Policy jobs

Job Structure

• Reports to: Director of Learning and Impact  

• Direct reports: Programme Leads, Programmes Coordinator

• Location: Haringey, with travel across London boroughs as required

• Hours: 40 hours per week (including 1 hour lunch break)

Benefits 

• 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, your birthday off, and an extra day per year of service (up to 5 additional days) 

• Death in Service cover (up to 4x annual salary / fixed amount for part-time roles) 

• Enhanced sick pay 

• Eye care benefits for those using display screens 

• Up to £750 annual CPD budget to support your professional development 

• A dedicated wellness package promoting staff health and wellbeing 

• Team building and transformation days to strengthen collaboration and personal growth 

• Professional mentoring and ongoing supervision 

• A comprehensive induction and training programme to help you thrive from day one 

About Sister System 

Founded in 2018, Sister System is a charitable organisation and an Open College Network (OCN) approved centre dedicated to empowering girls and young women aged 13-24 affected by the care system.   

Our approach is co-designed with care-affected young women to ensure that their lived experiences continue to drive meaningful change and shape our progression. Built on proven therapeutic models, our long-term mentoring, accredited qualifications, and leadership development programmes strengthen resilience, confidence, and essential life skills.   

Our model seeks to break intergenerational cycles by equipping young women with the tools to thrive and lead change. Through a strong sense of community, peer networks, and trusted adult relationships, we create clear pathways into education, employment, and socio-economic stability, supporting a life free from abuse.

Throughout her journey with Sister System, each girl participates in weekly one-to-one and group sessions focused on self-education and personal growth. These sessions explore the social and emotional transition to womanhood while building a supportive network of “sisters” who continue to empower one another during key life transitions. Our programmes are accessible to girls and young women at any stage of educational attainment, enabling all Sis-Stars to learn, grow, and thrive.  

Our Programmes  

All our programmes have been co-curated with young women in care and are built upon proven therapeutic models of intervention. We deliver a set of inclusive, empowering, enabling, and exploratory programmes. These focus on self-education, investigating the social and emotional impact of the transition to womanhood and creating a network of sisters who can continue to support each other's growth throughout key transitional periods. Our programmes are delivered in such a way that sisters at any stage of educational attainment can access, learn, grow, and thrive.  

Job Purpose 

Sister System is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Programmes to lead the operational delivery and continuous improvement of our mentoring, learning, and development programmes for care-affected girls and young women aged 13–24. The postholder will oversee the full programme cycle — from referral and assessment through to delivery, evaluation, and progression — ensuring all work is trauma-informed, evidence-based, and aligned with Sister System’s mission and OCN accreditation standards. Acting as the central link between the leadership team and delivery staff, the Head of Programmes will manage and develop a high-performing team, maintain quality assurance across all programme stages, and foster strong partnerships with schools, local authorities, and community organisations to drive measurable impact and long-term systemic change.  

This role holds operational oversight of all programme delivery, team management, and quality assurance, ensuring that our work achieves its intended outcomes, aligns with our organisational strategy, and continues to grow in impact and reach.  

Key Responsibilities  

Programme Leadership and Delivery  

• Lead the design, coordination, and delivery of all Sister System programmes, services, and activities in line with organisational aims and funder requirements.  

• Oversee programme planning, scheduling, and annual mapping to ensure smooth delivery and strategic alignment across all three stages (Enable, Enhance, Empower).  

• Work with the Safeguarding Lead to manage referral, assessment, and placement processes to ensure beneficiaries are appropriately matched to programmes and mentors, maintaining high standards of transparency and accountability throughout.  

• Ensure all delivery follows Sister System's three-stage programme model, safeguarding standards, and quality expectations. Support programme delivery where needed, maintaining a visible leadership presence.  

• Monitor the service user journey using Sister System's monitoring and evaluation tools and Salesforce CRM, working with the Head of Monitoring & Evaluation to track progress against work plans, indicators, and our evaluation framework.  

• Conduct regular programme review meetings with team members and stakeholders to enhance information sharing, efficiency, and effectiveness of programme implementation.  

Programme Quality and Impact  

• Oversee programme quality assurance, including risk assessment of referrals, benchmarking, and monitoring of Development & Progress reports.  

• Work with the Internal Quality Assurer to ensure delivery meets agreed quality standards.  

• Maintain oversight of portfolios of work produced by learners and mentors towards their qualifications, in collaboration with the Learning & Development Lead and EET Progression Lead.  

• Support the collection, analysis, and reporting of programme data to evidence impact and inform organisational learning.  

• Play an active role in the impact evaluation cycle, managing and adapting programmes in line with outcomes and goals.  

Operational and Team Leadership  

• Lead and support the mentor team in effective caseload management, ensuring appropriate workload balance and delivery quality.  

• Line manage key programme staff, providing guidance, support, and supervision in line with organisational policies. Support staff wellbeing and development, ensuring a positive working environment. 

