Director of Programmes
About WasteAid
WasteAid is an independent UK charity that works with communities in low-income countries to tackle plastic pollution and waste, and to create green jobs. We focus on sharing waste management knowledge and skills to help people make a living from waste and keep their environment clean and healthy. We protect and improve the lives of children and communities by promoting circular economy solutions and sustainable waste management practices.
Overview (Job Summary)
We are now recruiting for an experienced Director of Programmes to lead WasteAid’s work to develop and oversee its programme strategy, secure crucial support from grant-making organisations and institutional funders, and drive growth by mapping global programmes to UK funding opportunities. This UK-based role (remote, hybrid, or Cambridge office option) will collaborate globally with international teams to ensure applications reflect real community needs and will lead the grant process from end to end, ensuring excellence in donor communication, reporting, and internal collaboration. If you are an exceptional relationship builder, experienced in international development with a focus on environmental programming, waste management, or circular economy, and looking for a pivotal role within a friendly, flexible, and supportive team, then this could be for you!
Role Description
Are you a relationship builder with a talent for persuasive writing and a passion for social impact? As our Director of Programmes, you’ll be the vital bridge between life-changing projects and the financial resources they need to thrive.
Working directly with our CEO, you’ll harness your creativity and strategic mindset to secure crucial support from grant-making organisations and institutional funders. Your detective skills will uncover perfect-match funding opportunities across our global programmes, while your compelling storytelling will transform complex projects into irresistible grant applications that funders can’t wait to support.
Day to day, you’ll nurture relationships that keep resources flowing to where they’re needed most. You’ll identify promising new funding sources, craft proposals that stand out in a competitive landscape, deepen existing partnerships to maximise support, and collaborate with colleagues to share powerful impact stories that demonstrate the tangible difference our funders make in communities worldwide.
You’ll be joining a dynamic, ambitious team with bold growth plans and a shared determination to reach more people in need. As we expand our funding portfolio and deepen our impact across the globe, your expertise and fresh perspectives will be invaluable in helping us achieve our vision. This is about connecting resources to real human impact across the world.
Duties and Responsibilities
Programme Strategy (20%)
- Work closely with the CEO and the senior programmes team to develop WasteAid’s programme strategy.
- Ensure strategy aligns with priorities of communities, policy makers and funders in each country of implementation.
- Develop strong partnerships with key actors for future collaboration.
- Contribute to internal strategy development, leading on programmatic elements.
- Ensure technical elements of programmes reflect best practice.
- Ensure lessons learned are documented and shared.
Programme Development (40%)
- Responsible for programme development; developing pathways to scale, forging partnerships, and expanding programmes.
- Work closely with CEO, Head of Strategy and Impact and Director of Fundraising to design project responses and undertake needs assessments.
- Ensure country teams can identify needs and develop appropriate interventions and know the local funding landscape.
- Play a full part in writing and reviewing project proposals.
- Consistently horizon scan for new opportunities.
Programme Delivery (20%)
- Lead the complete programme portfolio focusing on quality, timely delivery, and impact measurement.
- Liaise closely with donors, supporting project teams in engagement.
- Ensure in-person support to project staff through regular in-country visits.
- Support and mentor the programmes team with an open and inclusive management style.
- Oversee impact measurement and build WasteAid’s evidence base.
Operations and Budget Management (10%)
- Recruit, manage and develop the programmes team in line with HR policies.
- Manage the programmes budget in collaboration with the Director of Finance.
- Develop budget and cashflow forecasts and provide early warnings for financial pinch points.
- Maximise cost recovery across all projects.
External Relations (10%)
- Build relations with key stakeholders in each country.
- Contribute to WasteAid’s advocacy pillar through a visible presence in appropriate fora.
- Lead on representing WasteAid at relevant events and conferences.
- Develop an online presence as a thought leader.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- A minimum of 3 years in a similar role (the text also mentions "Extensive experience" multiple times which usually implies more, e.g. 5-7+ years for a Director role).
- Experience in international development.
- Proven experience in securing grant or institutional funding and developing sustainable income streams.
- Demonstrable experience of developing new relationships from scratch and securing six-figure grants.
- Excellence in prospect research, proposal writing, and funder relationship management.
- Demonstrable experience in developing tailored project budgets that align with funders’ expectations.
- Outstanding organisational ability with a talent for managing multiple priorities effectively.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills that inspire action.
- Proficiency with MS Office and CRM database systems.
- The ability to travel within the UK regularly, and internationally on occasion.
- Proven ability to approach partnerships with creativity and innovation, going beyond traditional fundraising proposals.
