Programme officer jobs in Leeds

About the Role

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

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

What You'll Be Doing

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

Grant Acquisition and Donor Coordination

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

Grant and Programme Management

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

Organisational Strategy and Growth

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

Administrative Work 

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

Who we're looking for

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