At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine programme management.
- Company: Join Chemonics UK, a leader in impactful programme delivery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with diverse teams.
- Why this job: Drive high-quality programme delivery and support resilience in Ukraine.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in programme management with strong financial oversight skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Contract type: Fixed-term 12 months (Maternity Leave Cover)
Duration: Time-bound in line with maternity cover requirements
Working pattern: Full-time
Travel: Required as per programme needs
Job Purpose
Chemonics UK is seeking a Deputy Director to provide senior leadership and oversight of programme management functions, ensuring the effective delivery of our complex, multi‑year Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU) programme. This role plays a key part in driving high‑quality delivery in line with contractual, financial, and compliance requirements.
As Deputy Director, you will lead the Programme Management Unit (PMU), uphold strong standards of programme execution, and work closely with the Programme Director on strategic, operational, and financial management. You will ensure continuity of leadership, robust risk management, and seamless coordination across headquarters, field teams, partners, and the client.
Key Responsibilities
- Programme Leadership and Delivery Oversight
- Lead the PMU to ensure efficient, coordinated, and high-quality programme management support across all delivery components. Represent the programme and PMU for corporate reporting purposes.
- Maintain strategic oversight of and report against key client project- and programme-level indicators. Effectively manage the relationship with programme office staff to ensure indicators are met.
- Ensure alignment between headquarters, project office operations, partners, and client requirements.
- Deputising and Senior Leadership Support
- Act as Deputy to the Programme Director, providing leadership coverage as required. Represent the programme in various internal and external forums.
- Provide senior-level oversight of programme performance, working with a diverse group of people and tools to identify emerging issues. Support the resolution of these issues through appropriate escalation and direct resolution mechanisms.
- Develop strong relationships with programme senior leadership team, in order to effectively assess and support the work and strategy of individual projects, departments, and the overall programme.
- Contribute to senior management discussions and support strategic decision-making across the programme.
- Attend and input into Programme senior leadership team (SLT) meetings with a focus on overarching commercial, contractual and operational performance.
- Financial Management and Commercial Oversight
- Support the development and sustainability of an approach to financial management leadership by defining clear scopes of work, and task and management structures, and supporting transparency of the budget/forecast system.
- Collaborate with headquarters-based project accountant and project office-based financial analyst to ensure clear tracking of programme financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, expenditure tracking, and variance analysis.
- As part of the SLT, ensure programme financial performance is accurate, timely, and compliant with contractual and corporate requirements.
- Where possible, identify opportunities for efficiencies, cost savings, and improved resource utilisation.
- Risk Management and Compliance
- Ensure adherence to contractual obligations, client requirements, and Chemonics policies and procedures.
- Lead identification, assessment, and mitigation of programme risks across delivery, financial, operational, and compliance areas.
- Oversee risk reporting processes, including those within the business conduct or safeguarding space, ensuring risks/issues are effectively communicated and managed.
- Facilitate structured risk discussions within the Senior Leadership Team to support proactive management.
- Stakeholder, Partner, and Client Engagement
- Serve as a senior point of contact for programme management, commercial, and contractual matters with the client. Lead engagement on all regular updates on these topics.
- Oversee relationships with consortium partners and subcontractors, ensuring effective performance, compliance, and coordination. Lead the consortium governance body.
- Lead negotiation and management of partner agreements, and support negotiation and management of partner deliverables.
- Systems, Processes, and Continuous Improvement
- Lead and support improvements to programme management systems, processes, and tools to enhance delivery efficiency and compliance.
- Ensure consistent application of programme management standards and good practice across the PMU.
- Promote knowledge sharing and learning across teams and the wider organisation.
- People Management and Resourcing
- Line manage and mentor PMU staff, supporting performance management, capability development, and career progression.
- Identify resourcing needs and support recruitment and onboarding of key programme and headquarters support personnel.
- Foster a positive and inclusive team environment, including supporting staff wellbeing and resilience.
- Strengthen PMU capacity and effectiveness through structured development and support.
Person Specification
Essential Experience and Qualifications
- Significant experience (typically 10+ years) in programme management on FCDO funded programmes with increasing levels of responsibility.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-year programmes and supervising diverse teams.
- Proven expertise in financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial oversight.
- Strong understanding of contractual compliance and programme governance requirements.
- Experience managing geographically dispersed teams and stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English.
Desirable Experience
- Experience working in complex and high-risk operating environments, preferably Ukraine.
- Familiarity with Chemonics (or similar organisation’s) systems, policies, and programme management approaches.
- Experience in managing through dynamic change.
- Experience supporting business development or proposal processes.
Core Competencies
- Delivery and Results Focus
- Financial Acumen
- Risk Management and Compliance
- Leadership and Team Development
- Stakeholder Management and Communication
- Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving
The postholder is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, judgement, and accountability, ensuring continuity of programme leadership and maintaining delivery performance throughout the maternity leave period.
Deputy Director Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU) in Slough employer: Chemonics UK
Chemonics UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in the critical field of programme management. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and mentorship, ensuring our team members thrive while making a meaningful impact on the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine. Our inclusive culture prioritises staff wellbeing and resilience, making Chemonics a rewarding place to advance your career while contributing to vital global initiatives.
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We think this is how you could land Deputy Director Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU) in Slough
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We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU) in Slough
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How to prepare for a job interview at Chemonics UK
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Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
