At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a global strategy to enhance children's impact through innovative partnerships.
- Company: Join Save the Children, a leading organisation dedicated to improving children's lives worldwide.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of child welfare on a global scale and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in transformation and strong financial modelling skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Save the Children International has an exciting opportunity for a Project Director, Global Technical Expert Model to join our global team.
Reports To: Jointly to Chief Programme Delivery & Impact Officer and Chief Strategy Officer
Work Pattern: Hybrid/Remote with flexible working options available
Location: Any approved Save the Children International office location.
Required Time Zone: +/-3 hours GMT
Contract Length: Fixed Term Contract (6 months), with potential to extend
Grade: Executive
Right to Work: The successful candidate must possess the unrestricted right to work in their current or preferred location for the duration of employment
Language Requirements: English
International Travel: up to 10%
People Management: manager of team
Remit: Global
Team Purpose
Our Technical Expertise (TE) is central to Save the Children’s ability to deliver impact with and for children—shaping the quality, relevance, and influence of our programmes, and increasingly enabling change through systems, partnerships, and policy. Today, Save the Children has more than 1,000 technical experts across its movement in addition to important partnerships with local organisations, academic institutions and peer organisations. This project is critical to ensuring TE is positioned as a globally connected platform —aligning scarce resources, strengthening capability across the network, supporting our localisation agenda, and enabling Save the Children to operate more effectively in a complex and rapidly changing environment. The Global TE model is a cornerstone of the organisation’s broader change agenda, with significant implications for workforce, funding, and how we deliver impact at scale.
Project Purpose
To design and mobilise a future-fit Global Technical Expertise (TE) model that enables Save the Children to deliver greater impact for children through outcomes, influence, partnerships, and system change, in a context of funding pressure and organisational transformation.
Role Purpose
To lead the development, agreement, and initial execution of the Global TE strategy and operating model, covering workforce, funding, and utilisation, with accountability for delivering a coherent, financially sustainable and outcome-driven model. The role will deliver a clear, financially grounded model and implementation plan, secure alignment across the movement, and position the TE model for sustained delivery and long-term organisational impact.
Principal Accountabilities
- TE Strategy & Operating Model
- Building on significant analysis and input gathered to date, finalise the future TE value proposition as an outcome-led, distributed model of expertise, with accountability for ensuring its effectiveness and organisational impact
- Establish design principles (e.g. country-led, networked expertise, partnership-first)
- Develop the target operating model, including:
- Global, member, and country roles and accountabilities
- Distributed expertise
- Role of TE in influence, partnerships, and resource mobilisation
- Workforce, Funding & Utilisation Design
- Lead integrated model design across:
- Workforce: role segmentation, governance, and localisation alignment
- Funding: sustainable model that maximises value of unrestricted and restricted funding
- Utilisation: flexible deployment, shared resourcing, and surge capacity
- Ensure alignment with broader organisational shifts (localisation, private income, efficiency), with accountability for delivering measurable improvements in workforce effectiveness and cost efficiency
- Lead integrated model design across:
- Financial Modelling & Scenario Analysis
- Oversee development of robust financial models to test options and scenarios
- Quantify cost implications, investment shifts, and efficiency opportunities
- Translate analysis into clear, decision-ready recommendations
- Provide oversight and challenge to ensure financial assumptions and recommendations support sustainable, organisation-wide outcomes
- Implementation Planning
- Develop a phased implementation roadmap (6–24 months)
- Define required changes across policy, systems, processes, and governance
- Identify dependencies and risks, including alignment with Horizon B/C and related initiatives
- Ensure implementation plans are realistic, prioritised, and positioned to deliver intended organisational outcomes
- Stakeholder Alignment & Governance
- Engage and align senior stakeholders across SCI, Members, and Country Offices
- Work through established governance (Sponsors, Steering Group, Project Team)
- Facilitate decision-making at senior leadership level
- Mobilisation & Early Execution
- Establish programme governance and delivery structures to enable effective execution
- Initiate and oversee priority implementation actions (e.g. workforce planning, pilots)
- Ensure momentum and transition into sustained delivery, ensuring clear ownership beyond the initial phase
Experience and Skills
Essential
- Senior leadership experience in global transformation or operating model design
- Strong experience in workforce strategy, organisational design, and/or funding models
- Proven track record in financial modelling and scenario-based decision-making
- Experience operating in complex, federated or matrix organisations
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders at executive and board level
Desirable
- Experience in INGOs or international development sector
- Experience with technical expert workforce design or change
- Familiarity with localisation, partnership models, and innovative financing
Education and Qualifications
Essential
- Advanced degree or equivalent experience in relevant field
Desirable
- Professional qualification in project management or organisational development
Application Information
Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application. A full copy of the role profile can be found at SCI Careers. It is recommended that you save a copy of the role profile as it will no longer be available after the advert closes. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the job advert may be closed earlier than advertised subject to the volume of suitable applicants. Please submit your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Candidates who are successfully shortlisted should expect to hear from us within 2 weeks of the advert deadline.
