At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful humanitarian and development programmes across West and Central Africa.
- Company: Join Plan International UK, a global charity dedicated to children's rights and gender equality.
- Benefits: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve lasting change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while promoting equality and inclusion.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and fluency in French and English required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Plan International UK is a global children’s charity striving for an equal world. One where every child can reach their full potential and every girl can choose her own future. We bring people together to protect children’s rights and keep girls safe, in school and in control of their bodies – even when disaster strikes. And we won’t stop until we are all equal.
We are looking for an experienced Portfolio Manager to join our International Programmes Directorate and play a pivotal role in supporting high-impact humanitarian and development programmes across the West and Central Africa (WACA) region. This is an exciting opportunity for a programme management professional with strong donor-funded programme experience to oversee a diverse portfolio operating in some of the region's most complex and dynamic contexts.
Working closely with Plan International Country Offices, regional teams, technical advisers, finance colleagues, donors and external partners, you will support the successful delivery of programmes that advance children's rights and gender equality, while ensuring compliance with donor requirements and organisational standards.
As a key focal point for Country Offices across the WACA region, you will provide strategic oversight and support throughout the programme cycle, from start-up to close-out. You will monitor programme performance, manage risks, coordinate donor reporting, facilitate learning and help teams navigate delivery challenges to achieve lasting outcomes for children and communities.
You will also build and maintain strong relationships with institutional donors and other stakeholders, helping to strengthen Plan International's reputation as a trusted partner across the region. This role offers a unique opportunity to work across the humanitarian-development nexus, supporting programmes that respond to humanitarian crises while delivering long-term development impact.
You'll be highly organised, able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, and skilled at working collaboratively across diverse teams and cultural contexts. Fluency in French and English is essential, as is the willingness and ability to travel within the region when required, potentially at short notice (up to 30% of working time).
If you are passionate about delivering high-quality programmes that create lasting change for children and young people, and share our commitment to equality, inclusion and girls' rights, we would love to hear from you.
For further detail of this role, please see the job profile. Please note that this is a UK based role and we are unable to offer international contracts.
Please note, this role is not eligible for sponsorship and therefore we are unable to provide sponsorship for this role.
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on 12 August 2026. Interviews will take place on 3 and 4 September 2026.
We are committed to the safeguarding and protection of children, young people and adults in our work. We, therefore, apply rigorous recruitment and selection processes to ensure that only those who are suitable are recruited to work for us. Accordingly, appointment to all our roles is subject to a range of vetting checks and for this role this will include a Basic Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working for us; this will depend on the circumstances of any offences.
Plan International UK is committed to being an inclusive employer and we welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
Portfolio Manager in London employer: Plan International UK
Plan International UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in advancing gender equality. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a supportive environment, and the chance to make a meaningful impact through high-value donor relationships. Located in a vibrant city, the organisation fosters a sense of community and purpose, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals seeking rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Portfolio Manager in London
✨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 Plan International UK.
✨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 Plan International UK.
✨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 Plan International UK.
✨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 Plan International UK. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Portfolio Manager in London
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 Plan International UK. 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 Portfolio Manager, 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 Plan International UK
✨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 Plan International UK. 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!
