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+.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Director of Operations & Organisational Effectiveness is responsible for leadingUbele's operational infrastructure and ensuring the organisation has the systems,processes, people, governance and resources required to operate effectively andsustainably.
As a member of the management board, the postholder will work closely with thecurrent CEO and colleagues across the organisation to strengthen organisationaleffectiveness, improve operational performance and create the conditions forsuccessful programme delivery and long-term organisational resilience.
The role will provide leadership across operations, governance, finance oversight,people management, compliance, organisational planning and businessimprovement, ensuring that Ubele's operational foundations support its mission,values and ambitions.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Operational leadership and organisational effectiveness
Lead the development and continuous improvement of organisational systems,processes and operational practices.
Drive organisational effectiveness through improved planning, coordination,accountability and performance management.
Ensure effective operational planning and resource allocation across theorganisation.
Establish and embed clear operational frameworks, policies and procedures
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen delivery and enhanceorganisational performance.
Lead organisational improvement initiatives and support the implementation ofchange programmes where required.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and accountability.
People, culture and performance
Provide leadership for organisational people practices, ensuring effectiveworkforce planning, employee engagement and performance management.
Support managers to develop high-performing and inclusive teams.
Ensure HR policies, procedures and employment practices are effectivelyimplemented.
Lead organisational approaches to performance management, learning andprofessional development.
Contribute to the development of a positive organisational culture that reflectsUbele's values and commitment to equity and inclusion.
Support organisational wellbeing and employee engagement initiatives.
Finance, risk and governance
Work closely with the Finance Lead and CEO to ensure robust financialmanagement, planning and reporting arrangements are in place.
Support the development and monitoring of organisational budgets and financialcontrols.
Ensure effective governance processes are maintained and support high-qualityreporting to the Board.
Lead the development and maintenance of organisational risk managementframeworks.
Oversee organisational compliance with legal, regulatory and statutoryrequirements.
Ensure organisational policies are regularly reviewed, updated and implemented.
Coordinate internal and external audits and compliance reviews.
Programme operations and organisational delivery
Support effective organisational planning and delivery across programmes,projects and services.
Develop systems and processes that enable effective programme management,monitoring and reporting.
Ensure organisational resources are aligned to operational priorities and deliveryrequirements.
Oversee organisational performance reporting and management informationsystems.
Support cross-organisational collaboration and effective communication betweenteams.
Ensure grant, contract and reporting obligations are effectively monitored andfulfilled.
Assets, infrastructure and compliance
Provide operational oversight of Ubele's facilities, assets and organisationalinfrastructure, including supporting Wolves Lane leadership and other operationalresources.
Ensure effective management of suppliers, contractors and operational serviceproviders.
Oversee health and safety, safeguarding, data protection and organisationalcompliance arrangements.
Ensure business continuity and organisational resilience plans are maintained andregularly reviewed.
Maintain appropriate systems and controls to support safe, compliant andeffective operations.
External relationships and organisational representation
Develop effective relationships with operational partners, suppliers, funders andstakeholders as required.
Contribute operational insight and expertise to partnership discussions andorganisational initiatives.
Represent Ubele on operational, governance and organisational matters whereappropriate.
Support the CEO and management board through the provision of high-qualityoperational information, analysis and recommendations.
Person Specification
Skills
Operational leadership skills, with the ability to drive organisational effectivenessand continuous improvement.
Planning, prioritisation and organisational skills.
People management and leadership skills, including the ability to develop andsupport teams.
Ability to analyse information and use data to support decision-making andperformance improvement.
Financial and commercial awareness.
Communication, influencing and relationship management skills.
Ability to build productive working relationships with colleagues, Board members,partners, funders and external stakeholders.
Problem-solving skills and the ability to identify practical solutions toorganisational challenges.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work within a dynamic and evolvingenvironment.
Report writing, presentation and analytical skills.
Experience
Experience in a senior operational leadership role within a charity, socialenterprise, CIC, public sector or similarly complex organisation.
Experience leading organisational operations, systems, processes and businessimprovement initiatives.
Experience managing organisational change and embedding new ways ofworking.
Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams.
Experience overseeing organisational budgets, financial controls and resourceplanning.
Experience supporting governance arrangements and working with Boards andSenior Leadership Teams.
Experience developing and implementing organisational policies, procedures andoperational frameworks.
Experience overseeing risk management, compliance and organisationalassurance processes.
Experience managing contracts, suppliers and operational resources.
Experience supporting the delivery of programmes, projects and services within acomplex organisational environment.
Knowledge
Knowledge of governance, compliance and risk management frameworks.
Knowledge of financial management principles, budgeting and performancereporting.
Knowledge of employment legislation and people management practices.
Knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety, data protection and organisationalcompliance requirements.
Knowledge of organisational development and continuous improvementapproaches.
Understanding of the operational challenges and opportunities facing charities,CICs and social enterprises.
Understanding of equity, inclusion and community-centred approaches toorganisational leadership.
Understanding of the social, economic and structural issues affecting AfricanDiaspora communities and community-led organisations.
Knowledge of grant-funded and contract-funded operating environments.
This role involves responsibility for socially impactful and occasionally emotionallydemanding work. A commitment to wellbeing, reflective leadership, and resilience isessential.
A DBS check may be required depending on Ubele’s programmes.
This job description may evolve as Ubele continues its organisational development.
Non Charity Employer
21 - 50
Advocating for Equity & Justice in Our Communities
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Astra Foundation is seeking a Foundation Director; a dynamic, seasoned and strategic leader with a background in philanthropy who is motivated by their mission to combat loneliness in young adults, empower youth to reach their full potential, and reduce plastic pollution, primarily in the UK and France. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a young foundation and support the next phase of its evolution, building on strong foundations to further steward support for their priority areas and civil society partners. The ideal candidate will be collaborative, with a willingness to handle all aspects of the Foundation’s work, from high-level strategy and external relations to day-to-day administration.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.