Programme Manager

Programme Manager

We’re looking for a Programme Manager with experience to join an important charity helping vulnerable children across the world.

Position: Programme Manager (United Nations Grants)

Location: Milton Keynes/Hybrid

Hours: Full-time, 36.5 hours per week

Contract: Fixed term (12 months with the possibility of extension)

Salary: £36,576 per annum + good range of benefits

Closing date: 15th March 2024

About the role:

The employer’s Programme Management Unit (PMU) consists of 13 staff. They anticipate securing £41 million in grants and contracts in FY24 (Oct 23 to Sep 24), and of that £9 million is expected to come through the UN and WFP funding streams – around 22% of the overall target. Currently, PMU is implementing 18 grants and contracts in 12 countries worth £14.5 million. In addition, they are supporting 31 counties with long-term development programmes which, currently, is valued at $9.5 million.

The Programme Managers will be responsible for working with the organisation to build and nurture strong working relationships and manage a portfolio of programmes funded by the UN and WFP. Throughout the programme cycle from start up, to implementation and close out, Programme Managers will ensure they achieve impact with the most vulnerable children, comply with donor requirements and that risks are managed effectively. The position will suit a flexible and adaptable candidate who can work independently and in collaboration with others. Computer literacy is essential for this position.

The post holder will play a critical role in the following:

• Manage the organisation’s programmes for the UN portfolio (WFP, OCHA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDP and FAO) to maximise impact on the most vulnerable children. Ensure the portfolio efficiently uses the organisation’s match funds, aligns to strategic priority countries, meets income targets and aligns with the organisation’s DMT UN policies.
• Act as the organisation’s primary reference point for the organisation’s DMT UN team and participate in the UN working group. Contribute to the development and implementation of UN processes and ensure that these meet the organisation’s requirements.
• Work with the organisation’s Strategic Partnerships Department to ensure they have timely and appropriate information on project impact to enable opportunities for raising match funds for UN grants and report back to donors on how funds are used.
• Support the Business Development and Acquisition Unit to leverage the UN portfolio in the positioning and acquisition of other institutional donor funding.
• As required, support the Programme Strategy Unit (PSU); Proposal and Commercial Bid Development Unit (PBDU); and FOs that the organisation has been selected to partner with to position for new UN grant opportunities.

About you:

We are looking for a dynamic candidate with experience in grant or contract management in a humanitarian or development environment to oversee our United Nations (UN) and World Food Programme (WFP) portfolio. Applicants should have the ability to manage relationships with partners (including field offices, and our Global Centre) and international funders effectively. Experience of applying monitoring systems and managing budgets is also required.

Essential Criteria:

• A graduate (or equivalent) preferably with experience working in financial management or compliance-related work.
• Strong financial management skills with the ability to coordinate and manage complex budgets remotely while liaising with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the humanitarian / development cash sector and food aid sector
• Experience in developing and maintaining relations with institutional donors, analysing their funding requirements, and working with consortium partners.
• Strong interpersonal and relational skills to work cross-organisationally and with different cultures in a professional and Christian environment.
• Field experience working in different cultures and religious contexts.

About the organisation:

The organisation is an international children’s charity working with children, their communities, and with supporters and partners, in almost 100 countries.

Through long-term development projects, emergency responses and advocacy they’ve helped bring lasting change to millions of children, over more than 60 years. As a Christian organisation, everything they do is motivated by their faith as they strive to reflect God’s unconditional love.

As a child-focused organisation, they are committed to the safeguarding of children, therefore any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of applicable background checks, including a criminal records check.

The organisation is a registered organisation operating the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS) and they shall check with your previous employers about your behaviour and conduct. They will be requesting you to complete a form known as a Statement of Conduct. For more information see: The Misconduct Disclosure Scheme

Please note the organisation can only consider applicants who presently have the right to work in the UK and all candidates must be personally committed to the Christian faith and be able to respect, uphold and work within our client’s Christian mission, values, culture, and faith statements. This individual will represent and speak on behalf of a Christian charity and as such the Occupational Requirement for an active Christian faith is justified under the Equality Act 2010 Schedule 9, Part 1, clause 3.

You may also have experience in areas such as: Programme Manager, Head of Programmes, Head of Project and Programmes, Senior Programme Manager, Grant Programmes Manager, Principle Project Manager, Director of Programmes, Charity Programmes Manager etc.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.