Head of humanitarian technical and partner support jobs

Salary: £49,100 per annum

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract

Closing date: 16 August 2026 at 11pm

Interview date: 24-25 August 2026

We are recruiting for two Interim Senior Programme Development Specialists:

· 5-month fixed term contract (from 21 September 2026 – 28 February 2027)

· 6-month fixed term contract (from 15 September 2026 – 15 March 2027)

Please specify in your application form which fixed term contract role you are applying for.

About CARE

CARE International is a global humanitarian organisation leading the fight to end poverty in the world’s most challenging situations. Women and girls are at the centre of our work, because we cannot overcome poverty and inequality until all people have equal rights and opportunities. We know that when a crisis erupts, women are often the first to pick up the pieces, so we work alongside women, so they have the power to make change where it’s needed most. Founded in 1945, CARE currently works in over 100 countries and last year alone reached 53.4 million people through nearly 1,500 projects.

Why work for CARE International UK?

Do you want to play a key role in an experienced and passionate team supporting and shaping CARE International UK’s portfolio? Join the Programme Funding Team! The team shapes our restricted programme portfolio by securing funding from UK-based institutional donors, trusts and foundations, multilaterals and in some cases private sector donors.

The Senior Programme Development Specialist leads the design of complex proposals – including bids £20m+ and FCDO commercial contracts. They also play a vital role ensuring quality bid submissions to a variety of donors, aligning with CARE international UK’s impact objectives, in particular gender justice and local leadership. 

About the role

As the Senior Programme Development Specialist, you will manage a pipeline of institutional funding opportunities and be responsible for securing a significant proportion of CIUK’s restricted income. You will work in partnership with CARE country offices, national and international partners, finance colleagues, and technical advisory teams to identify, scope, bid for and secure new funding for programmes through both grant and commercial contract modalities. You will deliver a high-quality bidding process, submitting applications to funders such as FCDO, DEC, START Fund, Education Cannot Wait, Jersey Overseas Aid Committee, and Power of Nutrition. You will build learning from existing CARE programmes into bid design and design programmes in line with CARE policies and standards, as well as donor standards.

About you

You are a passionate and experienced funding specialist, with a proven track record in fundraising from key UK donors – including solid experience of commercial bidding and FCDO frameworks, trusts and foundations and corporate donors. You will have the ability to lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams during proposal preparation, working with partners and colleagues in multiple locations. You have experience in and very good understanding of programme design and meeting institutional and corporate donor requirements. You have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. You are capable of building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders; you are a positive collaborator and a strong team player.

Right to Work in the UK

All applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom at the time of appointment. Proof of right to work will be required as part of the recruitment process. For more information, please visit theUK Government's guidance on right to work. 

Where you do not have current right to work in the UK, then this will be discussed with you as part of the recruitment process. Please note that not all roles are eligible for sponsorship and further information (should you require sponsorship to work in the UK) on eligibility can be foundhere.

Safeguarding 

CARE International UK has a zero-tolerance approach to any abuse to, sexual harassment of or exploitation of, a vulnerable adult or child by any of our staff, representatives or partners. CARE International UK expects all staff to share this commitment through our Safeguarding Policy (link here) and our Code of Conduct (link here). They are responsible for ensuring they understand and work within the remit of these policies throughout their time at CARE International UK.

Safeguarding our beneficiaries is our top priority in everything we do, including recruitment. All offers of employment at CARE International UK are subject to: 

· Satisfactory references. CARE International UK participates in theInter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (link here).In line with this Scheme, we willrequest information from successful applicants’ previous employersabout any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment,or incidents under investigationwhen the applicant left employment.

· Appropriate criminal record checks (including a Bridger check, link here).

By submitting an application, the applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures. 

