CARE International UK Director of Programmes, Policy & Advocacy Job 2026: Senior Humanitarian Leadership Opportunity in London

CARE International UK Director of Programmes, Policy & Advocacy Job 2026 offers a senior leadership opportunity for experienced international development professionals. Based in London, this permanent role provides a salary of £88,800–£91,761 and focuses on leading global programmes, humanitarian initiatives, policy influence, advocacy strategies, and institutional funding efforts to advance gender equality and support women and girls worldwide.

The CARE International UK Director of Programmes, Policy & Advocacy Job 2026 presents an opportunity for an experienced leader to influence international development strategies and humanitarian action at one of the world’s leading humanitarian organisations.

The position is offered by CARE International UK and is based in London with a hybrid working arrangement.

The successful candidate will join the Senior Leadership Team and play a central role in shaping CARE International UK’s programmes, policy, advocacy, and institutional funding portfolio.

This senior role is designed for an individual with extensive experience in the international NGO sector, strong leadership abilities, and a proven record of delivering development impact through complex partnerships and global networks.

The position offers a competitive salary ranging from £88,800 to £91,761 and is offered as a permanent contract.

The application deadline is 31 August 2026.

Background & Job Description

CARE International UK works to address poverty and social injustice in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities, with a strong focus on supporting women and girls.

The Director of Programmes, Policy & Advocacy will lead strategic areas of the organisation during a period marked by:

Increasing humanitarian needs worldwide.
Changing international aid environments.
Growing pressure on civic spaces.
Challenges affecting women’s rights and gender equality.

The role requires a strategic leader who can connect programme delivery, policy influence, advocacy, and funding strategies to maximise CARE’s global impact.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate will help define organisational priorities and contribute to the wider CARE Confederation’s global strategy.

Key responsibilities include:

Leading CARE International UK’s programme portfolio.
Managing policy and advocacy strategies.
Strengthening institutional funding opportunities.
Supporting humanitarian initiatives.
Advancing locally led development approaches.
Promoting gender-transformative programming.

The role also involves representing CARE with donors, policymakers, partners, and other influential stakeholders.

Tasks and Responsibilities

The Director of Programmes, Policy & Advocacy will be responsible for providing leadership across several strategic areas.

Key duties include:

Programme Leadership

The successful candidate will oversee international development and humanitarian programmes, ensuring they deliver measurable results and align with CARE’s mission.

Responsibilities include:

Providing strategic direction for programmes.
Ensuring effective programme quality and impact.
Supporting innovation in humanitarian and development work.
Strengthening partnerships with local organisations.

Policy and Advocacy

The role includes leading CARE’s UK influencing agenda by using evidence and expertise to shape discussions around international development.

Tasks include:

Influencing government policy.
Engaging with donors and decision-makers.
Supporting public awareness campaigns.
Promoting evidence-based approaches.

Institutional Funding

The Director will help secure and manage major funding partnerships.

Responsibilities include:

Developing funding strategies.
Strengthening relationships with institutional donors.
Supporting successful funding proposals.
Ensuring effective resource mobilisation.

Leadership and Organisational Development

The role requires building high-performing teams and supporting an inclusive organisational culture.

The successful candidate will:

Lead teams through change.
Encourage collaboration.
Promote accountability and performance.
Support an inclusive and feminist organisational culture.

Qualifications

Education and Certification

Applicants should have a strong academic and professional background relevant to international development, humanitarian work, policy, or related fields.

Suitable backgrounds may include:

International development.
Humanitarian studies.
Public policy.
International relations.
Social sciences.
Gender studies.
Development economics.
Related disciplines.

Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of global development challenges and the operational environment of international NGOs.

Experience

This role requires significant senior-level professional experience.

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

Extensive experience within the international NGO sector.
Leadership experience in complex organisations.
Strong understanding of humanitarian and development programmes.
Experience managing institutional funding portfolios.
Ability to influence senior stakeholders.
Experience working through partnerships and global networks.

Applicants should have a proven record of translating organisational strategies into measurable results.

Experience related to:

Gender equality.
Locally led development.
Humanitarian response.
Advocacy.
International partnerships.

will be highly valuable.

Leadership Skills and Competencies

CARE International UK is seeking an inspiring and collaborative leader who can operate effectively in a changing global environment.

Important qualities include:

Strategic Thinking

The successful candidate should be able to identify emerging challenges, develop solutions, and guide organisational priorities.

Stakeholder Engagement

The role requires strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships with:

Government representatives.
Donors.
International organisations.
Civil society partners.
Internal teams.

Change Management

The Director should be comfortable leading organisations through uncertainty while maintaining focus on mission and impact.

Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

CARE values leadership approaches that promote:

Gender equality.
Inclusion.
Anti-racist practices.
Local leadership.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their applications through CARE International UK’s recruitment system.

Applicants should prepare:

Updated CV.
Supporting statement or cover letter.
Evidence of leadership achievements.
Examples demonstrating programme, policy, and advocacy experience.

Candidates should highlight:

Previous international development leadership roles.
Experience managing complex programmes.
Success securing institutional funding.
Ability to influence policy and stakeholders.

The closing date for applications is:

31 August 2026

Additional Information

The CARE International UK Director of Programmes, Policy & Advocacy Job 2026 is a senior opportunity for professionals seeking to shape global humanitarian and development strategies.

The successful candidate will influence programmes that support vulnerable communities, advance gender equality, and strengthen humanitarian responses worldwide.

This position is particularly suitable for experienced leaders who combine strategic vision, humanitarian expertise, advocacy skills, and a commitment to social justice.

For professionals with a strong background in international NGOs and global development leadership, this CARE International UK opportunity provides the chance to contribute to meaningful change while working within a globally recognised humanitarian organisation.

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