• Ensure timely completion of paperwork, reports, and monitoring requirements across all programmes.  

• Lead regular team meetings, contributing to a reflective, learning-focused organisational culture.  

• Support implementation of Sister System's performance management systems and processes.  

• Ensure compliance with all relevant policies and procedures, specifically safeguarding, Child Protection Policy, and Code of Conduct.  

• Encourage a culture of learning, creativity, and innovation. Maintain good team communication and dynamics, taking remedial action when problems occur.  

External Partner Management  

• Commission and manage a pool of external facilitators and delivery partners to meet agreed programme outcomes.  

• Build and maintain strong relationships with referral partners, funders, and external stakeholders to support programme delivery and growth.  

• Represent Sister System externally, promoting our model of culturally responsive, trauma-informed mentoring.  

• Ensure all staff, partners, and stakeholders have clear understanding of Sister System's mission, vision, values, and policies, reflected in programme implementation.  

Strategic Development and Business Growth 

• Contribute to the development of Sister System's programme strategy, aligning delivery with the 3-year plan and long-term system change goals.  

• Contribute to Sister System's strategy development and revision by providing feedback on programme reach, impact, and strategic planning.  

• Identify opportunities for programme innovation and growth, including developing new partnerships and supporting funding applications.  

• Support senior leadership in reporting to funders and partners, contributing to organisational learning and sustainability planning.  

• Represent Sister System at sector events and forums to promote our work and influence best practice in mentoring care-affected young women.  

Safeguarding  

• Sister System places the highest priority on safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.  

• The Head of Programmes will serve as a Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) with responsibility for safeguarding in the organisation, maintaining good knowledge of safeguarding guidance (including Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children) and related legislation (e.g., the Children Act 1989).  

Person Specification  

Essential – Knowledge & Experience 

• Significant experience in programme management, delivery, and coordination within the charity/social impact sector  

• Proven track record of managing multiple programmes or projects simultaneously, meeting targets and deadlines  

• Experience of line management and team leadership, including supervision and performance management  

• Experience managing relationships with external stakeholders, including funders, delivery partners, and referral agencies  

• Experience in safeguarding and child protection, including handling disclosures and managing risk  

• Knowledge of the challenges faced by care-experienced young women and the care system  

• Knowledge of effective monitoring and evaluation approaches and impact measurement  

• Awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion principles in service delivery  

Desirable 

• Experience working with vulnerable young people, particularly care-experienced individuals or young women  

• Experience in mentoring programmes or youth development initiatives  

• Experience working with trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches  

• Experience of co-production or 'by and for' programme design with service users  

• Experience in qualifications-based programmes (e.g., accredited learning)  

Skills & Abilities 

• Excellent programme planning, coordination, and organisational skills with strong attention to detail  

• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret data and use it to inform decision-making  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills  

• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure  

• Strong relationship-building skills with ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external partners  

• Highly developed cultural awareness and ability to work well in an environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures  

• Problem-solving skills with ability to adapt plans and respond to challenges  

• Ability to lead, motivate, and support a team, fostering a positive and reflective culture  

• Strong administrative and IT skills, including proficiency with databases and monitoring systems  

Personal Qualities 

• Passionate commitment to Sister System's mission of supporting care-experienced young women  

• Strong alignment with Sister System's values and approach, including 'by and for' and trauma-informed practice  

• Empathetic and non-judgemental approach to working with vulnerable young people  

• Resilient and able to manage emotional demands of the role while maintaining professional boundaries  

• Flexible and adaptable approach to changing circumstances and organisational needs  

• Commitment to continuous learning, reflection, and professional development  

• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability  

• Able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately  

• You will demonstrate Sister System’s values: Tenacious, Solution-focused, Masterful, Collaborative and Evidence-based 

Other Requirements  

• Enhanced DBS check will be required for this role  

• Right to work in the UK  

• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as required by programme delivery  

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment  

Sister System is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The successful applicant will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide two satisfactory references.  

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Sister System is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences, and we are committed to fair, inclusive and transparent recruitment. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know. 

Recruitment Process

The post will be advertised from 16th December 2025; applications will close on 12th January 2026. 

• First round of interviews will be 22nd January 2026,  

• Second round interview will commence from the week of 26th January 2025 

The Senior Evidence & Evaluation Manager sits within the Impact & Evidence directorate at the heart of Youth Futures Foundation.

You will play a central role in building the evidence base on what works to support young people into good jobs.

Working with three Heads of Evaluation, the Deputy Director and the Director, you will help ensure our evaluations are designed to generate credible evidence of what works.

• You will work closely with independent evaluators and delivery partners and colleagues in our Programmes & Grants and Policy & Communications directorates, you will assess the evaluability of interventions, and lead the design and delivery of large-scale, complex impact evaluations.
• You will manage a portfolio of projects, leading some directly, and overseeing others while supporting more junior colleagues.
• You will also contribute to strengthening our ‘evaluation architecture’, leading projects that enhance data infrastructure and access to administrative datasets, and set standards for methodological rigour in the sector.