Equality and Diversity

We are committed toEquality and value Diversity. We are aDisability Confident Employerand particularly welcome applications from disabled people. We guarantee interviews to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role (see person specification). If you require the candidate brief or need to submit your application in an alternative format, because of a disability, please do get in touch by sending an email to the HR Team.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We particularly welcome applications from people of underrepresented backgrounds, including those from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority communities, and individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.

Starting Salary: £44,766 - £48,225 (including London weighting) 

Contract: Permanent 

Location: UK, Hybrid working with a minimum of 40% of your time in the London Office

Job Profile

This role will lead CAFOD’s policy and advocacy work aimed at building a fairer global financial system. The post holder will have a solid understanding of contemporary global economic issues, including the global debt crisis, development finance and the workings of international multilateral organisations. Working closely with CAFOD’s overseas partners and within UK and global networks, this role will hold policy expertise on behalf of the organisation. This will involve developing policy positions and representing the organisation externally. The role will work closely with CAFOD’s government relations and campaigns colleagues to lobby decision-makers and mobilise supporters as part of our economic justice work. Sitting within the Advocacy, Policy & Campaigns team, the role is managed by the head of department.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the development and delivery of CAFOD’s global economic justice advocacy strategy 

• Working in partnership with UK and global organisations to develop evidence‑based policy positions 

• Influencing UK, regional and global policy debates on the global debt crisis, and other economic justice issues 

• Representing CAFOD in coalitions, to decision makers, in church networks and at international forums 

• Writing policy briefings, reports and communication outputs 

• Building relationships with external stakeholders and decision makers and UK and global levels 

• Ensuring advocacy is grounded in strong analysis, partner experience and a commitment to social and environmental justice 

• Supporting advocacy work of partners and global networks on debt cancellation and financial system reform 

• Providing strategic and technical advice across the organisation 

• Any other relevant duties reasonably required

Safeguarding  

All CAFOD staff share responsibility to promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture, including identifying the key actions they should take given their role and responsibilities.   

Job Specific Competencies 

1. Strong background working in international economic policy and/or international development policy 
2. Excellent analytic and research skills and an understanding of how to form strategic policy positions
3. Experience of developing strategic advocacy plans 
4. Experience of lobbying decision makers 
5. Background working with partners and coalitions, both in the UK and overseas 
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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 his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures. 

Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader who is passionate about delivering lasting impact for people with disabilities and other marginalised communities. As our new Director of Programme Impact, you will shape the strategic direction and development of our programme portfolio, ensuring our partner-led work continues to grow in reach, quality, effectiveness, and impact.
You will bring strong programme leadership, people management expertise, and a commitment to partnership-based approaches that support locally led development. As a member of CBM UK’s Leadership Team (LT), you will contribute to the overall strategic direction of the organisation while leading and motivating a committed Programmes Team. You will play a key role in strengthening CBM UK’s contribution to the CBM Global federation, working closely with country teams, technical specialists, and partners to maximise our collective impact.
An experienced leader, you will provide strategic oversight across a diverse portfolio of programmes, partnerships, and funding opportunities. Overseeing an annual budget of around £4million, you will have a strong track record of delivering impactful programme strategies, building and developing high-performing teams, and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, inclusion, and continuous learning. This role offers an exciting opportunity for an established senior leader who is ready to take the next step into their first Director-level position, as well as those with existing director-level experience.
Forward-thinking and adaptable, you will be excited by the opportunities and challenges facing the international development sector. You will play an instrumental role in exploring the changing role of UK INGOs within the localisation agenda and will work closely with the CEO and Leadership Team to develop new approaches and business models that respond to an evolving global context. You will also bring experience of securing and growing institutional and strategic funding opportunities, alongside the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and compellingly to a wide range of audiences.
Above all, you will share our commitment to inclusion, equity, and disability rights and be motivated by the opportunity to help create a world in which all people can enjoy their rights and fulfil their potential. You will be inspired by the chance to shape both organisational strategy and sector-wide conversations, ensuring that people with disabilities remain at the heart of international development and humanitarian action.

