CARE International UK Director of Programmes, Policy and Advocacy: £91,761 Senior Leadership Opportunity
CARE International UK is inviting applications for an experienced and strategic leader to become its Director of Programmes, Policy and Advocacy. This senior leadership position offers an opportunity to influence international development, humanitarian programming, policy advocacy and institutional funding while supporting CARE’s global mission to improve the lives of women and girls.
Based in London, UK, the permanent position offers a salary of £88,800 to £91,761 per year and operates under a hybrid working arrangement. The application deadline is 31 August 2026.
CARE International UK Director of Programmes Job Overview
The Director of Programmes, Policy and Advocacy will join CARE International UK’s Senior Leadership Team and provide strategic direction across programmes, policy, advocacy and institutional funding.
The successful candidate will help CARE respond to a rapidly changing international development environment characterised by increasing humanitarian needs, pressure on civic space, shrinking aid budgets and challenges to women’s rights.
The role requires a senior professional who can combine strategic thinking with practical leadership and deliver results across complex international programmes and partnerships.
Job Title: Director of Programmes, Policy and Advocacy
Organisation: CARE International UK
Location: London, UK – Hybrid
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £88,800–£91,761 per year
Sector: International Development, Humanitarian and NGO
Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Key Responsibilities
The Director will oversee a broad portfolio spanning programmes, policy, advocacy and institutional funding. A major part of the position will involve strengthening CARE’s ability to secure and manage significant institutional funding while ensuring that programmes achieve measurable and sustainable results.
The successful candidate will also lead CARE’s influencing agenda, using evidence and organisational expertise to engage with governments, donors, policymakers and other influential stakeholders.
Another important responsibility will be ensuring that lessons and evidence generated through programme implementation inform policy and advocacy work. The Director will therefore need to understand how effective programmes can contribute to broader systemic change.
The postholder will also represent CARE with major donors, partners and policy stakeholders and serve as a senior ambassador for the organisation’s priorities.
Leadership and Organisational Change
This is a high-level leadership position requiring significant experience managing teams and organisations through complex environments.
The Director will contribute to strategic priorities across the wider CARE Confederation and provide leadership to CARE’s humanitarian portfolio. They will be expected to build high-performing teams, strengthen collaboration and translate organisational strategy into practical results.
Experience leading organisational change will be particularly important. The successful candidate must be able to maintain performance, staff engagement and organisational purpose while navigating uncertainty across the international development sector.
Qualifications and Experience
CARE is seeking an experienced international NGO professional with a strong record of strategic leadership.
The ideal candidate should have substantial experience in the international development or humanitarian sector and a proven ability to work across complex organisations and partnerships.
Candidates should demonstrate experience in:
- Securing and managing significant institutional funding.
- Leading international development or humanitarian programmes.
- Working effectively with local partners and complex networks.
- Developing and implementing organisational strategies.
- Leading organisational change.
- Building and managing high-performing teams.
- Influencing governments, donors and other senior stakeholders.
- Representing an organisation with major external partners.
- Connecting programme evidence with policy and advocacy objectives.
Strong communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills will also be essential.
Commitment to Gender Equality and Local Leadership
CARE is particularly interested in leaders who are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist and feminist organisational culture.
The successful candidate will be expected to support approaches that strengthen local leadership, advance gender equality and deliver sustainable improvements for women and girls.
This makes the position particularly relevant to senior professionals who are passionate about international development, humanitarian action, social justice and gender-transformative programming.
Salary and Benefits
The CARE International UK Director of Programmes, Policy and Advocacy position offers a salary of £88,800–£91,761 annually.
The role is permanent and based in London, EC1M 4AR, with hybrid working arrangements. In addition to the financial package, the position provides an opportunity to operate at senior leadership level within a major international development organisation.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence programmes, funding strategies, humanitarian work and policy advocacy at both UK and international levels.
Why Apply for This CARE International UK Job?
This is an opportunity for an established international development leader to take on a highly influential role within CARE International UK.
The Director will have the opportunity to shape strategic priorities, strengthen institutional funding, influence policy debates and support humanitarian and development programmes designed to create lasting change.
Professionals with a strong background in NGO leadership, programme management, institutional fundraising, policy advocacy and organisational transformation may find this role particularly suited to their experience.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should review the full requirements and submit their applications before the 31 August 2026 deadline.
Applications should demonstrate relevant senior leadership experience, particularly in international development, humanitarian action, institutional funding, policy advocacy and organisational change.
Closing Date: 31 August 2026
Salary: £88,800–£91,761 per year
Location: London, UK – Hybrid
Contract: Permanent
Apply Now
Qualified international development and humanitarian professionals are encouraged to apply for the CARE International UK Director of Programmes, Policy and Advocacy position before applications close.
Apply on the Official CARE International UK Website
This senior opportunity could be an important next career step for an experienced NGO leader seeking to influence international development policy, humanitarian programming, institutional funding and advocacy while contributing to CARE’s mission of advancing equality and improving outcomes for women and girls globally.
Join Our WhatsApp Community
Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
Career development courses
