At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive innovation and manage projects that empower women and communities.
- Company: Join the largest women's organisation in the UK with a rich history of impact.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, 28 days annual leave, healthcare scheme, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by shaping initiatives that matter to women today.
- Qualifications: Experience in project design, data analysis, and organisational development.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 38000 £ per year.
Hybrid, with one day a week at our London, Oxfordshire or Wales office.
About us
With a 110-year history, we are proud to be able to say that the WI continues to be the largest and most influential UK-based women’s organisation, with over 170,000 members. Our campaigns push for change on the issues that matter to women and their communities, from equal pay to climate change, mental health and violence against women. The WI has brought about real change, and this record of action shows that we are as relevant today as we were in 1915. The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (the NFWI) is responsible for running the organisation and provides support and advice to members at both regional and local levels.
About the Innovation and Project Officer role
Supporting innovation across the organisation, you will help to develop and deliver programmes that grow our membership, reach and influence. You will manage pilot projects that test new initiatives and engagement opportunities, monitoring and evaluating outcomes to capture insights and valuable learning to help shape the direction of the organisation. You will develop project plans, timelines and key deliverables, as well as take ownership of identifying and mitigating risks. You will carry out qualitative and quantitative research to identify the current and changing needs of women to support organisational decision-making and driving innovation in everything that we do.
About you
You should be experienced in supporting organisational development within membership settings and skilled in project design and delivery. You will be confident analysing data to develop deliverables and objectives, as well as being able to confidently communicate data and findings to diverse audiences. Familiarity in overseeing budgets would be beneficial, as would some knowledge of the trends affecting the voluntary sector. However it will be your ability to embed innovative thinking and a methodical approach to driving change that will be key to your success.
In return, we will offer you a hybrid working arrangement, which means a minimum of one day a week in your primary office and the rest worked from home, although you can work up to three days in the office if preferred; 28 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days on completion of 5 years’ service with the flexibility to take your annual leave in hours; membership of our healthcare scheme; enhanced family-friendly policies; a commitment to employee wellbeing; and more.
Interview dates: First round (virtual): w/c 21 September 2026 Second round (in-person): w/c 28 September 2026
The WI is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and values diversity.
Innovation and Project Officer in London employer: the WI
The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that champions innovation and inclusivity. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous leave policies, and opportunities for professional growth, NFWI empowers its staff to make a meaningful impact on women's issues across the UK. Located in vibrant London, Oxfordshire, or Wales, employees enjoy a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while contributing to a historic organisation dedicated to driving change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovation and Project Officer 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 the WI.
✨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 the WI.
✨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 the WI.
✨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 the WI. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Innovation and Project Officer 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 the WI. 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 Innovation and Project Officer, 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 the WI
✨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 the WI. 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!
