Programme director jobs

This is an exciting role leading our committed policy team leading the fight to end child poverty in the UK. The development and implementation of a UK-wide cross-government child poverty strategy means this is a great time to join CPAG as we look to influence policy makers to adopt our evidence-based policy solutions to child poverty.

We are looking for someone to take a lead role in developing evidence-based policy positions to support CPAG’s influencing and campaigns work. You will have knowledge of political processes and how external organisations can effect change. You will have a track record of producing high quality research and analysis, including policy briefings, on social policy issues. You will have experience of managing a small team and working collaboratively to identify policy issues and develop solutions with colleagues across the organisation, as well as externally.

The postholder will be working in a fast moving, high profile and complex policy environment and will need to balance short term priorities with long term objectives. Current priorities include influencing the implementation of the forthcoming child poverty strategy, gathering and sharing analysis and expertise with the DWP as part of their review of universal credit, and monitoring the development of forthcoming changes to disability benefits.

We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack.

We welcome applications on a secondment basis.

For more information about this post and to apply download the Head of Policy job pack.

If you have questions or need specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process, please contact us.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 4th January 2026 (midnight)

Interviews will take place: Tuesday 13th January 2026

Devon in Sight (The Devon County Association for the Blind) was established in 1925 and has a long and proud history of serving people who are blind and partially sighted and their families in Devon.

Our aim is to support people on their sight loss journey by focusing on our four key service areas of Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG), Independent Living, Health & Wellbeing, and Influencing Change (Making Devon a better place for people affected by sight loss to live and work).

The Role:

As our long-standing Chief Executive Officer prepares for retirement, we are seeking an experienced senior manager to take over the leadership of this dynamic and innovative charity.

The Chief Executive Officer will be based at the charity’s head office in Splatford, Exeter. You will be responsible to the Board of Trustees and will represent, promote and support the charity, whilst ensuring the smooth running of all aspects of operations and future growth.

You will need to work flexibly and strategically to assist the organisation to achieve its strategic priorities, develop and grow. We are looking for someone who is a confident and empathetic manager with previous experience gained within a charity setting.

You will be a natural and inspiring communicator, equally confident in networking with our stakeholders, talking to the people we support and writing compelling content. In addition, you will be computer literate and financially astute, able to work with a Board of Trustees, attend their meetings and provide them with timely and accurate information.

Job Type: Permanent, Full-time (37 hours per week).

Location: Unit 3, Splatford Barton, Kennford, Exeter EX6 7XY

Salary: £46,500.

Other Benefits:

• Annual Leave entitlement is 25 days per annum plus statutory bank holidays. Additional leave days are awarded after 2, 5 and 10 years’ service.
• Some flexible, remote working can be negotiated.
• A pension scheme that includes a 3% employer contribution with the option of joining our Salary Sacrifice Scheme to increase this.
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• A nominated free car parking space at our current premises.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategy & Governance: Developing and implementing the charity’s vision, mission, values and strategic priorities in partnership with the Trustees.
• Operational Leadership: Overseeing service delivery, maintaining our Matrix Standard Accreditation, monitoring services we provide to ensure they are always to a high standard.
• Financial & Fundraising: Managing budgets, maintaining compliance, and leading fundraising strategies (Individual Trusts & Grants, Legacies, Community and Corporate Fundraising and  Legacy management).
• Compliance & Risk: Ensuring the charity strictly adheres to statutory, legal (GDPR, Charities Act, Companies Act), and safeguarding requirements.
• Partnerships & Advocacy: Acting as the "voice of blind and partially sighted people in Devon", building relationships with key stakeholders across the Health & Social Care and Third Sector.
• People Management: HR, recruitment, managing and supporting staff and volunteers.

How to Apply

If you are a supportive and proactive leader, passionate about making a real difference to the lives of people affected by sight loss across Devon, we want to hear from you!

For a full application pack, including job description, application letter and application forms, please visit our website. 

