Interim Senior Programme Manager (6-Month FTC) in London

Salary: £49,100 per annum

Contract Type: 6-month Fixed Term Contract

Closing date: 21 June 2026 at 11pm

Interview date: 29-30 June 2026

About CARE

CARE International is a global humanitarian organisation leading the fight to end poverty in the world’s most challenging situations. Women and girls are at the centre of our work, because we cannot overcome poverty and inequality until all people have equal rights and opportunities. We know that when a crisis erupts, women are often the first to pick up the pieces, so we work alongside women, so they have the power to make change where it’s needed most. Founded in 1945, CARE currently works in over 100 countries and last year alone reached 53.4 million people through nearly 1,500 projects.

Why work for CARE International UK?

This is a compelling opportunity to take on a senior programme management role within CARE International UK at a time when the organisation is adapting to evolving funding relationships and increasing engagement with innovative funding mechanisms and corporate partners. As Senior Programme Manager, you will be entrusted with leading some of CARE’s most complex and high-value programmes, ensuring strong delivery, compliance, and impact across diverse contexts. The role offers meaningful exposure to non-traditional donors and private sector partnerships, alongside CARE’s established institutional funding, with a particular focus on francophone Africa. You will work closely with country offices, partners, and donors to navigate complexity, support effective delivery, and respond to new ways of working, while maintaining CARE’s strong commitment to equality and locally led approaches. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced programme manager looking to deepen their expertise in complex portfolio delivery and innovative partnerships within a values-driven organisation.

About you

You are an experienced programme management professional with a strong track record of managing complex, multi-country or high-value programmes funded by institutional and corporate donors, with experience managing projects across the full project lifecycle, from contracting and start-up through implementation, reporting, and close-out. You bring sound judgement, strong organisational skills, and the confidence to lead donor relationships, negotiate contracts, and resolve delivery challenges in partnership with country offices and stakeholders. You have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (essential) and French (desirable). Experience engaging with corporate partners and an understanding of agricultural value chains, such as cocoa or similar commodities, and the realities facing smallholder farmers, will be a strong advantage. You are committed to CARE’s values and bring a demonstrated commitment to tackling structural inequality, promoting equality, and working in line with feminist leadership principles.

About the role

The Senior Programme Manager is responsible for independently managing a mixed portfolio of humanitarian and/or development programmes, including some of CARE International UK’s most complex and high-value projects. The role leads on programme oversight across the full project lifecycle, from contracting and start-up through to delivery, reporting, and close-out, ensuring high standards of quality, compliance, and risk management. The role involves close collaboration with country offices, partners, and internal teams, including Programme Finance, Programme Funding, and technical advisers, as well as acting as a senior interface with donors. The portfolio will likely include grants as well as commercial contracts and may include corporate partnerships in addition to institutional donors. Key skills and abilities required include strong programme and financial management capability, excellent donor and stakeholder relationship management, the ability to manage complexity and competing priorities, and confidence working independently while escalating risks appropriately. The role requires sound judgement and a collaborative, solutions-focused approach. As this is a short-term contract, the successful candidate will be expected to familiarise themselves very quickly with the role. Only candidates who meet the requirements and are available immediately will be considered for shortlisting.

Right to Work in the UK

All applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom at the time of appointment. Proof of right to work will be required as part of the recruitment process.

Safeguarding

CARE International UK has a zero-tolerance approach to any abuse to, harassment of or exploitation of, a vulnerable adult or child by any of our staff, representatives or partners. CARE International UK expects all staff to share this commitment through our Safeguarding Policy and our Code of Conduct. They are responsible for ensuring they understand and work within the remit of these policies throughout their time at CARE International UK. Safeguarding our beneficiaries is our top priority in everything we do, including recruitment.

Equality and Diversity

We are committed to equality and value. We are a Confident Employer and particularly welcome applications from disabled people. We guarantee interviews to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. If you require the candidate brief or need to submit your application in an alternative format, please do get in touch by sending an email to the HR Team. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We particularly welcome applications from people of underrepresented backgrounds, including those from Black, Asian and other minority communities, and individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.