At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful sustainability programmes in global tea supply chains.
- Company: Join a charity dedicated to creating a fairer, sustainable tea industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work options, and corporate perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in sustainability while collaborating with diverse teams globally.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in international development, strong project management, and communication skills required.
- Other info: Willingness to travel internationally is needed; experience in the tea sector is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 52000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Programme Lead to help shape and deliver impactful sustainability programmes across global tea supply chains. Working for a charity on a mission to create a fairer, more sustainable tea industry, we are looking for a Programme Lead who can bring together people, partnerships, and programmes to make that happen. As part of a collaborative and global team, you’ll play a critical role in delivering high-quality development work at scale.
Location: E2, near Bethnal Green (London). Hybrid, minimum 3 days in the office
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full-time), Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £45,000 to £50,000 per annum, depending on experience + company benefits
Closing date: 15th of June
About the role: As Programme Lead, you’ll oversee the quality and delivery of impactful programmes across tea-growing regions in Africa and Asia. Supporting country teams, technical specialists, and donors, you’ll guide project design, lead on donor compliance, and help manage partnerships and reporting. You’ll also play a key role in supporting funding proposals, shaping learning processes, and strengthening systems and tools for consistent delivery. This is an exciting opportunity to work across multiple themes, from economic empowerment and gender equity to climate resilience and responsible sourcing.
Key responsibilities include:
- Support programme inception and quality assurance across global projects
- Guide compliance and donor requirements, including GIZ, EU and institutional funders
- Lead on programmatic content for funding proposals and donor pitches
- Strengthen systems and tools for programme and grant management
- Support project learning, MEL frameworks, and cross-country collaboration
- Build strong partnerships with global member network and funders
- Coordinate with technical leads, finance, and communications to deliver joined-up results
- Champion shared learning and ensure insights feed into future programme design
About you:
- At least 5 years’ experience delivering or managing international development programmes
- Experience working on sustainability challenges such as livelihoods, environment, or gender equality
- Skilled in donor grant management, compliance, budgeting, and reporting
- Experience leading learning processes and supporting MEL systems
- Strong project management, analytical, and communication skills
- Familiar with agricultural supply chains or corporate responsibility is a plus
- Comfortable working in multi-stakeholder settings with public and private sector actors
- Able to manage priorities, work cross-functionally, and support globally dispersed teams
- Willingness to travel internationally as needed
Desirable:
- Postgraduate degree or training in international development, agriculture, sustainability, or related field
- Experience in the tea sector or working directly in tea-producing regions
- Experience managing consultants or junior team members
About the organisation: Founded in 1997, this not-for-profit membership organisation collaborates with members and third-party grantors to implement impactful, long-term programmes in tea-producing countries, improving the lives of farmers, workers, and communities. The projects address critical issues in the tea supply chain, including poverty, gender-based violence, human rights violations, deforestation, and inadequate access to services. By partnering with corporate members, funders, and local implementers, they deliver tailored interventions and drive responsible business practices. Leveraging their unique position, they bring together the right stakeholders to tackle key challenges with actionable solutions.
Contact Detail:
Haymarket Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the sustainability and international development sectors. Attend relevant events, webinars, or workshops to connect with individuals who may have insights or connections related to the Programme Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and current projects. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that align with the key responsibilities of the Programme Lead role. Highlight your successes in managing international development programmes and working with diverse stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in the tea supply chain and sustainability sectors. Being knowledgeable about these topics will allow you to contribute valuable insights during discussions and showcase your expertise.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Programme Lead position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in international development, sustainability, and project management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage partnerships and deliver impactful programmes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for sustainability and the tea industry. Mention specific projects or experiences that relate to the organisation's mission.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as donor grant management, compliance, and communication. Provide concrete examples of how you've successfully navigated multi-stakeholder settings and managed priorities in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Haymarket
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the charity's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work in sustainability and how they aim to create a fairer tea industry. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Be prepared to discuss your experience in international development and sustainability. Highlight specific projects you've managed or contributed to, especially those related to agricultural supply chains or gender equality. Use concrete examples to illustrate your skills in donor grant management and compliance.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and project management skills. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This is your chance to showcase your analytical abilities and how you can apply them to the role of Programme Lead.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Since the role involves working with diverse teams and stakeholders, be ready to discuss your experience in multi-stakeholder settings. Share examples of how you've built partnerships and collaborated effectively across different sectors. This will show your ability to work in a global team environment.