Interviews will be held on the 15th and 16th January 2026, in person, at our head office in Kennford, Exeter. 

Use your strategic human resource leadership skills to help bring freedom from slavery and violence.

At IJM, we’re seeing the impossible become reality: entire justice systems transformed, violence reduced by up to 85%, and thousands of lives transformed. Now we’re stepping into a new season—scaling to rescue and protect millions.

To get there, we’re looking for an HR Business Partner to support the growth of our Programme Offices and Advancement Offices in Europe and Africa. You will serve as a bridge between regional and global leaders, ensuring we are aligned to our ambitious global mission and priorities. You will develop a strategic HR function for the region that supports talent acquisition and development, embeds our culture of agility and partnership, data-driven decision-making and spiritual formation.

You will bring outstanding HR business partnering experience at progressively senior levels, ideally within complex, matrixed and global organizations, a passion for justice and a mature Christian faith.

If you’re ready to put your strategic HR leadership skills to work so that all may be free, please see the job pack attached and prayerfully consider joining us. Closing date 7th January.

1) Governance & Strategic Leadership

· Ensure full compliance with constitutional, regulatory, and legal obligations, upholding the Nolan Principles and Charity Commission guidance.

· Work in partnership with the Board to advise on, draft, and recommend long‑term strategy; provide evidence‑based insights to support regular review of vision, mission, and values.

· Embed co‑design and beneficiary voice at the heart of strategic planning through inclusive and accessible engagement with communities, partners, and staff.

2) Financial Management & Sustainability

· Maintain accountability for budgets, internal controls, and equitable resource allocation, providing timely and accessible management information.

· Ensure compliance with funder requirements (e.g., Sport England) and manage conflicts of interest transparently.

· Lead income generation across a diverse funding portfolio—including private, statutory, local authority, philanthropic and international/European sources—building values‑aligned partnerships.

3) Core Strategy Delivery & Impact

· Lead delivery of the organisation’s 5‑Year Strategy with measurable equity outcomes, reasonable adjustments, and accessible communications.

· Strengthen community engagement and grassroots participation programmes that foster belonging, inclusive access, and (where relevant) targeted diversionary activity.

· Expand leadership pathways through, for example, the LeaderBoard Academy, promoting lived experience, inclusive recruitment, and leadership development.

· Lead, refine and grow Sporting Equals’ Charter offer as a core mechanism for sector support, knowledge transfer and systemic leadership on race equity.

4) External Affairs & Communications

· Build respectful, reciprocal relationships with stakeholders across the UK, amplifying community evidence and beneficiary voice.

· Represent the organisation confidently in the media and at events, modelling inclusive language, behaviours, and values.

5) Risk, Compliance & People

· Actively manage the Risk Register, identifying and mitigating risks including governance failure, discrimination, and safeguarding, with clear escalation routes and accountability mechanisms, including safe recruitment and ongoing staff/volunteer training.

· Lead, support, and develop the Senior Management Team; set fair objectives, conduct appraisals, and champion wellbeing and professional development.

Derbyshire Cricket Foundation (DCF) is the Governing Body for recreational cricket in Derbyshire, delivering services in support of the cricket community across the county.  It is one of 39 County Cricket Boards/Foundations in England & Wales and works in partnership with a number of key stakeholders to develop the recreational game locally in line with the strategy developed by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB). We have an ambition to inspire a generation to say, “Cricket is a game for me”.  The DCF is also a registered charity that aims to improve well-being and provide opportunities for diverse communities across the County through cricket. The Business Development Manager will develop and leverage local partnerships with sponsors, stakeholders, and funding bodies to support these aims.

The primary work location for the Business Development Manager will be at the County Ground, Nottingham Road, Derby, but the role will require travel on a regular basis as the role will be proactive in engaging stakeholders across Derbyshire in support of the DCF strategy and business plan. The position provides an opportunity, for Business Development Manager to work flexibly, and this is likely to include the occasional requirement to participate in some evening and weekend commitments.