Our Recruitment Process
- Application review by our recruiting team based on your CV and cover letter
- Two-stage competency-based interviews with the hiring team
- Some recruitment may include an additional assessment or case study stage, or a third stage interview
- If successful, you will receive a conditional offer of employment, followed by your contract subject to passing background checks
We need to keep children and adults safe so our selection process includes rigorous background checks and reflects our commitment to the protection of children and adults from abuse. All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our Code of Conduct and all policies and procedures relating to Anti-Harassment, Health and Safety, Safeguarding, and DEI and Equal Opportunities.
Save the Children does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
Project Director, Global Technical Expert (TE) Model - FTC in London employer: Save The Children Fund
Save the Children International is an exceptional employer, offering a meaningful and rewarding career dedicated to improving the lives of children worldwide. With a collaborative and inclusive work culture, employees are encouraged to pursue personal development while working alongside talented individuals who share a passion for making a difference. The organisation values diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing ample opportunities for growth and innovation in a flexible hybrid work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Director, Global Technical Expert (TE) Model - FTC in London
✨Get Involved in Local Volunteering
Dive into some local volunteering opportunities! Nonprofits often look for temp workers who have a connection to the community they serve. By getting involved, you not only gain experience but also make valuable contacts in the sector.
✨Tap into Nonprofit Networks
Use platforms like Idealist or local nonprofit job boards to find temporary gigs. These spaces are buzzing with opportunities specifically tailored for social impact projects, making it easier for us to spot the ideal role at companies like Save The Children Fund!
✨Attend Sector-Specific Events
Join meetings, workshops, or talks hosted by organisations in the nonprofit realm. These events are perfect for making connections and learning about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised. Plus, you can showcase your passion for social impact right there!
✨Don’t Forget Online Applications!
When you spot a temporary role at Save The Children Fund that piques your interest, go ahead and apply through their website! Tailor your message to highlight how your skills align with their mission – it shows you care about the cause, which is key in this field.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Director, Global Technical Expert (TE) Model - FTC in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:In the world of nonprofits, it's all about the passion and commitment to making a difference. Make sure your cover letter speaks genuinely about why you're excited about this role at Save The Children Fund. Share any experiences you've had with social impact projects or volunteering — it shows you live and breathe the cause!
Highlight Relevant Experience and Skills:For a temporary position in the nonprofit sector, focus on showcasing any specific skills or experience related to project management, community engagement, or fundraising. List any relevant work or volunteer roles on your CV, and consider including quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions.
References from the Sector:Including references from previous roles in the nonprofit world can really bolster your application. If you've worked on similar social-impact projects before, ask those colleagues or supervisors if they'd be willing to vouch for your skills. This adds credibility and shows you're trusted in the sector, which can be a big plus for Save The Children Fund.
Be Ready for a Quick Turnaround:Since this role is temporary, let your interest shine through in your application! Mention in your cover letter your availability to start immediately or at short notice. It shows you're keen and ready to dive right into the exciting work at Save The Children Fund!
How to prepare for a job interview at Save The Children Fund
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When interviewing for a role in the non-profit sector, especially for a temporary position, it's crucial to convey your genuine passion for social impact. Discuss why the mission of Save The Children Fund resonates with you and share personal experiences that reflect your commitment to similar causes.
✨Demonstrate Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Non-profit projects often require quick pivots and resourcefulness. Be ready to share examples from your past where you've adapted to changing circumstances or tackled unexpected challenges. This will show your potential as a valuable, nimble team member for the Project Director, Global Technical Expert (TE) Model - FTC position.
✨Know Your Community Tools
Familiarise yourself with any tools or platforms that are widely used in the non-profit sector like project management software or stakeholder engagement tools. Show your readiness to hit the ground running in your temporary role by discussing any experience you have with these or similar platforms.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to field scenario-based questions during your interview to assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about how you would handle challenges typical of the non-profit sector, such as engaging with diverse stakeholders or managing project timelines effectively.