Key Responsibilities
Programmes Leadership & Management (70%)
1. Lead the strategic and financial development and oversight of CBM UK’s international programme portfolio, ensuring the organisation delivers its programme strategy with maximum impact and effectiveness in alignment with CBM Global’s strategy. Support and line manage the team to translate strategic priorities into actionable plans to ensure excellence in programme funding, development and delivery.
2. Drive quality and effectiveness within CBM UK projects and across CBM Global by
a) ensuring effective coordination of tasks, forward planning of key activities and events, and providing space for collaboration, problem-solving, escalation and innovation across the portfolio.
b) identifying and improving policies and procedures that ensure proportional programmatic oversight and support complex institutional funding management.
c) supporting Programmes staff to work with country teams to pursue a localised approach to programming, drawing on the CBM Global localisation roadmap.
3. Work with Programme Funding colleagues to lead and oversee the development of strategic partnerships and packaging of programme approaches that secure institutional funding for CBM UK’s programmes, including by strengthening intelligence on donor trends and funder priorities, developing immediate responses to new opportunities as they arise in line with CBM UK’s mission.
4. Work closely with CBM UK finance, fundraising, communication teams and other CBM Global Members in creating and responding to opportunities for funding, driving growth, and promoting effective use of CBM UK’s voluntary income to leverage match funding.
5. Together with the Board and LT, actively manage programme risks based on CBMUK’s overall risk management framework.
6. Demonstrate leadership in maintaining an environment free from harm for project participants, CBM UK and partner staff by overseeing the management of safeguarding concerns arising in CBM UK supported projects, including reporting to the Board and Charity Commission where appropriate.
7. Promote within the Programmes Department a culture of learning, reflection and continuous improvement which only results in an improved programmatic approach but also informs and supports our advocacy, advisory, and evidence and learning work.

8. Liaise closely with CBM UK colleagues to ensure coordination and effective integration of programme activities into opportunities for fundraising, including contributing to the innovation in business models to diversify CBM UK’s funding base, including exploring sustainable funding approaches to enhance programme delivery and reduce dependency on the charitable model (in conjunction with the CEO and Director of Fundraising, Impact and Communications).

Organisational leadership (20%)
1. Contribute to the overall leadership and strategic direction of CBM UK through the Leadership Team, and in collaboration with the CEO, including contributing to Board meetings.
2. As part of the Leadership Team, take shared leadership responsibility for the wider CBM UK team of staff and volunteers, supporting effective collaboration and organisational cohesion, and taking on cross-functional responsibilities where appropriate.
3. Encourage and promote a culture of ambition, learning and excellence across the CBM UK team.
4. Be responsible for producing and initiating regular reports, briefing papers and other relevant programmes information for the CEO and Board Programmes Committee as appropriate.
5. Lead on supporting the Board Programmes Committee, working closely with the Committee Chair to ensure members are provided with the information necessary to permit strategic oversight and robust risk management.
6. Lead UK’s engagement with CBM Global's programmatic leadership, in particular Directors of Programmes in other CBM Member Teams (Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Switzerland), CBM Global Secretariat, and Technical Directors, working towards greater alignment, escalation of issues, and collaboration to advance CBM UK’s approach to localisation.

Representation and advocacy (10%)
1. Represent the organisation at the highest levels, including deputising for the CEO where required. Act as a key spokesperson for CBM UK with a range of external audiences, including institutional and statutory donors and strategic partners, media, policy and decision makers and other international and national non-government organisations. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key geographic stakeholders, including diplomatic representatives, ensuring effective engagement and alignment with CBM UK’s programme priorities.
2. In alignment with Advocacy and with Advisory colleagues, contribute to best practice in the UK disability and development sector by forging good relationships with UK-based and international NGO and disability sector networks to advocate for the adoption of inclusive development policies and practices, and champion innovative inclusive programmatic approaches.

For full details please download the Recruitment Pack.