Purpose and Focus of the Role

We are seeking an experienced Business Development Manager with excellent relationship management skills to help develop and sustainably grow the impact of our business by identifying and securing new investment to support the delivery of DCF programmes and activity. This will include working with existing corporate and charity partners, and establishing new relationships with Corporate sponsors, individual donors, and Trusts & Foundations.

You will develop and use stewardship tools to guide donors and partnerships through their giving journey, including cultivation plans, proposals, and reports. You will be involved in sourcing and presenting tailored information, making appropriate financial and non-financial requests. The responsibilities of the Business Development Manager will include:

• Fundraising Strategy & Implementation
• High Value Relationship Management
• Corporate Partnerships
• Trusts & Foundations
• Profile & Impact
• Leadership & Management
• Governance & Compliance

Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network
Location: Hybrid (Manchester office with national travel)
Contract: Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Salary: £65,000–£70,000
Closing date: Monday 12th January 2026 (10am)

About Belong

Belong is the UK’s leading not for profit network dedicated to social cohesion. They work across sectors to build a more connected, less divided society by strengthening trust, belonging and resilience in communities. Their growing membership spans local authorities, charities, civil society and business, and they support partners through place-based cohesion and intercultural programmes, research and policy influence, training, consultancy, leadership development, and a thriving programme of networks, events and knowledge sharing. Belong are collaborative, evidence led and committed to building common ground, creating environments where diverse communities are able to thrive together.

About the Role

This is a pivotal moment for Belong as they enter the next stage of their strategic growth. They are seeking a dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to play a central leadership role in shaping their future and strengthening Belong’s national impact. Working closely with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, you will ensure the organisation has the systems, culture and resources needed to deliver on their mission. This is a transformational cross-organisational role, leading Belong’s core internal functions: finance, HR, IT, project management, communications, engagement and events, while driving continuous improvement, financial sustainability and organisational resilience.

You will bring strategic vision, operational excellence and a collaborative leadership style that empowers colleagues, champions inclusion and wellbeing, and ensures Belong’s operations remain aligned with their purpose of building a more united and less divided society.

About You

Belong are looking for a strategic, enabling and emotionally intelligent leader with proven experience overseeing multi-function operations at a senior level, strong financial management and strategic planning expertise, and experience within the charity or public sector. You will bring excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, a track record of income generation and bid development, and the ability to build productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Knowledge of cohesion, integration or community development is desirable but not essential. Personally, you will be collaborative, inclusive and solutions focused, with strong emotional intelligence, resilience and a commitment to continuous learning.

Benefits

• 30 days’ annual leave per year
• Hybrid working (typically 3 days in the office)
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and complete the application form, where you will be asked to answer three questions:

Why are you interested in this role and how do your values align with Belong’s mission?
What achievements make you a strong candidate for the COO role?
How does your leadership style empower others and create a positive culture?

Deadline: Monday 12 January 2026 (10am)
First Interviews: w/c 26 January 2026 (remote)
Final Interviews: w/c 9 February 2026 (in-person)

Belong’s Commitment to Inclusion

Belong is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. They welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage individuals from communities under-represented in the charity sector to apply. Impostor syndrome can disproportionately impact candidates from marginalised groups—if you are unsure whether to apply, we encourage you to do so.

REF-225 549

Job Purpose:

To support the delivery of WIPs housing programme in Manchester and Trafford, with a focus on women coming into contact with the police and women being released back into the community following a period on remand, providing trauma-informed specialist support to improve housing outcomes for women affected by the criminal justice system.

1. To deliver an effective housing intervention for women impacted by the criminal justice system.
2. To develop effective relationships with key stakeholders, such as housing departments, court-based and prison teams, to ensure a collaborative approach to women’s accommodation needs.
3. To provide expert advice and support to colleagues, including upskilling through information and training sessions, and supporting system change activities.

