Mary’s Meals International is Hiring a Director of Governance and Risk (12-Month FTC, 30 Hours per Week, Remote)
Organisation: Mary’s Meals
Closing Date: 14 December 2025
Salary: £49,884 (UK) / £62,355 FTE, plus benefits
(Mary’s Meals applies a global pay philosophy ensuring consistent and fair remuneration across locations. Final salary varies according to the candidate’s residency.)
Role Summary
Mary’s Meals International is seeking an experienced, values-driven, and inspirational leader to serve as Director of Governance & Risk on a 12-month fixed-term, part-time contract. This senior-level role is ideal for a collaborative professional with a strong background in governance, risk, compliance, and organisational leadership within international or complex environments.
The Director will report to the Chief People & Governance Officer and serve as a member of the People & Governance Leadership Team and the Global Leadership Council. The post-holder will assume strategic responsibility for governance, risk, legal, security, assurance, and support services across the global organisation.
Key Strategic Priorities
The Director will champion excellence in governance and embed a strong, proactive culture of risk awareness and compliance throughout Mary’s Meals’ international network. Key priorities include:
Governance and Risk Strategy
- Lead the organisation’s governance, assurance, and risk management strategies.
- Ensure all frameworks and methodologies support effective, values-aligned decision-making.
- Strengthen organisational resilience through clear, forward-looking governance systems.
Embedding Risk and Compliance Culture
- Promote understanding of risk, compliance, and due diligence across all global teams.
- Equip managers and staff with accessible guidance, tools, and training.
- Ensure accountability structures are clear, practical, and well-communicated.
Regulatory and Legal Oversight
- Oversee legal compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
- Maintain policies and governance frameworks to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
- Advise leaders on legal, contractual, and regulatory matters.
Security and Crisis Management
- Provide strategic oversight of global security protocols and crisis management systems.
- Strengthen insurance arrangements, risk mitigation strategies, and duty-of-care mechanisms.
- Safeguard personnel, assets, and operations across diverse contexts.
Support to Senior Leadership and the Board
- Provide clear governance advice to Board members and senior leadership.
- Ensure strong reporting structures, documentation, and oversight processes.
- Support due diligence and ensure compliance with organisational policies and ethical standards.
Leadership of Multi-Disciplinary Teams
- Lead teams across Risk, Audit, Legal, Security, and Support Services.
- Foster a collaborative culture grounded in Mary’s Meals’ values.
- Mentor and develop team members, encouraging innovation and continuous improvement.
Cross-Organisational Collaboration
- Work closely with functional leaders and in-country teams to diagnose challenges and address operational risks.
- Promote collaboration across the global movement, ensuring concepts, guidelines, and frameworks are well-understood and applied consistently.
- Demonstrate impact through transparent reporting and results-oriented management.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will demonstrate significant international leadership experience and a deep commitment to Mary’s Meals’ mission. Essential qualities include:
Experience and Expertise
- Senior leadership experience in governance, risk, legal, audit, or related fields.
- Experience in NGOs or complex global organisations is strongly preferred.
- Expertise in risk management is essential; additional experience in legal frameworks, corporate governance, audit, or security is an advantage.
- Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams in diverse cultural environments.
Skills and Competencies
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a pragmatic, solutions-oriented mindset.
- Ability to build trust at all organisational levels.
- Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities with sound judgement.
- Experience cultivating values-driven cultures that promote accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.
Personal Qualities
- Strong alignment with the mission, vision, and values of Mary’s Meals.
- High levels of integrity, empathy, and commitment to safeguarding.
- Willingness to lead with humility, compassion, and strategic clarity.
About Mary’s Meals
Mary’s Meals is a global movement that provides a daily nutritious meal in schools to more than 3 million children worldwide. The organisation is founded on principles of dignity, compassion, and stewardship.
Mary’s Meals promotes:
- Deep respect for human dignity
- Strong stewardship of resources
- A culture of safeguarding
- Commitment to community-led development
The organisation maintains robust safe recruitment practices and expects all team members to uphold the highest ethical standards.
How to Apply
Individuals who feel inspired by the mission of Mary’s Meals and believe their experience aligns with this role are warmly encouraged to apply.
Applicants should submit:
- A CV
- A covering note (maximum one page) explaining:
- Why they are an excellent fit for the role
- Why they wish to work with Mary’s Meals International
Applications should be submitted via the link provided in the original announcement.
Application Deadline: Sunday, 14 December 2025