This role can be based at our Birmingham, Leeds or London hub. We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.

For more information on this role, please download our recruitment pack.

Due to receiving high volumes of interest in our opportunities, this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised deadline. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.

Key responsibilities 

To be responsible for the effective leadership and management of the organisation and its resources.

To support the Board in setting the vision, mission, strategic objectives and strategic priorities for the charity and develop its philosophy and values.

To lead the business development plans for development of the Charity in its purpose of supporting people and families living with dementia. Ensuring a robust Operating Plan is developed, approved by the Board and fully implemented. 

To promote the mission, aims, values and objectives of The Dementia Care Hub as the public facing representative of the Charity, working effectively with the Charity’s stakeholders.

To provide forward looking strategic leadership and management of the organisation and its resources to promote the objectives of the Charity.

To ensure the Charity fulfils all its legal, statutory and regulatory responsibilities.

To offer practical support to the hubs as required

To lead and prepare grant applications to ensure that The Dementia Care Hub can continue to support and grow.

To lead and develop fundraising activities.

The Public Affairs Lead sits within our Policy and Advocacy Team, working to build support for The Food Foundation’s work amongst Parliamentarians and to influence the government to help deliver policies that will transform the food system. This is an exciting opportunity to join a small organisation delivering big impact on the political agenda around food.

The Public Affairs Manager reports to our Head of Policy and Advocacy and will be responsible for planning and delivering our public affairs activity. This includes: 

• Political engagement: meeting MPs and Peers in parliament and building relationships with their teams with a view to identifying potential new supporters 
• Policy and research: working closely with colleagues to share perspectives on which priorities it may be tactical to pursue and to understand what evidence is available to inform engagement.
• Networking: working with public affairs professionals in other organisations to deliver joint programmes of engagement work which leverage respective organisational strengths.
• Monitoring: You will have excellent political instincts and a strong interest in policy developments,
  monitoring closely what is going on in Parliament and in Government,in order to identify opportune moments to maximise political attention and to galvanise support for policy change.
• Communicating: building compelling narratives targeted at different political stakeholders about the impacts of the food system on our diets, our health and our planet, and the need for evidence-based solutions. 
• Developing briefing materials and reports for policy audiences and formulate responses on behalf of the organisation to policy development processes and Parliamentary inquiries.
• Events: ensuring our messages and priorities are noticed and heard by policy-makers in a very crowded policy space, including by working closely with our events manager to deliver impactful parliamentary events.

You will bring a learning mindset to the role, assessing the impact of our policy engagement approaches in order to make continuous improvements.

A week in the job

Meeting with a Peer that is new to our work to brief them on evidence we have published and our current political priorities, completing a political stakeholder mapping exercise for a new campaign on sustainable diets to identify a shortlist of MPs to engage with, spending an afternoon in parliament to engage informally with passing MPs, pitching a new idea for a
parliamentary inquiry to parliamentary staff from the Health and Social Care Committee, drafting an MP briefing for an upcoming debate on the Government’ s obesity prevention priorities, reviewing next week’s parliamentary calendar to spot opportunities for engagement, attending a roundtable to share intelligence and discuss priorities for political party manifestos with other NGOs working on food issues, ringing round parliamentary offices to confirm attendance for
an upcoming parliamentary reception, meeting with an MP that is closely involved with The Food Foundation’s work to refine messaging for an upcoming campaign.

Your experience
You will have a strong knowledge of the UK political landscape and be comfortable and confident in engaging with stakeholders in Whitehall and in Parliament across the political spectrum. Ideally you would also have a knowledge of policy related to the food system, public health or the environmental crisis.

Your skills

• Proven ability to influence decision makers
• Strong knowledge and experience of the mechanics of the UK policy-making landscape
• Ability to work diplomatically and professionally with external stakeholders
• Significant experience working in a role with a major focus on external engagement in a policy/public affairs setting
• A confident networker who enjoys building connections and relationships with new people.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex and highly nuanced subject matter in plain English.
• Confidence in working as part of a team, with experience of working collaboratively with colleagues to share ideas, find solutions and help ensure the successful delivery of projects.
• Proactive and independent worker with strong organisational and project management skills and demonstrable experience of delivering on competing priorities within a timepressured environment.
• Close attention to detail and ability to accurately monitor policy developments, stakeholder views and engagement activity.
• You have a commitment to building equitable, diverse and inclusive policy.
• An existing network of relationships with MPs, Peers, advisors and policy officials.

You will coordinate the Social Homes for Manchester campaign coalition and implement our strategy for strengthening the housing justice movement in Manchester and across GM. You will lead on organising community workshops and events raising awareness about campaign asks and the Manchester Local Plan consultation process.

You will convene workshops and events focused on building the capacity of a network of ward-based community coalitions to understand housing and planning policy and process. This might include how local development applications are compiled, submitted, decided on; and strategies for ensuring appropriate levels of Section 106 contributions and social rent homes are included in development applications.

