Programme Lead, FOC Support Unit in London

About the role

Global Partners Digital (GPD) houses the Support Unit (SU) for the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC), an intergovernmental coalition of 42 member states that collectively advocate for the promotion of human rights online.

We are currently seeking a dynamic Programme Lead to join the FOC SU team and contribute to the work of the FOC.

This senior role leads a small and dedicated FOC SU team. You will be essential to driving the team and developing and delivering the FOC’s programmatic work (FOC Programs of Action). You will be required to represent GPD and the FOC externally and manage relationships with key FOC stakeholders, including the FOC Chair and Coalition Members.

With many moving parts, you will be able to juggle multiple work streams and changing priorities. Prior experience in diplomacy and / or working with government stakeholders is essential. You will also be expected to travel with the role on a regular basis.

About Global Partners Digital

GPD is a social purpose company working at the intersection of human rights and digital technologies. We work to ensure that human rights underpin how we develop, use, and govern digital technologies. Through advocacy, partnerships, capacity building, networks, and research, we shape rights-respecting laws and policies and help build a more diverse digital policy ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Executive Director and FOC Chair to strategically lead on developing and successfully implementing annual FOC Programs of Action (POA);
• Manage key FOC relationships, including with the FOC Chair, Coalition Members (governments), and the FOC Advisory Network; and represent the FOC SU (and GPD) and raise its profile externally;
• Oversee, drive, and strategically lead the FOC SU’s activities to fulfill its mandate to provide operational and administrative support, communications and outreach, and strategic and substantive support to the Coalition, including through:
• Delivery of FOC events and meetings;
• Coordination of FOC diplomatic networks;
• FOC engagement in relevant forums and processes;
• Coalition Member outreach and information sharing;
• Coalition Member capacity building programme;
• FOC external communications;
• Monitoring and research of digital rights developments.
• Lead and coordinate the FOC SU team’s work and day-to-day activities to a high standard, ensuring quality and excellence; oversee internal project management elements such as protocols and processes, budgets and financial management, reporting and M&E;
• Oversee ongoing fundraising efforts to support the FOC SU and FOC POAs;
• Effectively line manage and nurture the FOC SU team of 2-3 people and liaise closely with the HR and Ops Manager to ensure their well being and that their professional development objectives are realised;
• Lead by example and significantly contribute to fostering a positive, supportive, and collaborative culture at GPD.

Person Specification

Education / Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in international relations or a relevant field;
• Advanced/postgraduate degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience (desirable).

Experience and Knowledge

• A minimum of three years of experience managing/leading in a comparable role;
• Experience of working in diplomacy or an international or national bureaucracy, including international organisations and government administrations;
• Experience in project managing grants and projects, including funder reporting and overseeing/managing budgets;
• Experience of working with a range of stakeholders, including governments, civil society, the tech industry, and funders;
• Knowledge of human rights and/or digital policy issues and relevant policy processes and forums (desirable).

Skills and Abilities

• Diplomacy;
• Project management skills;
• Adept at managing competing priorities, highly organised and efficient, and proven ability to deliver results under pressure;
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail;
• Self-motivated and able to work independently;
• Excellent written and spoken English;
• Excellent communication, analytical, and numerical skills;
• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills;
• An interest in human rights, digital policy, and international affairs;
• Willingness to travel for work and flexibility to travel internationally;
• Strong digital literacy, including Google Workspace, Slack, Microsoft Office, Xero, Monday (or similar);
• Fluency in a second language (desirable).

Working days: Full time* (32 hours per week, Monday to Thursday)

Start date: ASAP

Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 pa based on experience

Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract, initially

Based: Right to live and work in the UK, but considering international applications within 3-5 hours time difference of the UK.

Flexible hours

Remote working or co-working

Application

To apply for this position, we are asking candidates to submit a CV (no more than 2 pages) and to answer the following questions:

1. Tell us about a time when you strategically and effectively worked with government stakeholders around a specific output / outcome. (max 250 words)
2. Tell us about a time when you successfully developed and led a high-profile project or event. (max 250 words)
3. Describe your experience of line managing and coordinating a team (ideally in a remote setting) and what you have learned about your management approach. (max 250 words)

We encourage applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.

Closing date: Tuesday, 2nd September 2025