About This Job

This is an exciting role in the Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK (ACCT UK) to be the focal point for providing effective support to the Director of Finance and the Finance Manager through the completion of month end, year end and audit, and associated processes. This post requires a detail-oriented and proactive Financial Accountant to join our charity’s finance team. This role is crucial in ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with charity regulations, and supporting the organisation’s mission through sound financial management.

Essential Skills

· AAT Level 4 qualified (or equivalent)

· Evidence of continuing personal and professional development.

· Experience within a Finance Department of leading month end processes, Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable 

· Experience of supporting an audit

· Experience of Sage 50 Accounts or a similar system

· Discretion and confidentiality.

Please refer to the attached Job Description for further information.

Our charity

ACCT UK is a national youth charity dedicated to improving the life chances of young people through supporting the Army Cadet Force and its activities in the community. The Combined Cadet Force Association (CCFA) is a charity dedicated to the promotion of the ideals and activities of the Combined Cadet Force in schools. Together we want to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence and be inspired through their cadet experience.

We want to develop the youth leadership and training abilities of adult volunteers whilst also helping young people to access cadet activities through fundraising, grant-making, developing new resources and direct support.

We strongly believe that everyone benefits when you help young people to develop their character and values through activities that stretch and mature them. We also know that when young people engage with others at a range of levels in their communities, it builds confidence and improves empathy for other’s lives.

Who we are

You will enjoy being part of our small team who work very happily together. By joining ACCT UK, you will help us to reach more young people and make a greater difference and we look forward to working with you. We actively promote and encourage you to explore ideas that improve all aspects of the charity’s work in pursuit of its charitable aims.

The charities are proud of our diverse teams, with people on different working patterns, from different backgrounds and at different life-stages. Our experience has taught us that having people with different perspectives and different lived experiences leads to better outcomes for our beneficiaries. If you are wondering if our organisation is for someone like you, the answer is yes! Please apply and explain how you, your experience, your talent and your potential are the right fit for this role.

What we can offer you

In addition to your salary, we offer all staff:

· Flexible working arrangements (you agree a working pattern with your line manager).

· The ability to work both from home and from our London office.

· Personal accident insurance, including loss of earnings cover and death benefit.

· 15 days of sick pay in any 12-month period (after 12 months employment - pro-rata for part time staff).

· A contributory pension scheme (you contribute at least 5% and we will contribute 10%).

· Good leave allowances (which are offered pro-rata for part time staff):

o 20 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.

o Additional privilege leave, on set days each year, such as between Christmas and New Year.

o An additional five days of volunteering leave.

· Support for qualifications and personal development.

· Employee Assistance Programme.

· Season ticket loan.

· Railcard (if you are eligible)

· A caring and supportive team environment.

How to apply

Please send a covering letter that details how you meet the requirements of the job description along with a CV by 23:59 hours on Sunday 14th December 2025.

Interviews will be held in Holderness House, 51-61 Clifton Street, London, EC2A 4DW on Friday 9th January 2026. Please let us know if you have any restrictions with this.

Please note that as a charity dedicated to improving the lives of young people, we require staff to make a declaration about any relevant convictions, undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check. In addition, we will follow up references. 

We reserve the right to close for applications before the closing date if we receive a large number of applications. 

We’re looking for an organised and person centred leader who can join our leadership team to support the quality, growth and sustainability of Stomping Grounds North East CIO.

The Deputy CEO will support the CEO by planning, overseeing, monitoring, reporting and taking appropriate action to deliver the service, business and financial strategies ofStomping Grounds North East CIO, with a focus on developing people, business and safeguarding and ensuring management capability across the organisation. It is key that the successful candidate can work at least some of the school holidays. 

Reports to: CEO

Hours of work :35 hours per week (1 FTE)

Remuneration: TBD

Main responsibilities 

• To ensure projects and delivery adheres to the Company’s vision, mission and values. 