- Cultural sensitivity and ability to adapt to different cultural contexts.
- Extensive experience of operations management at a senior level – HR, procurement, budget and finance management.
- Extensive experience in incorporating impact measurement approaches into programmes as part of international programmes.
- Understanding of the challenges and possibilities of a Circular Economy approach and how it relates to Africa and Asia.
- Extensive experience of remote team management gained at a senior level.
- Proven experience of capacity building and training partner organisations and experience in community based and participatory programme-planning approaches.
- Proven ability to work with UKAID, EU and other key institutional donors.
- Fluency in English, both written and verbal.
- A strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Ability to work in a small team, and on own initiative, to set and achieve goals.
Desirable Skills and Knowledge
- Experience of delivering programmes within the circular economy or closely linked sectors.
- Specific knowledge of the countries in which WasteAid works.
- Held a senior leadership position within a sub £10 million non-profit organisation.
- Experience of working with corporate donors designing and delivering ESG/CSR programmes and building productive relationships.
- Fluency in French, both written and verbal.
Personal qualities
- You’re an exceptional relationship builder – both within and outside the organisations you work in – and you lead with warmth, compassion and clarity.
- You understand the importance of adapting to multiple cultural contexts, and are sensitive to different ways of working in different settings.
- You’re ambitious, innovative, and driven by meaningful results.
- You are exceptionally well organised, able to manage a complex portfolio of responsibilities calmly and with excellent attention to detail.
- You build trust through authentic relationship-building.
- You thrive both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- You’re open to new approaches and continuous learning.
- You’re passionate about making a difference, and connecting our most generous supporters to our mission.
- You’re motivated by the tangible impact our work has on children’s lives.
Benefits of Working with SOS Children’s Villages UK (WasteAid)
We currently offer the following benefits (or similar, as specific WasteAid benefits may vary):
- Holidays: Annual leave: 25 days entitlement, plus 8 paid bank holidays (pro rata for part-time employees). Paid Christmas closure: 3 non-bank holiday working days during the office closure between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are treated as additional paid time off. Extra Days: Additional holidays are added after two full calendar years’ service, one day for every two years’ service, up to a maximum of 5 additional days after 10 years’ service (pro rata for part-time employees). Sabbatical: 4 consecutive weeks paid sabbatical leave possible after a minimum of 5 complete years of service.
- Pension Scheme Membership: This is a contributory scheme, into which the Charity will match your contribution up to a maximum of 5% of your basic salary. Enrolment is automatic after 3-months employment for eligible employees, and early opt-in is possible.
- Health and wellness: Contractual sick pay. Employee Assistance Programme access comprised of wellbeing resources, online advice chat features, a telephone helpline, and short-term counselling sessions, savings and discounts. Trained Mental Health First-Aider in the team. Life Assurance Cover after 3-months employment, with beneficiary selection. Flu vaccination vouchers annually. Paid eye tests.
- Flexible Working Policy: Every member of staff, regardless of contract length or current working pattern, can complete a flexible working application.
- Charity days: Paid charity volunteer days (maximum of 2 days per annum pro rata) if you volunteer for another charity.
- Maternity arrangements: Employees employed for at least 26 weeks, ending with the Qualifying Week (QW), the15th week before the expected week of childbirth (EWC), will be entitled to receive enhanced maternity pay of 3 months full pay (Weeks 1 – 12), followed by 3 months half pay (Weeks 13 – 24).
- Travel help: Travel loan for season travel tickets repayable through monthly salaries, subject to approval. Cycle to Work Scheme available.
- Training and development: Support may be offered towards professional or vocational qualifications/training that enhances capability within the Charity. Subject to approval.
Commitment to inclusion and safeguarding
WasteAid (SOS Children’s Villages UK in template) is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. We are committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults with whom WasteAid engages. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment through our Code of Conduct and undertake appropriate training.
Pre-employment checks: Upon offers of employment, standard checks including right to work in the UK, references, self-declaration, and DBS checks will be required.
How to Apply
Interested candidates may wish to arrange an informal discussion on the role and the charity with Ceris Turner-Bailes, Chief Executive. This can be done by emailing lottie.seymour-williams@wasteaid.org to arrange a time.
If you are interested in this opportunity, your application should comprise a CV with details of your experience and achievements, together with a supporting letter (of no more than two sides of A4) which addresses the Person Specification.
Applications should be sent electronically to doprecruitment@wasteaid.org no later than 2nd June 2025.
First round interviews will be held week of 9th June 2025.
Second round in person interviews to be held week of 16th June 2025.
References will be taken up on completion of the interview and before a confirmed offer of employment.
