At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative projects to strengthen humanitarian organisations and drive impactful change.
- Company: Join Start Network, a global leader in humanitarian innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to revolutionise humanitarian action and empower local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and a passion for organisational development.
The predicted salary is between 47500 - 48750 £ per year.
Salary: £47,500 - £48,750 per annum (Competitive Birches rated salary for the local market if based outside of the UK)
Location: UK, Kenya, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India
Team: Operations and Digital
Directorate: People, Operations & Assurance
Line Report: None
Hours: 35 hours a week
Contract: 12 months fixed term contract, subject to extension
Grade: 2B
Travel: May require occasional travel to our countries of operation (approx. four weeks a year)
Closing date: 3 July, 2026 at 23:59 BST.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This is an exciting time to join Start Network. We are looking for a talented project and change management professional, with experience of and a passion for organisational strengthening. This role will support Start Network’s shift from a centralised network model to a dispersed ‘network of networks’ where regional/country-based hubs, predominantly made up of local and national organisations, lead responses and drive innovations that will foster a better and more locally led humanitarian system.
The postholder will:
- Drive the transition to a scaled, network-based service model, leveraging member and partner expertise
- Ensure clear, accessible pathways for hubs and members to access organisational strengthening support
- Oversee the quality, delivery and impact of organisational strengthening services
This is a strategic and delivery-focused role, combining programme leadership, ecosystem development, and service design.
WHAT IS START NETWORK?
Our purpose is to be a catalyst for system-level change that improves the efficiency, effectiveness and ethics of humanitarian action. We do this by working as a network to develop, test & spread new ways of collaborating and resourcing locally-led crisis response and anticipation. Our current membership is made up of nearly 130 local, national and international NGOs based all around the world. We also support 10 national and regional hubs made up of civil society organisations and NGOs as our vehicle for devolving power, resources and accountability.
OUR VALUES
- WE PUT PEOPLE FIRST: Communities come first in our decision-making and programming.
- WE ARE BRAVE: We have great ambition and are willing to explore new things and take risks to achieve it.
- WE OPERATE COLLECTIVELY: We leverage the value of working as a network, sharing risk and resources, and learning together.
- WE ARE INCLUSIVE: We see the value in diverse perspectives and work to remove the barriers that prevent voices from being heard.
- WE ARE OPEN: We work transparently and with integrity, building mutual trust in all levels of our work, from governance to programming.
- WE ARE ETHICAL: We behave and operate based on key principles of anti-racism, non-discrimination, and anti-colonialism. This is a work in progress.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
- Being a part of a network involved in bringing change to the humanitarian sector.
- Hybrid working with options to work from home and remotely to support your work/life balance.
- Employee Assistance Programme through Smart Health (depends on the country based).
- Family friendly policies, e.g., flexible working, maternity policy, parental leave and more!
- 25 days’ holiday (if UK based) plus 2 company days over the End of Year period for all staff (depends on the country based).
INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
Our roles are open to discussion about flexible working. For part-time working and job-shares, please get in touch with us before putting in an application. Start Network is committed to protecting people, particularly children, at-risk adults and affected populations from any harm. We are also committed to safeguarding staff from any forms of bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and abuse of power as outlined in the Dignity at Work policy. Start Network embraces diversity, promotes equality of opportunity and eliminates unlawful discrimination. We are an equal opportunities employer and treat every application on merit alone. We particularly encourage applications from disabled, BAME, LGBTQ and non-binary candidates. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet our essential selection criteria set out in the Person Profile.
APPLICATION
Please contact the People and Culture Team if you have any questions or need support with your application. We use Be Applied, our online recruitment platform which uses anonymised applications and predictive, skill-based assessments which are blind-reviewed to reduce bias. Date for 1st Interview: 8th July 2026 (Subject to change). Date for 2nd Interview: to be confirmed. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications and we may review candidates on an ongoing basis, so please apply early where possible to avoid disappointment. Any offer of employment will be conditional subject to relevant checks. Please refer to our privacy candidate privacy notice regarding treatment of your data. Start Network also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. The core of the scheme is that participating organisations share information about safeguarding-related misconduct (i.e., sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment) that a candidate has been found to have committed during employment, or incidents under investigation when the candidate left employment. For more information regarding this scheme, please visit their website.
Organisational Strengthening Manager in London employer: Start Network
Start Network is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, making it an ideal place for professionals passionate about humanitarian change. With a commitment to employee well-being through hybrid working options, generous holiday allowances, and family-friendly policies, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in driving meaningful impact within the humanitarian sector while enjoying opportunities for growth and development in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Organisational Strengthening 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 Start Network.
✨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 Start Network.
✨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 Start Network.
✨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 Start Network. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Organisational Strengthening 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 Start Network. 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 Organisational Strengthening 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 Start Network
✨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 Start Network. 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!
