At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Haringey's ambitious anti-poverty programmes and oversee an £18m investment.
- Company: Join Haringey Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days leave, hybrid working, health support, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values diversity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in tackling poverty and improving lives in a diverse borough.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in social initiatives, strong analytical skills, and partnership-building experience.
The predicted salary is between 66078 - 69807 £ per year.
Hours per week: 36 per week
Contract type: Fixed term contract (24 months from start date)
Closing date: Sunday, 22nd November 2026 at 23:59
Expected interview date: W/c 30th November 2026
About Haringey
Haringey is a fantastic place to live and work – the world in one borough. A place brimming with creativity, personality, radicalism, and community. It is a place where we stand up for each other. A place that is proudly distinctive. We’ll be celebrating all this and more as the “rebel borough” when we are the 2027 London Borough of Culture. Our history champions change‑makers and everyday rebels; revelling in our differences, battling discrimination, championing equality, and doing things our own way. Haringey’s people are a huge asset, with knowledge, expertise, and passion. Our staff members embody our organisational values: Caring, Creative, Courageous, Collaborative and Community-focused. These values keep us looking forward, ambitious for the future, and continuously striving to do our very best for all of our residents.
About The Role
Lead one of London’s most ambitious anti-poverty programmes. Haringey is a place of extraordinary diversity, creativity and resilience, and the London Borough of Culture in 2027. It is also a borough where too many residents face the daily realities of poverty, rising living costs and inequality. We can’t change national economic and welfare policy, but we can choose how to respond in Haringey. Tackling poverty locally is not the responsibility of a single service or organisation. It requires bold leadership and strong partnerships. We are looking for an exceptional Strategic Lead for Tackling Poverty to drive that agenda forward. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the delivery of Haringey’s Anti‑Poverty Strategy and oversee our £18m Crisis and Resilience Fund programme, using evidence-based decision making and a relentless focus on improving people’s lives. As Strategic Lead for Tackling Poverty, you will be the council’s strategic convenor and catalyst for action. You will work across council services, the voluntary and community sector, public sector partners and local communities to ensure our collective efforts are coordinated, innovative and impactful. You will knit together a complex delivery landscape into a coherent programme that delivers measurable outcomes. This role has the potential for significant influence and visibility. Success will depend on your ability to bring people together around a shared purpose and deliver outcomes through collaboration rather than formal authority.
You Will
- Lead delivery of Haringey’s Anti‑Poverty Strategy and associated programmes.
- Oversee the governance, performance and financial stewardship of an £18m investment programme.
- Build and strengthen partnerships across the council, the NHS, schools, community organisations and other stakeholders.
- Develop and maintain a strong evidence base to underpin and evaluate investment decisions.
- Identify opportunities to maximise impact, reduce duplication and strengthen collaboration across the borough.
- Commission and oversee projects and services that support residents facing hardship.
- Develop robust approaches to measuring impact and understanding what works.
- Work with leaders across the council and external organisations, community groups, elected members, and residents.
- Advise and be accountable to senior officers and Cabinet Members on policy, investment and programme decisions.
About You
We are looking for an experienced strategic leader who combines intellectual curiosity, emotional intelligence and a strong commitment to social justice.
You Will Have
- A strong track record of leading complex programmes or initiatives that deliver meaningful social outcomes.
- Strong research, data analysis and performance management skills, with the ability to turn insight into action.
- Excellent partnership-building and influencing skills, with the ability to secure commitment across organisations and sectors.
- Experience working in politically sensitive environments and engaging effectively with elected members and senior stakeholders.
- A deep understanding of poverty, inequality and the evidence base for effective interventions.
- Experience overseeing significant budgets, commissioning activity and programme governance.
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- A collaborative leadership style and the ability to deliver through influence rather than hierarchy.
Local government experience would be valuable, but more important is your ability to learn about local government quickly, navigate complexity, build consensus and drive change.
Working for Haringey
At Haringey Council we are committed to creating a workplace culture where all our people feel valued, included, and able to be their best at work, and we recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce so welcome applications from all ethnicities and communities so that we continue to make a difference to our residents and community.
Our benefits package includes:
- Leave entitlement of 31 days + bank holidays
- Potential hybrid working opportunities
- Health and wellbeing support
- A generous local government pension scheme
- A range of discount schemes across leisure and culture that provide both financial and money‑saving discounts
Contact
For questions about the role or any other inquiries, please email.
For application process queries, email.
Strategic Lead for Tackling Poverty in London employer: Haringey Council
Haringey Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises community engagement and professional development. As a Curriculum Leader at Haringey Learns, you will benefit from a hybrid working model, access to continuous training opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on adult education in a vibrant London location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Lead for Tackling Poverty in London
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Haringey Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Haringey Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Lead for Tackling Poverty in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Haringey Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Haringey Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Haringey Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Haringey Council.