You will work with the Social Homes for Manchester Steering Group and community leaders to provide coordination support to at least one neighbourhood planning process and efforts to encourage community-led housing innovations.

You will create a new set of webpages focused on provision of transparent and accessible information on housing need, upcoming developments, and performance against housing targets at ward and city scale.

About you

• You have excellent relationship building skills and experience of working with disadvantaged groups of people to take collective action to achieve positive outcomes for people and communities.
• You enjoy organising activities and events in response to community priorities, interests and needs.
• You have an organised and strategic mindset and the professionalism to foster positive working relationships between community, voluntary, and public sector organisations and representatives.
• You have a basic understanding of housing development and planning application and approval processes and a good understanding of the rationale for increased delivery of sustainable social rent homes.
• You have some experience of web development or website administration and editing combined with the ability to engage digitally excluded groups of people in understanding technical information.

About Social Homes for Manchester (SH4M)

• SH4M is a coalition of community associations, charities, think tanks, academics and social justice organisations focused on accelerating the number of social homes that are created in Manchester by 2030 and ensuring this is done in an environmentally sustainable way.
• Much of our work over the last two years has focused on generating an evidence base, influencing strategy, and set of relationships to facilitate influence, including through convening the Manchester Social Housing Commission which concludes in December 2025.
• SH4M is now focused on implementing a two-year strategy including building a network of citizen coalitions across the city of Manchester with the information and capacity to hold decision-makers and providers to account for accelerated delivery of sustainable social rent homes. This includes taking forward the findings of the Manchester Social Housing Commission.

About CLASS/Community Savers

• CLASS is the lead convening agency for Social Homes for Manchester. We are a Manchester-based registered charity that exists to support a network of place-based community associations called Community Savers.
• We build the strategic and financial capacity of tenant, resident, community groups and neighbourhood forums to achieve better outcomes for their local area. We support a range of community-catalysed and community-led initiatives and co-creation partnerships.
• CLASS values wellbeing, family life, and work-life balance. We offer attractive Terms and Conditions relating to flexitime, annual leave, and a NEST Pension scheme with 10% employer contribution.
• CLASS is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. However, as part of an alliance focused on #CommunityPoweredPolitics and amplifying the voices and experiences of women experiencing intersecting inequalities, we particularly encourage applications from women from global majority backgrounds and women with disabilities who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are seeking a Community Engagement Officer to provide vital administrative support to our policy & campaigns function and across the organisation, facilitating strong engagement with our community of dementia carers. The successful candidate will act as the first point of contact for enquiries around our carer engagement projects, and will assist with the coordination and administration of policy and campaign activities.  You'll be joining us at an exciting time as we build on our successes and continue to grow our reach and impact to make a difference for dementia carers.

What we do at Dementia Carers Count

We support, advocate and campaign for dementia carers so that no-one feels isolated, invisible or alone.

Key responsibilities of the role

• Be the first point of contact for enquiries, managing incoming phone calls and generic inboxes for policy and campaigns, ensuring that enquiries are escalated efficiently and calls transferred to appropriate DCC team members.
• Record carer details and interactions on the database.
• Support the recruitment and ongoing management of the dementia carer community, including working across DCC teams to facilitate the promotion and ongoing coordination of a range of engagement opportunities.
• Assist in the planning, coordination, and delivery of campaigns and community engagement activities.
• Support communication with and management of the Carers’ Advisory Panel, including scheduling meetings, maintaining attendance records, and facilitating communication among members.
• Provide support for carer engagement, as required, to other teams in DCC.

We are looking for the following experience:

• Managing incoming enquiries via phone and email, with the ability to efficiently triage and escalate as needed.

• Using databases to record and manage personal information

• Coordinating appointments, meetings, or events.

• Using email or community and campaigns engagement clients like MailChimp, Campaign Monitor or Engaging Networks.

Full job description and person specification can be found in our recruitment pack via our website.

This role is remote, with periodic days in London required.

We are looking for an energetic, motivated self-starter keen to take on new challenge, and to adapt their varied skills to join us and support our community. This role will have you tackling different things every day. You will ensure that our office runs smoothly, and that key corporate and HR processes and procedures comply with law and with our policies. Working with everyone, you’ll actively enjoy the collegiate atmosphere which we value as a team.

You will be curious, courageous, able to quickly understand our work, (and to ask for help when you don’t) and you’ll have the self-belief and capacity to develop trusting relationships with stakeholders at every level.  You will have an appetite for detail, and a focus on standards.

See the attached Job Description for more details.

How to Apply

We will be assessing applications on a rolling basis.

• Please send us an up-to-date CV including a daytime phone and email contact, and a brief covering email of no more than 250 words - see the job description attached for details on which email address to sue. 
• The closing date and time for applications is 9am, 8th January 2026.

We reserve the right to close applications prior to the closing date if we receive elevated levels of interest and/or secure a successful applicant for the role.