• To oversee the development and implementation of new projects and sessions to meet the Company’s aims and objectives. Specifically, to ensure that:

  • Appropriate risk assessments are undertaken and documented in line with Stomping Grounds Risk Assessment procedure

  • Appropriate communications to and involvement of communities, parents and schools are delivered effectively

  • High quality Forest School provision is delivered, in line with the Stomping Grounds NE vision

• To proactively manage the financial performance of projects and the business overall, including overseeing the planning and delivery of fundraising and donations

• To oversee, monitor and report on all aspects of business governance including health and safety, safeguarding and employee wellbeing.

• To work with line managers to develop their managerial capabilities and performance, with a focus on team development. As part of this, to ensure that:

  • Regular meetings of the team leaders are organised to share information on business performance, plans and issues and to create action plans as appropriate

  • Appropriate observations are conducted, documented and shared

  • PDRs are completed in line with company policy

  • To ensure training is up to date and relevant

  • To ensure that company policies are up to date and relevant and are reviewed as required

• To be proactive and maintain requirements for governing bodies, associations and memberships

• To develop and support the implementation of effective evaluation and impact monitoring processes, including annual reporting of the impact of Stomping Grounds work. 

• To attend meetings of the Board of Trustees and report progress against the business plan

• To carry out other duties compatible with the role purpose as reasonably required or as directed by the CEO.

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Proven exceptional leadership skills

• Experience of leading and developing a diverse staff team

• Excellent communication skills 

• Excellent organisational skills 

• Extensive project management experience

• Excellent understanding of neurodivergence 

• Excellent business management skills 

• Flexibility to work during school holidays 

• Ability to travel to our multi region sites including but not restricted to: Prudhoe, Haltwhistle, Chopwell, Leadgate, Benwell and Gateshead Riverside Park

• Commitment to Stomping Grounds Mission and Values

Desirable 

• Experience with Ofsted

• Experience of working in the charity sector

• Experience of working with children and young people, particularly those with neurodivergence and/or who are not currently thriving in mainstream schools

• Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead

• Experience of leading teams through change and growth

We abide by Safer Recruitment guidelines and therefore we only accept application forms.

The Research Manager at Healthwatch Hounslow will be an experienced manager of community-focused projects or programmes.

You will be comfortable with all aspects of research – from scoping, to desk research, to fieldwork, to analysis and writing reports. You will be a clear and confident communicator, whether producing concise, engaging content such as reports, or resenting/speaking in meetings or at events.

We are looking for someone who understands and has experience of creatively engaging diverse groups and communities – particularly seldom heard and underserved groups. Ideally you will be familiar with and an advocate for the principles and practices of co-production and public involvement.

The Research Manager will enjoy engaging with a wide variety of people – from hearing residents’ views and experiences of services, to influencing senior commissioners or providers of health services to make changes and improvements.

You will have a keen interest in Health and Social Care; and a passion to ensure that local people in the community are heard, and health inequalities are addressed.  

Harris Hill Charity Recruitment are delighted to be working with the European Association for Cancer Research (EACR) on this exciting new Fundraising Manager role.

About the EACR

The EACR is an international scientific membership organisation supporting cancer researchers through conferences, funding schemes and community-building. Following a recent consultancy review, the organisation is now ready to appoint its first dedicated Fundraising Manager to establish and grow its income-generation activity.

The Role

This brand-new position will lead trusts, foundations and corporate fundraising. Reporting to the CEO and sitting on the Management Team, you will:

• Build the first fundraising strategy, pipeline and targets
• Develop compelling proposals and cases for support
• Cultivate relationships with trusts, foundations and corporate partners
• Work closely with scientific, communications and membership colleagues
• Provide strategic oversight of fundraising plans, reporting and forecasting

The organisation understands that fundraising takes time: no major income is expected until 2027, and there is a healthy financial buffer, giving you space to develop a sustainable programme.

About You

We’re seeking a generalist fundraiser with strong trusts experience and confidence in corporate partnerships. You’ll be strategic, proactive, collaborative and comfortable shaping a new function from the ground up.

