Head of Funding and Programme Development (Maternity Cover)

About Saferworld

Saferworld is an independent international organisation working in partnership with civil society to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives. We work in solidarity with people affected by conflict to improve their safety and sense of security, and we build conditions for peace and justice. We also support analysis and learning to influence local, national and international policies and practices that help foster lasting peace and justice. Our priority is people – we believe in a world where everyone can lead peaceful, fulfilling lives free from fear and insecurity. We operate on a not-for-profit basis with partners in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, with nine offices across those regions and offices in the UK, USA and Belgium.

Saferworld is committed to providing a safe, trusted environment that safeguards our staff, partners and communities. Our organisational integrity is derived from the values and principles that underpin and guide our work.

We are seeking a strategic and inspiring Head of Funding and Programme Development with a proven ability to lead, motivate, and mobilise resources in a values-driven environment. This role calls for a leader who is deeply committed to equitable partnerships with communities and organisations in conflict-affected settings, guiding teams to raise resources effectively while advancing peace and justice outcomes. Grounded in a people-centred vision of change, you will foster collaboration, champion locally-led approaches, and steer efforts toward resourcing sustainable, community-driven, and collective visions of peace.

About the role

• The Head of Funding and Programme Development will shape Saferworld’s income profile in alignment with our organisational strategy and change process. The post-holder will lead the development and implementation of Saferworld’s funding strategy, ensuring it supports our strategic, programmatic and operational priorities.
• The role will focus on strengthening the quality, flexibility and diversity of Saferworld’s funding base, nurturing relationships with strategic institutional donors, growing philanthropic funding, and identifying new income opportunities.
• This is an exciting opportunity to influence Saferworld’s fundraising and programme development approach during a pivotal period for the organisation. The role will line-manage a small team across programme development, philanthropy and funding.

Key responsibilities

• As part of Saferworld’s senior leadership, you will support organisation-wide initiatives and contribute to strategic decision-making. You will monitor funding trends, identify emerging issues relevant to Saferworld’s work and partnership approaches, and develop appropriate strategies to respond.
• Working closely with the Senior Operations Team, you will ensure funding plans are developed across business units and thematic/regional areas, and that income pipelines are maintained while quality assurance and active cost recovery are proactively pursued. You will oversee the funding and prospects pipeline, produce data and analysis to support decision-making, and provide regular reporting to senior leaders and the Board.
• Externally, you will represent Saferworld with key donors, partners and networks, building strategic relationships and identifying funding opportunities.
• You will lead the development, implementation and monitoring of Saferworld’s funding strategy, ensuring a balanced, ethical and diverse portfolio of restricted and unrestricted income streams. This will include securing quality funding against agreed targets and supporting income diversification through trusts and foundations, commercial funding, and other sources.
• You will work closely with Saferworld’s Grant Management Team to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach to donor relationship management and cultivation. You will also lead the design of multi-country and thematic proposals, as well as consortia bid development, to strengthen partnerships and support new ways of resourcing Saferworld’s strategy.
• The post-holder will set standards for collaborative and participatory programme design, manage proposal development processes from opportunity notice to contract signing, and ensure learning from donor feedback is used to strengthen our fundraising approach.
• You will lead the Funding Leadership Team to ensure cross-organisational ownership of fundraising efforts, and work closely with regional, thematic, policy and grant management colleagues throughout the funding cycle.

People and leadership

• You will line-manage the Funding and Programme Development Team and foster an environment where staff feel empowered, take responsibility and are accountable for achieving organisational objectives.
• You will ensure the team facilitates strong participatory programme design and proposal development with partners and staff, embedding Saferworld’s organisational values and principles. You will also support the team to work closely with colleagues across the organisation, grounding proposals in learning, evidence and evaluation findings.

About you

• You will bring proven senior leadership experience in funding, with a track record of developing and implementing funding strategies and raising income through a range of donors, including individuals, institutions, trusts and foundations. You will also have experience securing high-value contracts and grants of seven figures.
• You will have strong experience of leading complex participatory programme design, including developing budgets, monitoring frameworks and proposals. You will be confident coordinating programme development processes with multiple teams and partners to ensure a collaborative and inclusive approach.
• You will have a proven track record of motivating, mentoring and managing a team, and supporting that team to think creatively about fundraising. You will also be confident developing networks, building alliances, and nurturing relationships with individuals, collaborators and funders.
• You will bring a strong understanding of key political, development and humanitarian trends and debates, particularly linked to peacebuilding, development, human rights, governance, and security and justice. You will also have sound knowledge of UK civil society and charity regulatory requirements, and an understanding of the current international aid, peacebuilding and human rights funding environment.
• Experience of working and/or living in conflict-affected contexts, and understanding of peacebuilding and conflict prevention, are desirable.

Skills and qualities

• You will have excellent leadership and management skills, including strategic planning and business development. You will be able to provide sound financial and compliance advice, demonstrate good financial stewardship, and bring a creative, proactive approach to your work.
• You will be able to set priorities while working under pressure, adjust to multiple demands and shifting priorities, and move between hands-on involvement in proposal writing and strategic oversight.
• You will bring strong communication skills, including experience of communicating across cultures and with diverse audiences. You will understand the power imbalances that may be reflected in programme design and budgeting, and bring a strong commitment to inclusive processes and to shifting power and resources to partners.
• You will be committed to Saferworld’s vision, mission and values, including equality, diversity and safeguarding. You will be able to lead by example and create a safe and respectful environment for all staff.

Application process

• Please apply through our vacancy portal on the Saferworld Jobs website.
• Upload your CV and a covering letter addressing the person specification and explaining why your experience matches the requirements of the role.

Deadline for applications: 3 August 2026
Interviews planned: Week commencing 10 August 2026