At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global humanitarian programmes and ensure high-quality delivery across diverse contexts.
- Company: Join Islamic Relief, a leading humanitarian agency making a real difference worldwide.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible negotiations, and the chance to impact vulnerable communities.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and dynamic work in challenging environments.
- Why this job: Shape life-changing programmes and influence operational excellence on a global scale.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in international NGOs and strong operational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 77400 - 94600 £ per year.
- Deputy Director of Global Programme Operations
- Salary: Starting salary of £62,882, with flexibility to negotiate for the right candidate
- The Vacancy
We are seeking an exceptional Deputy Director - Global Programme Operations to join our International Programmes Division, based in Birmingham, UK.
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced humanitarian leader to help shape and oversee the delivery of Islamic Relief's global programme portfolio.
You will play a critical role in ensuring that our humanitarian and development programmes are delivered safely, compliantly, efficiently, and with the highest standards of quality and accountability, enabling vulnerable communities around the world to access the support they need.
As a senior leader within the organisation, you will work closely with the Director of International Programmes, Regional Leadership Teams, Country Offices, donors, and strategic partners to strengthen organisational effectiveness and maximise programme impact across diverse and complex operating environments.
About the Role
The Deputy Director - Global Programme Operations provides strategic and operational leadership across Islamic Relief's international programme portfolio, overseeing programme performance, risk management, compliance, safeguarding, financial stewardship, partnerships, and emergency preparedness.
Acting as the second-in-command within the International Programmes Division, you will support the translation of organisational strategy into effective operational delivery, ensuring that regional and country teams are equipped to deliver high-quality humanitarian and development programmes at scale.
You will provide leadership to senior programme managers and regional leaders, driving a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, learning, innovation, and operational excellence.
The role requires strong oversight of programme quality, donor compliance, financial performance, safeguarding, and risk, while supporting strategic decision-making through robust analysis and reporting.
The postholder will also represent Islamic Relief with donors, governments, UN agencies, strategic partners, and other external stakeholders, helping to strengthen relationships, secure funding opportunities, and enhance organisational influence within the humanitarian and development sector.
Given the nature of the role, there will be a requirement to travel internationally, including to emergency and complex operating environments, sometimes at short notice.
The Successful Candidate Will Have
- Significant senior leadership experience within a large international NGO or similarly complex organisation.
- Proven experience leading complex humanitarian and development programmes across multiple countries.
- Experience of managing major humanitarian emergency responses and organisational crisis situations.
- Strong operational leadership skills, with the ability to oversee programme delivery across diverse global contexts.
- Extensive knowledge of international humanitarian systems, donor requirements, accountability frameworks, and sector best practices.
- Demonstrable experience developing and implementing organisational strategies and operational plans.
- Strong experience in donor compliance, financial oversight, safeguarding, governance, and risk management.
- Experience leading, coaching, and developing senior leaders and geographically dispersed teams.
- Excellent stakeholder management, influencing, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to analyse complex operational, financial, and risk information and make sound strategic decisions.
- Highly developed communication and leadership skills with the ability to inspire confidence and drive performance.
- Experience representing organisations with donors, governments, UN agencies, international networks, and strategic partners.
- The ability to work effectively within a matrix management environment while managing competing priorities.
- A commitment to Islamic Relief's mission, values, and humanitarian principles.
- A postgraduate qualification, or equivalent senior-level experience, in international development, humanitarian studies, management, or a related discipline.
- Experience operating at Director, Deputy Director, or executive leadership level.
- Professional qualifications in programme management, leadership, risk, safeguarding, finance, or a related field.
- Experience leading organisational transformation, change management, or operating model improvements.
- Experience working with boards, trustees, or governance committees.
- Experience of partnership-led programming and localisation approaches.
- Experience producing executive-level assurance reporting and organisational performance analysis.
- Working knowledge of an additional language relevant to Islamic Relief's international operations.
Why Join Islamic Relief?
This is an opportunity to play a pivotal leadership role within one of the world's leading humanitarian and development organisations.
As Deputy Director - Global Programme Operations, you will help shape how Islamic Relief delivers life-changing programmes across some of the world's most challenging contexts.
Your leadership will directly influence programme quality, operational effectiveness, emergency response capability, and the impact delivered to millions of people globally.
You will join a passionate and purpose-driven organisation that values compassion, accountability, innovation, partnership, and excellence, while providing the opportunity to contribute to meaningful change on a global scale.
If you are a strategic humanitarian leader with a track record of driving operational excellence, strengthening programme performance, and leading high-performing international teams, we would welcome your application.
The Company
Islamic Relief is a faith-inspired humanitarian aid and development agency working to save and transform the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people.
- We work in over 45 countries, assist people of all faiths and none
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Deputy Director Of Global Programme Operations - Birmingham employer: NFP People
As a leading employer in the Midlands and South East, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Our Service Delivery Administration Manager role offers competitive benefits, including generous annual leave and opportunities for career advancement, all while allowing for flexible home-based working arrangements. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a collaborative environment where your contributions are valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director Of Global Programme Operations - Birmingham
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by NFP People.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like NFP People.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at NFP People.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at NFP People. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director Of Global Programme Operations - Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of NFP People. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Deputy Director Of Global Programme Operations - Birmingham, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at NFP People
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of NFP People. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