How to Apply

For full details of the role including how to apply, please download the full appointment brief.

£43,000 – £50,000 | 0.8–1.0 FTE | 18-month Fixed Term Contract
Hybrid: A minimum of once per week in the Nottingham office (Wednesdays)

Closing date: 9am, Wednesday 7th January 2026
Interviews: w/c 12th and 19th January 2026

As Neighbourhood - Senior Organiser at Pembroke House you will be someone who is highly skilled and experienced at bringing together diverse groups of people to take collective action on local issues.

You’ll have the ability to blend organising and community-building strategies, knowing that we can’t build power without building community and that community is often built through a common cause.

You’ll be excited to bring your organising and facilitation skills to our existing community programmes, including the Walworth Living Room - a new ‘third space’ for the community, as well as playing a crucial role in developing new partnerships and future areas of our work. 

If this job is done well, residents will be growing their skills and capacity to collaborate, groups will be building momentum, and beginning to take action to effect change in the neighbourhood. Pembroke House’s role and approach to supporting neighbourhood change will be further clarified, codified and evidenced. 

Person Specification

You’ll be an energetic person who thrives on making new connections and can inspire others to take action. As an experienced facilitator you will be confident facilitating groups and at ease with designing and adapting formal and informal training sessions appropriate to the context.

Your experience MUST include facilitating groups who don’t already hold a common and agreed set of values. So while academic or activist settings may form a significant part of your experience, it is essential to have worked in a mixed community or neighbourhood setting, where you regularly encountered and brought together a range of contrasting viewpoints, which included views substantially different to your own.

A knowledge of community organising methodology (see for example Act Build Change or Citizen’s UK) is useful, but there may also be other approaches or experiences that you could draw on for this role. You will be curious and keen to learn about the history of community organising and community development at Pembroke House, and keen to build on and contribute to the development of that work. 

Pembroke House

Pembroke House is a centre for social action and residential community in Walworth, South-East London.

We were founded in 1885, by students from Pembroke College, Cambridge, as one of the first settlement houses. Concerned about growing poverty and inequality, the pioneers of the settlement movement sought a new approach: taking up residence to live, work and solve problems alongside local communities. 

For 140 years, we’ve been working to bridge traditional divides and unite people – whatever their background or walk of life – in building a better Walworth.

Responsible to: Director of Partnerships

Location: Pembroke House, 80 Tatum Street, SE171QR, the Walworth Living Room, All Saints Hall, Surrey Square, SE172JU, and surrounding areas in Walworth.

As we are a neighbourhood based organisation we believe it is essential to our work that staff are present in one of our sites in Walworth as much as possible. This role is in person and not suitable for remote or hybrid working.

Job Information Event -Friday 12th December 2025 11.00 - 12.00. Signup required (see website)

Application Deadline: 9am Monday 5th January 2026

Short interview calls: Week of 5th January 2026: A brief online call to clarify your relevant experience.

In person interview: Tuesday 13th/Wed 14th January 2026: Full interview with two members of our team

Final round: Trial session at Walworth Living Room, Friday 16th January 2026

Hours of Work: Full time 35 hrs per week, with some evening and weekends (taken off as TOIL). 

Salary: £38,353 - £40,381

Annual Holiday Leave: 28 days paid annual leave per annum (pro rata), plus the standard Bank and Public Holidays and three discretionary days between Christmas and New Year.

Job Purpose:  

To support the delivery of WIPs housing programme for unsentenced women, providing trauma-informed specialist support to women in HMP Bronzefield, and going through court processes, with a focus on improving housing outcomes for women affected by the criminal justice system.

Key Responsibility Areas

1. To deliver an effective housing intervention for women impacted by the criminal justice system.
2. To develop effective relationships with key stakeholders, such as housing departments, court-based and prison teams, to ensure a collaborative approach to women’s accommodation needs.
3. To provide expert advice and support to colleagues, including upskilling through information and training sessions, and supporting system change activities.

For the full list of responsibilities, please download the recruitment pack.

