Permanent jobs for the International Development sector

Our client is one of the world’s leading humanitarian organisations working to save lives and build safer futures for communities affected by conflict. Through work in mine action, disarmament and post-conflict recovery, they help people reclaim land, rebuild livelihoods and move forward with safety and dignity.

At a time of profound geopolitical change, shifting donor priorities and increasing humanitarian need, they are creating a new Executive Director, External Affairs role to strengthen the organisation’s global influence, visibility, partnerships and long-term sustainability.

Executive Director, External Affairs

UK/International/Hybrid with regular travel

C. £110,000, with flexibility depending on location

Reporting to the CEO and serving as a member of the Executive Team, this role will bring together policy, advocacy, strategic partnerships, media, communications, philanthropy and income diversification into one coherent external affairs directorate. It is a significant opportunity to shape how the organisation is understood, supported and positioned globally across governments, multilateral institutions, philanthropy, civil society, security and defence audiences, and emerging funding markets.

The Executive Director, External Affairs will lead the organisation’s global voice and external positioning, ensuring the organisation speaks with clarity, authority and impact. They will build high-level partnerships, open new doors, diversify income, strengthen thought leadership and help articulate the relevance of the organisation’s work to humanitarian, security, stabilisation and recovery agendas, while safeguarding the organisation’s humanitarian principles and values.

We are seeking an exceptional senior leader with a strong track record in external affairs, policy, advocacy, partnerships, strategic communications or income generation within a complex international environment. You will bring credibility with senior stakeholders, the judgement to navigate sensitive geopolitical and reputational issues, and the ability to lead experienced, multi-disciplinary teams.

This is a rare opportunity to take on a newly created executive role at the heart of a globally respected organisation, helping ensure the organisation remains influential, sustainable and future-ready in a rapidly changing world.

Closing date: 25.6.26

Preliminary Interviews: 6-9.7.26

Final Interviews and assessments: From 14.7.26

To learn more about the opportunity and recruitment process, please follow the link below for the full appointment brief.

About the Role

This is no ordinary desk job. As a Programmes Officer, you will play a key role in supporting HRF’s humanitarian and development programmes, helping secure vital funding and coordinating projects that create meaningful impact for vulnerable communities worldwide.

Working closely with field teams, donors, and partners, you will contribute to programme development, grant management, reporting, and strategic coordination across multiple country programmes. The role also includes opportunities for international travel to field locations, offering direct exposure to the communities and projects you support.

What You'll Be Doing

Under the management of the Head of International Programmes (HQ-based), the Programmes Officer will support the development and implementation of HRF’s programmes, with a strong focus on programme coordination, donor engagement, and fundraising. Key responsibilities include:

Grant Acquisition and Donor Coordination

• Develop concept notes, proposals, budgets, logical frameworks, and situation analyses.
• Identify new funding opportunities through donor platforms, clusters, and networking.
• Coordinate with colleagues to gather data required for proposal development.
• Represent HRF at relevant meetings and networking events.
• Coordinate with the marketing department to support project visibility.

Grant and Programme Management

• Review contracts, MOUs, and project documentation.
• Support project teams throughout the project cycle.
• Ensure projects comply with donor requirements, work plans, and budgets.
• Maintain communication with field offices, donors, and sector focal points.
• Lead the development of narrative and financial donor reports.
• Support donor visits, meetings, and external communications.
• Act as a focal point between HQ, donors, and field teams.
• Support MEAL teams in tracking project indicators.
• Ensure programme quality in line with HRF policies and SOPs.

Organisational Strategy and Growth

• Support the development and revision of organisational policies.
• Assist in supervising volunteers and interns.
• Support recruitment processes, particularly for field offices.
• Promote cross-learning and collaboration within the programmes department.
• Contribute to country-level strategic planning.
• Deliver staff capacity-building support where required.

Administrative Work 

• Maintain and update HRF databases and records.
• Ensure proposal submission documents are accurate and submitted on time.
• Maintain organised and up-to-date files and documentation.

Who we're looking for

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field; master’s degree desirable.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a similar role.
• Strong understanding of the humanitarian or development sector.
• Excellent written and spoken English, with strong report-writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and intercultural communication skills.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Willingness to travel internationally when required.
• Right to live and work in the UK.
• Familiarity with the UK charity sector is desirable.