Head of Programmes and Operations

The Democratic Progress Institute (DPI) is an independent non-governmental organisation established in consultation with international experts in conflict resolution and democratic advancement. DPI seeks to promote peace and democracy building through strengthened public dialogue and engagement.

Overall Purpose of the Position

The Head of Programmes and Operations is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the organisations’ project activities and leads the DPI Programmes team, also ensuring effective and enabling line-management of Finance, Fundraising, Programmes and Operations colleagues. The role works with the CEO on operational, fundraising, strategic and monitoring levels and involves representing DPI at external meetings and events as needed.

Project Management

• Coordinates the day-to-day operational management of the DPI’s programmes, including the implementation of activities and financial matters – in close coordination with relevant colleagues.
• Monitors the implementation of project activities and ensures compliance with donor requirements, the organizational strategic framework, as well as internal procedures and policies.
• Initiates and facilitates internal programmes and events planning meetings (including designing the agenda and overseeing the organisation and preparation of materials)
• Organises regular meetings with the Programmes team to ensure project plans and donor requirements are on track.
• Keeps an up-to-date overview of programme delivery, reports any challenges, and suggests solutions to the CEO.
• Builds project budgets with Finance, monitors project expenditures, develops financial strategies and addresses financial challenges.
• Monitors the political and security situation in Türkiye and the wider regions, developments relating to the conflict and impact on the project.

People Management

• Ensures the effective line-management of the Funding and Development Manager, Finance Manager, Operations Manager and Programmes staff.
• Organises regular check-ins with direct reports, to enable effective management of workloads, ensuring priorities are met, and to facilitate professional development and staff retention.
• Works closely with the Funding and Development Manager to ensure timely delivery and monitoring of contractual reports, including interim and final reports to donors.

• Oversees deliverables and performance of the M&E and Communications consultants.

Networking

• Represents and promotes DPI’s work in varied contexts and maintains relationships with external stakeholders in Türkiye and in Europe such as political party representatives.
• Builds and maintains relationships with partners and donors alongside the Funding and Development Manager when needed.
• Carries out frequent visits to Türkiye and maintains a good working knowledge of the facts on the ground when needed.

Governance

• Leads on the planning of regular Board meetings, in collaboration with all relevant colleagues and the CEO.

Key Experience/Technical Competencies/Knowledge required for the position.

The successful candidate should have the following:

• A postgraduate degree in Political Science, Law, Conflict Resolution, International Relations, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least 8-10 years’ experience in project management in charity or NGO setting.
• Extensive experience with line-management, and a commitment to fostering an engaging and inclusive team culture.
• Strong experience of overseeing the implementation of government and/or EU funded projects.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Critical and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience in research and complex information analysis.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• A strong understanding of confidentiality terms.
• Ability to manage under tight deadlines and in high-pressure environments

The successful candidate should have the right to work in the United Kingdom.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis with the final deadline set as 9 March 2026

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

DPI is committed to Equal Opportunities and Cultural Diversity.

DPI SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

DPI maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. All employment offers are conditional upon the receipt of satisfactory references and the signing of our code of conduct with a particular focus on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.