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- Tasks: Lead and improve international programme operations for impactful water initiatives.
- Company: Join WaterAid, a global leader in providing clean water and sanitation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities by ensuring access to clean water and hygiene.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership skills and experience in programme management and compliance.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 74000 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Location: The role can be based in London, United Kingdom, Abuja, Nigeria or Kigali, Rwanda, subject to right to work eligibility in the respective countries. UK hybrid working – a minimum of 40% of working time is spent face-to-face (London office, external meetings or travel). 60/40 hybrid working at WaterAid means roughly three days wherever you work best and two days together in person.
Salary: Salaries and benefits will vary in line with the location of the successful candidate and depending on experience.
- UK: £68,000 - £74,000 per year with excellent benefits.
- Nigeria: NGN 64,968,462 – NGN 90,955,847 per year with excellent benefits.
- Rwanda: RWF 73,661,730 - RWF 89,738,798 per year with excellent benefits.
Change starts with water. Change starts with you. Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.
About WaterAid: We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.
About the Team: The Programme Operations team sits within WaterAid UK’s International Programmes Department (IPD), operating in 17 countries in Africa and Asia. The team is a diverse and motivated group of 14+ people made up of planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting (PMER), project design and management, and programme systems specialists. They support global operational excellence, PMER, risk management, donor compliance and performance assurance across WaterAid UK’s country and regional programmes. Working in partnership with regional and country leadership teams, the function provides technical oversight, systems development and operational support to strengthen programme delivery and organisational accountability.
About the Role: The Head of Programme Operations leads the development, implementation and continuous improvement of WaterAid’s international programme operations framework. The role provides strategic and operational leadership across programme operations, business management, systems, risk and compliance.
Key responsibilities include overseeing IPD business management processes, supporting financial planning and performance reporting, acting as a delegated focal point for operational risk, and providing senior troubleshooting support on complex operational and management challenges. The role works in close partnership with Programme Funding to ensure operational readiness for new donor opportunities and effective grant start-up and close-out. It also leads operational assurance processes, strengthens compliance with donor and organisational requirements, and supports capacity strengthening across regional and country teams.
In this role, you will:
- Provide Programme Operations Leadership
- Lead IPD Business Management and Support
- Drive Collaboration, Risk and Performance
- Oversee Systems, Compliance and Assurance
- Lead Capacity Strengthening and Support
Head of Programme Operations in London employer: WaterAid
Contact Detail:
WaterAid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programme Operations in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programme Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Programme Operations role. Highlight your relevant experience in programme operations, risk management, and compliance. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at WaterAid!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. We’re looking for someone who can lead a diverse team and drive collaboration. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at WaterAid
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand WaterAid's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their international programme operations framework and how it aligns with their goals. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you articulate how your experience fits into their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Programme Operations, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams, managed complex projects, or improved operational processes. Be ready to discuss how you can drive collaboration and performance within the team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle operational challenges. Think of specific scenarios where you've dealt with risk management or compliance issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Inquire about the current challenges the Programme Operations team is facing or how they measure success in their projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.