At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising and programme development to foster peace and justice globally.
- Company: Saferworld, an independent organisation dedicated to preventing violent conflict.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact in international development and peacebuilding.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on ethical and sustainable funding.
- Why this job: Shape funding strategies and empower teams to create positive change.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in fundraising and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Saferworld is an independent international organisation working in partnership with civil society to prevent violent conflict and build safer lives. We work in solidarity with people affected by conflict to improve their safety and sense of security, and we build conditions for peace and justice. We also support with analysis and learning to influence local, national and international policies and practices that help foster lasting peace and justice. Our priority is people – we believe in a world where everyone can lead peaceful, fulfilling lives free from fear and insecurity. We operate on a not-for-profit basis with partners in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, with nine offices across those regions and offices in the UK, USA and Belgium.
About the role
Saferworld is seeking a strategic and inspiring Head of Funding and Programme Development to lead our fundraising and programme development function during a period of organisational change. Reporting to the CEO and working as part of the senior leadership team, you will shape Saferworld’s income profile, lead the implementation of our funding strategy and strengthen the quality and diversity of our funding base. You will build relationships with institutional donors, trusts, foundations and other partners, while supporting the growth of philanthropic and unrestricted income. You will lead a team of Programme Development Managers, a Philanthropy Manager and a Funding Officer, creating a collaborative and empowering environment where colleagues can deliver high-quality, participatory programme design and successful funding proposals.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of Saferworld’s funding strategy.
- Oversee the organisational funding pipeline and provide analysis and reporting to senior leadership and the Board.
- Develop strategic relationships with donors, partners, trusts, foundations and peer organisations.
- Lead complex, multi-country and thematic proposals, including consortium bids.
- Strengthen donor engagement, programme design and proposal-development processes.
- Promote ethical, diverse and sustainable sources of restricted and unrestricted income.
- Lead, motivate and develop the Funding and Programme Development team.
- Work closely with regional, programme, policy, finance and grant-management colleagues across the organisation.
About You
You will bring senior-level leadership experience in fundraising, business development or programme funding, together with a strong record of developing funding strategies and securing high-value grants and contracts. You will also have experience of:
- Leading complex and participatory programme design and proposal development.
- Coordinating funding processes involving multiple teams and partners.
- Building strong relationships with institutional donors, trusts, foundations and other funders.
- Leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Working within the international development, peacebuilding, humanitarian or human rights sectors.
- Navigating the current UK charity and international funding environment.
You will be a collaborative, values-driven leader with excellent communication, strategic planning and relationship-management skills. A strong commitment to locally led approaches, equitable partnerships and shifting power and resources to partners is essential.
Contract: Approximately October 2026 to September 2027
Interviews: Week commencing 10 August 2026
Head of Funding & Programme Development employer: Saferworld
Saferworld is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a collaborative and empowering work culture, where employees are encouraged to lead impactful initiatives in the realm of peacebuilding and conflict prevention. With a strong commitment to professional development and ethical practices, team members have the opportunity to grow within a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives and locally led approaches. Located in the UK, Saferworld offers a unique chance to contribute to meaningful change on a global scale while working alongside passionate individuals who share a common goal of creating safer lives for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Funding & Programme Development
✨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 Saferworld.
✨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 Saferworld.
✨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 Saferworld.
✨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 Saferworld. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Funding & Programme Development
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 Saferworld. 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 Head of Funding & Programme Development, 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 Saferworld
✨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 Saferworld. 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!
