CARE International UK Director of Programmes, Policy and Advocacy – £91,761 Salary
CARE International UK is seeking an experienced and strategic leader for the position of Director of Programmes, Policy and Advocacy, based in London, UK. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an individual with extensive experience in the international NGO sector, institutional funding, humanitarian action, policy advocacy and organisational change.
The position is offered on a permanent basis with a salary of £88,800–£91,761 per year. The role is based in London with hybrid working arrangements, providing an opportunity to contribute to CARE’s international development and humanitarian mission from a senior strategic position.
Job Overview
Job Title: Director of Programmes, Policy and Advocacy
Organisation: CARE International UK
Location: London, EC1M 4AR – Hybrid
Salary: £88,800–£91,761 per year
Contract: Permanent
Sector: International Development / Humanitarian / NGO
Closing Date: 31 August 2026
About the Role
The Director of Programmes, Policy and Advocacy will play a central role in shaping CARE International UK’s contribution to international development and humanitarian action at a particularly challenging time for the sector.
Shrinking aid budgets, increasing humanitarian needs, attacks on women’s rights and growing pressure on civic space are creating a complex operating environment for international organisations. The successful candidate will therefore need to combine strategic leadership with a strong understanding of the changing international development landscape.
As a member of CARE International UK’s Senior Leadership Team, the Director will lead the organisation’s programmes, policy, advocacy and institutional funding portfolio. The role will focus on delivering meaningful change for women and girls globally while strengthening CARE’s position as a leading organisation in development and humanitarian innovation.
A major responsibility will be securing and managing significant institutional funding. The Director will also advance locally led and gender-transformative approaches across CARE’s programmes and ensure that evidence from programme implementation informs policy and advocacy.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will lead a broad portfolio covering programmes, policy, advocacy and institutional funding. They will help secure major funding opportunities while ensuring that programmes deliver measurable and sustainable impact.
The Director will also oversee CARE International UK’s influencing agenda, using the organisation’s evidence and expertise to influence government policy, donor priorities and public debate.
The role includes representing CARE with major donors, policy stakeholders and other influential partners. As a senior ambassador for CARE’s work, the postholder will build strong relationships and communicate the organisation’s priorities and impact effectively.
Another important aspect of the position will be contributing to strategic priorities across the wider CARE Confederation and providing leadership to CARE’s humanitarian portfolio.
About the Successful Candidate
CARE is looking for an inspiring and strategic leader with significant experience working within the international NGO sector.
Candidates should have a strong record of securing and managing institutional funding and experience delivering programmes through local partners and complex, federated networks.
The successful candidate will also need proven organisational change leadership skills. They should be capable of leading teams through uncertainty while maintaining a clear focus on organisational mission, performance and results.
Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills will be essential. The Director will be expected to build high-performing teams, work effectively with senior stakeholders and translate ambitious organisational strategies into practical results.
CARE is particularly interested in leaders committed to building an inclusive, anti-racist and feminist organisational culture, with a strong commitment to gender equality, local leadership and sustainable impact for women and girls.
About CARE International
CARE works to fight poverty and social injustice in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. Its international work focuses strongly on tackling inequality, supporting communities affected by humanitarian crises and advancing the rights and opportunities of women and girls.
This senior position offers an opportunity to influence programmes and policies at both UK and international levels while contributing to CARE’s wider global mission.
How to Apply
Experienced international development and humanitarian leaders interested in the opportunity should submit their application before the 31 August 2026 closing date.
Candidates should carefully review the full job description and selection requirements before applying.
Apply by: 31 August 2026
Salary: £88,800–£91,761 per year
Location: London, UK – Hybrid
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This is a significant leadership opportunity for an experienced NGO professional seeking to shape international development, humanitarian programming, institutional funding and policy advocacy while advancing CARE’s work for women and girls worldwide.
Director of Programmes