About the role

We are currently looking for an impassioned and self-driven individual to join our activities team to deliver exceptional service to our students, through engaging with the 350+ student groups, which deliver an incredible range of world-class opportunities to their members.

You will coordinate the creation of new student groups and manage funding opportunities as well as lead on the onboarding for new committee members and oversee administration for the minibus fleet. You will review, advise on, and approve society event/trip budgets and finance, in collaboration with the Activities (Events) Team. You will also support clubs and societies to effectively manage their finances, and  review Society sponsorship contracts to make sure they are in-line with College and Union policies, that directly benefit and enhance the student experience.

A significant part of the role will be to deliver our annual budgeting process in line with Imperial College Union's grant allocation and financial policy, as well as supporting student-led groups to plan budgets effectively.

The role sits within the Directorate of Membership Services and the post will have a cross-departmental focus to ensure our training package, volunteer support and all processes are equitable and effective for all student groups.

What you would be doing

The Activities Coordinator (Operations) is a critical role in delivering the Students’ Union’s strategic objective of fun and inclusive communities through support, development and empowerment of student-led groups. The role is responsible for supporting the:

• Delivery of training relating to financial processes
• Processing financial documentation that enables diverse activity for student groups
• Coordination of finances associated with club and society activity, annual and event budgeting in conjunction with colleagues in the finance team.

Alongside the Activities Manager, elected Officer Trustees, and the wider Activities Team, the role will support the delivering of a high-quality support service for student-led groups.

Please see Job Description for full list of duties and responsibilities.

What we are looking for

The successful candidate will use their skills and knowledge to empower student leaders and bring experience in supporting financial administration. The role demands strong organisational ability, a methodical approach to managing information, and refined interpersonal skills. Ideally, you will have worked with financial systems, delivered excellent customer care, and supported student or youth leadership. You should be able to work independently while effectively balancing competing priorities. 

Please see Person Specification in the Job Description for full list.

What we can offer you

Please note this role is with the Students’ Union. We’re a registered charity in our right, with our own governance, systems, processes and objectives. However, we work extremely closely with Imperial College London, so you’ll also be joining a wider community of staff working within higher education. If you’ve never worked in a students’ union, or are unsure why it’s different, we urge you to get in contact. It’s a brilliant place to work.

As an employee of Imperial College, you will be part of lively community and work in a friendly and relaxed environment. Our aim is to provide to all our employees an encouraging and relaxed working environment with an emphasis on personal development and work-life balance. Based on that we offer:

• flexible working hours
• generous pension scheme
• 25 days holiday (plus 6/7 extra days per year for College Christmas and Easter closures)
• bicycle loan scheme
• season ticket loan
• health benefits
• excellent professional development opportunities and many more.

More information can be found on the Imperial College Benefits page.

Further information

To apply for the role please complete the online application form.

We are running a characteristic anonymised application process for this recruitment as part of the College’s commitment to equal opportunities and eliminating discrimination. Applicants will be assigned an application reference number and applicants’ names will not be visible to recruiting managers until the interview stage. You will not be required to attach a CV. Please also refrain from including your name in your supporting statement.

Closing date: 11 January 2026

Should you require any further details on the role please contact the People team listed on the website.

Interviews (In-Person) will be expected to take place on 22 and 23 January 2026.

We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith, or disability. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and other racial minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. If there are any reasonable adjustments needed through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, every role within Imperial College Union contributes to our environmental and social goals. This includes actively participating in initiatives to reduce waste, conserve energy, and promote eco-friendly practices within every department.

AFRIL is recruiting for an experienced, dynamic Senior Caseworker to join our growing Casework Team. The successful candidate will provide advice and casework to asylum seekers, refugees and migrants in South East London on matters relating to housing and homelessness, welfare benefits, NRPF support, community care and asylum support. The candidate has the exciting opportunity to lead on the delivery of AFRIL's Casework Drop-in for asylum seekers and recently granted refugees, supported by a Caseworker and Outreach Volunteers. The post holder, if not already Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) accredited, will also be supported to obtain IAA Level 2 accreditation, to embed some immigration legal advice into their broader caseload. 

AFRIL’s Casework Service also uses casework trends and data to work with community members in order to engage in policy and systemic change. Utilising casework and community co-production, the service has created sector wide resources on asylum support, engaged in strategic litigation and successfully influenced local, pan-London and national policy outcomes. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to feed into AFRIL's broader policy work, and develop local partnerships.

This is an exciting and integral role within a supportive and dynamic team, with strong opportunity for career development within AFRIL.

Are you fiercely dedicated to Indigenous peoples’ rights, a fluent Spanish speaker, and ready to put your networking, analytical, and strategic skills to use as part of a dynamic international campaign team? Survival International is offering a rare opportunity to join our Research and Advocacy Department, working primarily on our campaigns for the rights of uncontacted Indigenous peoples in Spanish-speaking South America. 

