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- Tasks: Lead international programmes and drive sustainable change in WASH initiatives.
- Company: Global development organisation focused on impactful programmes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven team with strong focus on learning and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in global access to water, sanitation, and hygiene.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in WASH and international development required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our client is seeking a Programme Support & Knowledge Director to provide strategic leadership across international programmes within a global development organisation. This senior role sits within the International Programmes function and plays a critical part in shaping programme delivery, knowledge management, and technical excellence across multiple countries. The position offers flexibility in location (including the UK, Africa regions), with hybrid working available where applicable. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for an experienced professional in WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) and international development, looking to influence global strategy and drive sustainable change.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and technical leadership across international programmes
- Lead and develop the Programme Support & Knowledge team, ensuring high performance and impact
- Drive programme learning, knowledge management, and best practice sharing
- Oversee programme support functions and capacity development initiatives
- Contribute to fundraising, donor engagement, partnerships, and external representation
- Support organisational strategy as part of the senior leadership team
- Champion equity, inclusion, and safeguarding across all programme activities
- Engage with global networks and stakeholders to strengthen programme outcomes
Requirements
- Extensive experience in WASH and international development across multiple regions
- Strong technical expertise in areas such as: Sustainable water supply systems (rural and/or urban), Climate-resilient WASH programming
- Demonstrated systems-thinking capability for transformational programme delivery
- Proven experience leading strategic initiatives within large, complex organisations
- Strong understanding of planning, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (PMEL)
- Experience in knowledge management, capacity building, and programme support
- Track record in donor engagement and proposal development
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
- Additional language skills (e.g., French, Portuguese, or Spanish)
- Experience in applied research leadership
- Background in establishing or promoting technical standards
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to large-scale, sustainable development programmes and play a pivotal role in advancing global access to water, sanitation, and hygiene.
International Development Specialist employer: DiverseJobsMatter
Contact Detail:
DiverseJobsMatter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land International Development Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the WASH and international development sectors. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your achievements in programme delivery and knowledge management. This will help us stand out during interviews and demonstrate our impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors who understand the field. This will help us refine our answers and boost our confidence when discussing our experience in strategic leadership and donor engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there that you won’t find anywhere else.
We think you need these skills to ace International Development Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in WASH and international development. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As this is a senior role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in the past, especially in complex organisations. We love to see how you can inspire and drive change!
Highlight Your Technical Expertise: Don’t forget to emphasise your technical knowledge in sustainable water supply systems and climate-resilient WASH programming. We’re looking for someone who can bring that expertise to the table, so make it clear how you’ve applied it in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at DiverseJobsMatter
✨Know Your WASH Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) before the interview. Be ready to discuss sustainable water supply systems and climate-resilient programming, as these are key areas for the role. Showing that you’re well-versed in these topics will demonstrate your technical expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about strategic leadership, so be prepared to share examples of how you've led teams and initiatives in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, especially in complex organisations. Highlighting your experience in developing high-performing teams will set you apart.
✨Engage with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's mission and values. During the interview, express your passion for international development and how you can contribute to their goals. Discuss any previous experiences that align with their focus on equity, inclusion, and safeguarding to show you’re a good cultural fit.
✨Prepare for Donor Engagement Questions
Since donor engagement is a significant part of this role, think about your past experiences with fundraising and proposal development. Be ready to discuss successful strategies you've implemented and how you’ve built partnerships. This will demonstrate your capability in driving programme support functions.