Senior programme officer, Large and complex programmes division

More than half the world lives in poverty. We aim to put a stop to that. So we campaign against the inequalities that keep people poor and we work with local organisations to give people strength to find their own solutions to the problems they face, irrespective of their religion. If you’re as determined as we are to end poverty and injustice across the world, work with us to make change happen.

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Senior Programme Officer to play a key role in our Large and Complex Programmes Division. You will provide surge support for large externally funded programmes and commercial tenders. The post holder will provide additional capacity to help country teams successfully bid for, deliver and report on large or complex programmes. This may involve travel to the respective countries or working remotely from the UK. You will also provide support for more centrally managed global programmes or additional support to ongoing large programmes and support the mainstreaming of cross-cutting issues such as gender and equality, programme performance and value for money.

You will have a proven track record of helping organisations deliver projects and programmes across a number of different geographies, on time and within budget. We are particularly interested in Programme Officers with experience of proposal writing and project design and a knowledge of programme advocacy. Experience of delivering training would be an advantage.

Christian Aid works with local partner organisations. You will have good technical competencies in a development related subject but must be able to demonstrate the ability to mentor and accompany people and organisations to build capacity in programme delivery.

You will be willing and able to travel, sometimes at short notice, sometimes to hostile environments, in order to provide the required surge support to country programmes and partner organisations who are part of the project. You will have good analytical, written and communication skills and be able to work effectively with different actors – from donors, local organisations and communities. Your ability to work in French or Spanish, in addition to excellent English, will be an advantage in this role.

Please show your suitability for this post by giving answers to the following questions: Using the guidance notes may help you formulate your answers.

Deliver results

Tell us about a time when you supported the set up of a large overseas programme to deliver outcomes on time and within budget.

Build partnerships

Tell us about a time when you had to promote the building of relationships in a complex situation across a range of different people to achieve your own organisation’s programme goals.

Strive for improvement

Please tell us about a time when you have helped a team of people design a programme proposal/project which incorporated past lessons and new approaches. How did you influence this change?

We value the contribution each person makes to the success of our organisation. That’s why you can expect a wide range of rewards and benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, an interest-free season ticket loan and flexibility that will ensure you enjoy a good work/life balance.

Please note, this role includes up to 50 days travel per annum. Availability to travel for periods up to one month at a time is essential. As this post is UK based, non-EC nationals will require current and valid permission to work in the UK.

Download the role profile (46 KB pdf)

To apply for this post, please download an application pack and email your completed UK & Ireland application form to:  recruitment@christian-aid.org  (quoting the reference number). Alternatively, your completed application form can be printed out and posted to us at:

Christian Aid
35 Lower Marsh
Waterloo
London 
SE1 7RT

Please note that CVs will not be accepted.

Job reference: 680/EB

Closing date: 12noon, Wednesday 23 April 2014

Interview date: Thursday 1 May 2014

Christian Aid values diversity and aspires to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.