This is a chance to join a deeply committed Indigenous rights campaigning organisation that regularly takes on powerful targets and wins. We are looking for a creative, strategic and focused research and policy person to join us at either Officer or Assistant level. You can be part of combating the violent colonialism and land theft that is threatening Indigenous peoples worldwide – one of the most urgent crises of our time. 

For further details and how to apply, please see the job description and application form. The application form is downloadable via the 'How to apply' button.

Programme Support & Knowledge Director

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

Location: The role can be based in the London, United Kingdom, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana and Rwanda, subject to right to work eligibility in the respective countries.

UK hybrid working – a minimum of 40 % of working time is spent face-to-face (London office, external meetings or travel). 60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person.

Salary: Salaries and benefits will vary in line with the location of the successful candidate and depending on experience.

UK: £75,916 - £79,912 per year with excellent benefits.

Ethiopia: ETB 13544181 - 19864798.8 per year with excellent benefits.

Tanzania: TZS 217215222.3 - 304101311.22 per year with excellent benefits.

Nigeria: NGN 81860262.3 - 106418340.99 per year with excellent benefits.

Ghana: GHS 1200723 - 1681013 per year with excellent benefits.

Rwanda: RWF 95234280.3 - 133327992.42 per year with excellent benefits. 

Salaries and benefits for other countries will vary in line with the location of the successful candidate and depending on experience.

Change starts with water. Change starts with you.

Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.

About WaterAid

We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.

About the team

The Programme Support & Knowledge (PSK) team is a critical and dynamic unit within WaterAid UK’s International Programmes Department (IPD), working across 17 countries in Africa and Asia. PSK is a diverse and motivated group of over 20 technical specialists and advisors committed to bringing sustainable WASH to the world’s poorest and most marginalised people.

About the role

As our Programme Support and Knowledge Director, you will play a key role in delivering our mission by providing strategic leadership to the PSK team and the wider IPD, as part of the department’s SMT. You will also input into organisation-wide initiatives, external collaborations and global networks to drive sustainable change.

In this role, you will:

• Provide strategic and technical leadership to WaterAid UK’s programmes
• Lead the Programme Support & Knowledge Team
• Lead programme learning and knowledge management
• Oversee programme support and capacity development
• Support fundraising, external engagement, partnerships and communications
• Champion WaterAid’s commitment to equity, inclusion and safeguarding.

Requirements

To be successful, you will need:

• Extensive and deep experience in WASH development across multiple contexts
• Strong technical WASH skills – e.g. sustainable rural and /or urban water supply service delivery and management, climate resilient WASH, 
• Systems-thinking capability to support transformational WASH programming
• Proven ability to lead strategic, impactful initiatives in large organisations
• Strong understanding of planning, monitoring and evaluation in development
• Experience in knowledge management, learning and capacity development
• Proven experience of developing propositions and donor engagement and
• A track record of leading high-performing teams and supporting change

Although not essential, we’d prefer you to have:

• Working knowledge of French, Portuguese or Spanish
• Experience leading or managing applied research
• Experience establishing and promoting technical standards.

Closing date: Applications close 12:00 PM UK time on December 21st 2025. Interviews may be scheduled on a rolling basis, and the role may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found.

How to apply: Click Apply to complete the pre-screening questions and upload your CV and cover letter.

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application?

At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.

Pre‑employment screening

To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Benefits

As a global organisation, WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. Alongside our inspiring mission and meaningful work, we offer a range of benefits tailored to each country’s context and policies. These will be shared during the process

Our Global Commitment:

Our people promise

We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.

Safeguarding

We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).

Together, we’ll change the world through water.

Join us and be part of the change !

The Head of Partnerships and Systemic Change will lead MCF’s efforts to build strategic partnerships, drive systemic change, and influence policy to enable Muslim led charities to thrive in a more equitable, inclusive, and impactful civil society. 

Job role: Head of Partnerships and Systemic Change

Employer: Muslim Charities Forum

Salary:  £42,000 – 45,000 per annum

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week (4 days office-based, 1 day hybrid/remote)

Position: Fixed Term Contract, 3 years.

Location: London SE1. Nearest stations Waterloo, Lambeth North

Closing date for applications:16th December 2025, 5.00pm or until a suitable candidate is identified.

About Muslim Charities Forum (MCF)

Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) is the UK’s leading network for Muslim-led charities, strengthening the capacity, voice and impact of nearly 300 organisations. Guided by our pillars of Support, Connect and Represent, we champion excellence, transparency and social justice through resources, capacity-building, research and advocacy. 

We work to tackle structural and funding barriers, influence government, policymakers and the wider sector, and build a more sustainable, equitable Muslim-led charitable landscape. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, we drive systemic change and amplify the contributions of Muslim-led organisations across society. 

Role Purpose

The Head of Partnerships and Systemic Change will lead MCF’s efforts to build strategic partnerships, drive systemic change, and influence policy to enable Muslim-led charities to thrive in a more equitable, inclusive, and impactful civil society.

