelerating voluntary income growth to support the organisation’s humanitarian impact.

As a key member of our leadership team, you will lead and deliver our fundraising and communications strategy to maximise emergency fundraising, build a community of advocates and repeat givers and build meaningful partnerships with philanthropists and foundations. Our small and talented Communications Team, focused on growing our audiences and awareness across media and digital channels, reports into this role.

If you are an experienced fundraising leader with an international or humanitarian background and a proven track record of delivering exceptional interim leadership that drives income growth, we would love to hear from you.

How to apply

We strongly recommend that you read the Candidate Information Pack – Interim Director of Fundraising - April 2026 before applying for this role.

To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting letter (2 pages) through our online jobs portal.

Response to the following question:

• A detailed explanation of your suitability for this post with specific reference to the essential criteria in the person specification

Please apply as soon as possible and no later than 17th April 2026.

This role is based in the UK, and applications are accepted only from candidates with the right to work in the UK.

UK-Med is committed to safeguarding of our personnel and beneficiaries and has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse. We conduct thorough vetting before any appointment is confirmed.

UK-Med is committed to the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel respected and supported to be able to fulfil their potential.

Salary: £48,225 – £52,080 (incl. London weighting)
Contract: Permanent
Location: Hybrid (minimum 40% in London office)

About the role

CAFOD is looking for a Senior Business Analyst to lead business analysis across Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT).

You’ll shape and assure digital and data-driven change, ensuring initiatives are clearly defined, value-focused, and aligned with real organisational needs. Acting as a bridge between stakeholders and technical teams, you’ll help deliver effective, sustainable improvements across CAFOD.

Key responsibilities

• Lead business analysis for digital and data change initiatives

• Support teams to define problems, assess options, and identify solutions

• Ensure requirements are clear, prioritised, and delivery-ready

• Lead and support testing and User Acceptance Testing (UAT)

• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the organisation

• Facilitate workshops and support decision-making

• Contribute to governance, planning, and continuous improvement

About you

• Significant experience in business analysis at a senior level

• Strong skills in problem definition, process improvement, and solution design

• Experience translating business needs into clear requirements (e.g. Jira tickets)

• Understanding of digital delivery and software development lifecycles

• Confident working with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams

• Experience supporting or leading UAT

Desirable: Salesforce or Tableau certification

Additional information

• Hybrid working with at least 40% office-based in London

• Opportunity to lead and shape organisational change

• Part of a collaborative, purpose-driven team

The full job description is available on CAFOD's careers page 

CAFOD is a welcoming, supportive workplace committed to a safe, inclusive culture where everyone is respected. CAFOD will make reasonable adjustments at every stage of the recruitment process to ensure candidates with disabilities or individual needs are fully supported. 

Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults

CAFOD recognises the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect.  CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse.  CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount.  Any candidate offered a job with CAFOD will be expected to adhere to CAFOD’s Safeguarding policy and sign CAFOD’s Code of Behaviour as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents. This post involves contact with children and young people and applicants will be subject to specific checks related to safeguarding issues. The post holder is required to present or obtain a Disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service). 

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, and appropriate screening checks can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. CAFOD 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, and consent to, these recruitment procedures. 

Salary: £35,668 – £39,005 pro rata
Hours: Part-time (21 hours per week)
Contract: Permanent
Location: Home-based (with regular travel across Brentwood Diocese)

About the role

CAFOD is looking for a Community Participation Coordinator to grow engagement across the Catholic community in Brentwood Diocese.

You’ll inspire and support volunteers, build strong relationships with parishes and clergy, and increase participation in CAFOD’s work to tackle poverty and injustice.

Working as part of a regional team, you’ll help deliver plans that drive volunteer engagement, fundraising, and community action.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver participation plans across Brentwood Diocese
• Recruit, support, and retain volunteers
• Build relationships with clergy and key diocesan stakeholders
• Support fundraising, campaigns, and community engagement
• Monitor activity and adapt plans based on insights

About you

• Experience working with and managing volunteers
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• Organised, proactive, and able to work independently
• Comfortable using data to track and improve performance
• Committed to the value of volunteering and social justice

Additional information

• Home-based with significant travel (access to a car required)
• Some evening/weekend work (TOIL provided)
• Part of a flexible regional team (occasional wider travel) 

The full job description is available on CAFOD's careers page 

CAFOD is a welcoming, supportive workplace committed to a safe, inclusive culture where everyone is respected. CAFOD will make reasonable adjustments at every stage of the recruitment process to ensure candidates with disabilities or individual needs are fully supported. 

Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults

CAFOD recognises the personal dignity and rights of children and vulnerable adults, towards whom it has a special responsibility and a duty of care and respect.  CAFOD, and all its staff and volunteers, undertake to do all in our power to create a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults and to prevent their physical, sexual or emotional abuse.  CAFOD is committed to acting at all times in the best interests of children and vulnerable adults, seeing these interests as paramount.  Any candidate offered a job with CAFOD will be expected to adhere to CAFOD’s Safeguarding policy and sign CAFOD’s Code of Behaviour as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents. This post involves contact with children and young people and applicants will be subject to specific checks related to safeguarding issues. The post holder is required to present or obtain a Disclosure from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service). 

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, and appropriate screening checks can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. CAFOD 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, and consent to, these recruitment procedures. 

Position: Senior Philanthropy Officer – Trusts and Foundations Maternity cover up to 1-year.

Salary: £36,000-38,000 per annum

Reports to: Senior Trusts & Foundations Manager

Location: Shoreditch, East London (Hybrid Model)

Key relationships: UK for UNHCR Head of Philanthropy and Philanthropy Team, Individual Giving Team, UNHCR Private Sector Partnerships division

JOB PURPOSE

UK for UNHCR is looking for an ambitious and proactive fundraiser to work in a Senior Philanthropy Officer role for up to one year’s maternity cover. This role will manage its own portfolio of low to mid-level trusts and foundations and will play a key role in supporting the Senior Trusts & Foundations Manager on the engagement and stewardship of our high-level partnerships, as well as supporting on the delivery of a high-quality supporter experience.

You will be joining the charity at an exciting moment, becoming part of a small but high performing team with big ambitions. This role is integral to the development of our Trusts and Foundations Programme.

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic and determined and who enjoys working collaboratively within and across teams, building relationships and inspiring people to support UNHCR’s lifesaving work. You’ll have strong problem solving and communication skills, both written and oral. You’ll be passionate about the refugee cause and UK for UNHCR’s role in supporting refugees around the globe.

Working with our international colleagues, this role will gather information for reports, donor communications and proposals on UNHCR’s key areas of work.

This role will also work across the team to support on growing the trusts and foundations pipeline, through identifying and then building relationships with trusts and foundations aligned with our cause.

Some international travel may be required.

If you think you have the relevant skills and crucially, the passion to support the refugee cause, please apply.

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. 

We are also open to flexibility in many ways, including an element of working from home and flexible hours. Please don’t be afraid to speak to us about this at the interview stage, so we can explore what’s possible.

Role Responsibilities  

• Work as part of the Private Partnerships and Philanthropy Team (PPH) to develop new opportunities with trusts and foundations in line with UK for UNHCR’s fundraising strategy. This will include supporting and leading initiatives to approach potential supporters.
• Support the development and management of a robust trusts & foundations pipeline and a calendar of opportunities for grant submissions to trusts and foundations.
• Undertake detailed prospect research and identify the most appropriate funding and fundraising opportunities for trusts and foundations.
• Support the development of high-quality concept notes, proposals, reports, and other fundraising products.
• Ensure current partners are stewarded to a high standard
• Support, and at times lead, on cultivation and stewardship events across the PPH team. This could be anything from a webinar to an in-person event for 50+ people.
• Support and lead on the development and execution of strong cultivation and stewardship plans, taking responsibility for keeping these updated and reviewed.
• Help establish an appropriate strategic and tactical response to trust and foundation prospects and supporters in the event of humanitarian emergencies.
• Maintain the Salesforce database with up-to-date and accurate information on trust and foundation prospects and partners.
• Help to raise awareness of, and build vital support for, UK for UNHCR’s unique position to protect refugees and displaced people.
• Work within UK for UNHCR’s due diligence and GDPR policies and processes.
• Ensure accurate income recording and earmarking procedures to facilitate financial reporting.
• Support the PPH team in other activities as requested.
• The above list is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to perform duties that are not detailed above.

Personal Attributes and Experience

Essential Experience

• Experience of working in a fundraising capacity with an NGO or INGO to identify, approach, secure and steward trusts & foundations and/or major donors.
• Experience of devising and delivering impactful and engaging proposals and communications to generate income and build relationships.
• Experience of working across a busy team and managing a busy workload.

 Essential Skills/Knowledge

• Ability to analyse reports and communicate complex themes and subjects to a variety of audiences, written and verbal.
• Ability to act proactively to identify new prospects and fundraising opportunities.
• Ability to juggle and prioritise multiple tasks and meet deadlines within a collaborative team environment.
• Good attention to detail and ability to proof-read.
• Able to demonstrate flexibility, with a willingness to respond quickly, particularly at times of humanitarian crisis.
• Excellent stakeholder and relationship management skills.
• Proficient in using Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Working knowledge of fundraising databases.

Desirable Skills/Experience (not compulsory)

• Experience of working in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Experience of fundraising at an international development, human rights, or humanitarian NGO.
• Experience organising events

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 (pro-rata).
• 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: midday Monday 18th May

Interviews date: Weeks commencing 18th and 25th May

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.