Terms & Conditions:

Start date: 2nd February 2026

Salary:£30,640 per annum (including £3,990 London weighting)

Location: Primarily based in HMP Bronzefield with some travel to South London.

Working hours: 35 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Head of Strategy and Planning
The Elders
London/Hybrid with regular attendance in the office around two days per week (Green Park/W1K 1BJ)
Permanent
Full-time preferred, 40 hours per week, including one hour for lunch (flexibility for 4 days/week possible)
Salary £64,000 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Excellent benefits including 28 days annual leave (pro rata for part time), plus bank holidays, private pension scheme with 10% employer contributions, enhanced parental leave and optional private medical and dental insurance

Charity People are proud to be partnering with The Elders, an independent group of global leaders working for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet, to recruit a Head of Strategy and Planning.

Founded in 2007 by Nelson Mandela, The Elders operate through private diplomacy and public advocacy; they use their experience, influence and access to heads of state and government to engage politically, and their connections to civil society to stand in solidarity with the most vulnerable people and communities.

There are currently 11 active Elders from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. They work on existential threats to humanity that require a collective response: the climate crisis, pandemics, nuclear weapons, and conflict. Chaired since 2024 by Juan Manuel Santos, former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Laureate, previous chairs were Desmond Tutu, Kofi Annan, and Mary Robinson. Supporting the Elders' work is a Secretariat of around 25 staff.

The Head of Strategy and Planning coordinates Secretariat support for implementing the current strategy and works with the Director of Programmes (Deputy CEO) to promote efficient cross-team collaboration. The role involves working closely with the Senior Management Team (CEO and three Directors) on operational planning and strategy elements not assigned to specific teams. Developing a new strategy from 2028 will be a major focus from 2027. The post-holder reports to the Director of Programmes, with a dotted line to the CEO for some functions.

Key responsibilities:
* Strategy & Governance: Monitor and report on progress of 2023-2027 strategy and Board decisions, assess external risks and ensure mitigation plans, lead impact assessment and mid-term strategy reviews, and contribute towards shaping future strategy reviews.
* Planning & Operations: Develop and manage annual operational plans and cross-organisational calendars, manage content of Board meeting agendas and decision-making processes, drive lesson-learning and Secretariat-wide initiatives, and work with the CEO on identifying possible new Elders and supporting their induction.
* Programme Support: Assist Director of Programmes with planning, impact reporting, and lesson learning across a team of 11.
* External Relations: Oversee stakeholder engagement and partnership commitments, and support CEO and Directors to build and maintain priority relationships.

The Head of Strategy and Planning will require the following to be successful in the role:
* 8-12 years' background in fields relevant to The Elders' work (e.g. diplomacy, international development, civil society advocacy etc), ideally including at least one of the Elders' programmes or cross-cutting commitments
* Experience working in (or at least on) more than one country (including ideally in the global South)
* Experience contributing to (and ideally coordinating) corporate strategy and operational/business planning in a complex international organisation
* Strong analytical skills, including working with data
* Excellent written English, including experience editing multi-author documents
* A strong personal commitment to the mission and values of The Elders
* A flexible style and willingness to work in a small, collaborative team

The Elders operate a hybrid working policy. On average, you will be in the office a minimum of about two days a week, including for key meetings, including weekly team meetings and monthly all-staff in-days. Flexibility is required and you may at times need to be in the office at short notice. This role may involve limited international travel, the timing of which is usually decided by Elders' commitments. You may be required to attend staff or Elders events in the UK from time to time. Travel costs from home to the office are not covered by The Elders. The office is based close to Green Park tube station in London.

How to apply:

The application process is CV and Supporting Statement which focuses on three areas. For more information, and for the full job pack, please share your CV via the link below. The closing date is 9am on Friday 12 December. Candidates shortlisted to interview will be notified w/c 22 December. First stage interviews will take place w/c 8 January, with a second stage interview held in person w/c 12 January.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.