The postholder will work closely with key stakeholders, including policymakers, government departments, funders, infrastructure bodies, and sector leaders, to address structural inequalities, unlock resources, and elevate the recognition of Muslim-led charities in British society. This role will involve both coalition-building and strategic campaigning to create lasting change within the sector.

Working in collaboration with MCF’s policy, communications, advocacy, and research teams, the Head of Partnerships and Systemic Change will ensure a coordinated approach that drives long-term, sector-wide capacity improvement and sustainable impact.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Systemic Change

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy focused on driving systemic change that enhances the impact and sustainability of Muslim-led charities.
• Identify and dismantle structural, institutional, and policy barriers that hinder the growth and success of Muslim-led organisations.
• Lead efforts to address disparities in funding, representation, and support for Muslim-led charities, advocating for more equitable resource allocation.
• Champion inclusive policies that promote equity in representation and resource distribution for Muslim-led organisations across the charity sector.

External Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and maintain impactful relationships with key stakeholders, including policymakers, funders, government officials, and sector leaders.
• Work with funders and mainstream sector partners to unlock resources and support for Muslim-led organisations, ensuring equitable access to funding and opportunities.
• Develop strategic alliances and coalitions with infrastructure and umbrella organisations across the charity sector to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and systemic change.
• Collaborate with civil society partners to advance inclusive policy frameworks and advocate for equitable funding practices.
• Position MCF as a key voice in coalition-building efforts and as a strategic campaigner on issues affecting the Muslim charitable sector.

Policy, Advocacy & Communications

• Collaborate closely with MCF’s policy, communications, and advocacy teams to design and implement integrated strategies for policy influence.
• Contribute to the development of evidence-based policy briefings, consultation responses, and advocacy campaigns aimed at driving systemic reform and addressing sectoral inequalities.
• Lead strategic campaigns that amplify MCF’s core messages and policy priorities to diverse audiences, including decision-makers and key influencers.
• Represent MCF at parliamentary, sectoral, and public events to advocate for policy change and elevate the profile of Muslim-led charities.

Research & Insight

• Work with MCF’s research team to generate insights and data that inform systemic change and strengthen advocacy efforts.
• Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for funders, policymakers, and other influential stakeholders.
• Use research to identify emerging trends and challenges within the Muslim charitable sector, developing proactive solutions to address these issues.

Collaboration & Representation

• Represent MCF externally with professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to the organisation’s values of inclusion, collaboration, and faith sensitivity.
• Act as a thought leader and advocate for Muslim-led charities in both public and private sector forums, driving change through advocacy and coalition-building.

Management

· Lead designated members of the team, overseeing work and line management where appropriate.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Significant experience (minimum 5 years) in driving systemic change within the charity, public, or civil society sectors.
• In-depth understanding of the UK charity landscape, particularly the challenges faced by minority or faith-based organisations.
• Proven track record of building and nurturing strategic partnerships with policymakers, funders, and senior stakeholders.
• Expertise in policy development, advocacy, and influencing key stakeholders to achieve long-term change.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong strategic thinking capabilities with the ability to connect research, policy, and advocacy to drive meaningful outcomes.
• A commitment to MCF’s mission, values, and principles of equity, inclusion, and collaboration.

Desirable:

• Experience in coalition-building or cross-sector partnership development.
• Understanding of frameworks for systemic change (e.g., systems thinking, collective impact).
• Familiarity with the British Muslim charitable ecosystem and its role in social change.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to lead impactful change within one of the UK’s most dynamic faith-based networks.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth, leadership, and innovation.

Application Information:

To apply, please send a CV (no more than 2 pages) and a covering letter (max 1,000 words) explaining how you meet the essential criteria and your motivation and suitability for the post. Please include two referees (one of whom should be a recent manager).
 
We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from candidates with lived experience of marginalisation and an understanding of Islamic ethos. Reasonable adjustments are available on request throughout the recruitment process.

We reserve the right to withdraw this role once a suitable candidate is identified.

If you have not heard from us concerning your application within 6 weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

Interviews: Initial online short interview (stage 1), face-to-face in-office interview (stage 2).

No agencies.

UK residents only.  Sponsorship is not possible for this post. References will be taken up prior to appointment including relevant ID checks.

Our mission is simple but ambitious: to create thriving places for young people and flourishing, resilient communities—supporting transformation in mind, body, and spirit.

YMCA St Paul’s Group (SPG) is a long-standing charity dedicated to empowering young people and strengthening communities across London. For over 150 years, we’ve been providing life-changing youth work, essential community services, inclusive health and wellbeing centres, and supported accommodation for those at risk of homelessness. 

About the Role

As a Housing and Support Officer, you’ll play a central role within our Housing and Support team, helping us deliver exceptional care, stability, and guidance to our residents. You’ll often be the first friendly face they see—answering queries, providing clear guidance, and ensuring a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for everyone who walks through our doors. 

This is a dynamic, people-focused role with a broad range of responsibilities. From reception and administrative duties to first aid, safety checks, and supporting new residents, your work directly contributes to a positive and meaningful experience for our community. No two days will be the same—and every day, your impact will be felt.

Key Responsibilities

First-Class Customer Service
You’ll be at the heart of our community, offering consistently warm, professional, and helpful support. Your interactions create a real and lasting difference for residents, visitors, and their support networks.

A Varied and Engaging Role
From managing calls and handling payments to coordinating repairs and mail, your everyday tasks keep our sites running smoothly. You’ll also support essential safety and security processes that protect our community.

Safety & Security Leadership
As a trained first aider and fire marshal, you’ll be trusted to respond effectively during emergencies. Regular wellbeing and facilities patrols will help ensure that residents feel secure, supported, and at ease.

Welcoming & Supportive Engagement
You’ll warmly welcome new residents, listen to concerns, respond to incidents of anti-social behaviour, and offer compassionate assistance to those who need it. Your attentiveness helps us maintain a safe and inclusive space.

Teamwork & Collaboration
Work alongside experienced housing advisors who share your commitment to making a difference. Your enthusiasm, empathy, and professionalism will be valued and celebrated as part of a supportive and dedicated team.

What We Offer

At YMCA St Paul’s Group, diversity, inclusion, and authenticity are core values. We want you to bring your full self to work—and we’ll support your voice, perspective, and growth through our Employee Resource Groups and inclusive culture.

We’re committed to your professional development, offering a broad learning and development programme that includes formal training, qualifications, and hands-on experience. You’ll have ongoing opportunities to progress and grow your career with us.

You’ll also enjoy a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing in mind, body, and spirit, including:

• Free access to our gyms across all sites

• Discounts at major retailers and supermarkets

• Free wellbeing and counselling services

• Flexibility to work from multiple outer-London locations

• Career development programmes to help you thrive

• Family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity pay

• Life Assurance (for permanent contracts)

(For a full list of staff benefits, please refer to our benefits guide.)

Senior Practice and Research Development Officer (Adults)
Salary £32,684 per annum, actual for 0.8 FTE (£40,855 per annum FTE)
Contract: Fixed term for 18 months, with the potential to extend
Hours: Part-Time 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Location: Hybrid working from Devon TQ12 or Sheffield S1 Office. Home based within UK for the right candidate.

The Vacancy

For over 60 years the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) has been building a better childhood for all.

Research in Practice has supported evidence-informed practice in adult social care for twenty years and for almost thirty years in the children and families’ sector. We are now seeking a Senior Practice and Research Development Officer to join our adult’s team.

This senior role is ideal for someone with excellent facilitation skills and substantial experience in adult social care or related sectors. While the position requires engagement with and understanding of research it is not a primary research role.

The successful candidate will have experience designing and delivering resources, workshops, webinars, and events for a range of audiences, including senior leaders. The role requires a strong understanding of research, policy, ethical and legal frameworks relevant to practice and the ability to translate complex evidence into accessible learning. Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills are essential.

The post holder will lead a small team of committed Research and Development Officers developing and delivering high-quality learning resources in various formats.

The role involves:

• having substantial experience in adult social care or related sectors
• presenting, chairing, and facilitating a range of sector-wide discussions, workshops, webinars and other learning events,
• supporting the team to develop their facilitation skills,
• scoping, commissioning, writing and editing, event materials and written resources, and supporting the team with this,
• quality assuring learning programme materials and written resources.

About Research in Practice

Research in Practice is part of the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) family. For over 60 years, the NCB has been building a better childhood for all.

Research in Practice works with organisations across adults’ and children’s social care, health, criminal justice, and higher education, supporting evidence-informed approaches to improve policy, services, and outcomes for people of all ages. By bringing together research evidence, practice wisdom, and lived experience, we collaborate with professionals and experts to develop tailored resources, learning opportunities, and specialist support that meet the needs of our partners.

About NCB

For more than 60 years, the National Children’s Bureau has championed the rights and amplified the voice of children and young people in the UK. We interrogate policy and uncover evidence, blending in lived and learnt experience to shape future legislation and develop more effective ways of supporting children and families.

Bringing people and organisations together is fundamental to how we improve the systems that babies, children, young people and their families rely on to thrive. We push boundaries, even looking beyond childhood itself to consider transitions into adulthood and the impact of childhood issues on an entire lifespan. We are united for better childhoods and brighter futures.

The Benefits

• 30 Days Annual Leave
• Winter Holiday Closure & Break
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible Working
• Employee Assistance Programme

Applications close at 08:00am on Wednesday 14th January 2026.
Successful applicants will be notified by Thursday 22nd January 2026 and invited to interview. Assessment and interviews to be conducted on Tuesday 27th January 2026.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are actively seeking to broaden the diversity of our staff group and warmly welcome applications from candidates underrepresented in the charity sector, including those from Black and Global Majority communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with lived experience of the issues NCB works on.

No agencies please.