Head of Humanitarian Programmes

World Jewish Relief; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

World Jewish Relief is seeking a strategic leader in humanitarian efforts to drive response capabilities and enhance local partnerships in disaster situations. This exciting role requires a deep understanding of international development and a proven record in managing complex humanitarian programs. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to humanitarian standards and the capacity to lead on key initiatives.

Benefits

25 days holiday after 2 years

5% employer contribution to pension

Life insurance up to 3 times salary

Health cash plan reimbursement

Enhanced maternity & paternity pay

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Flexible working options available

Qualifications

• Experience in leading humanitarian efforts.
• Strong understanding of humanitarian policy and practice.
• Proven ability to manage project cycles effectively.

Responsibilities

• Shape the humanitarian approach and respond to international disasters.
• Establish and maintain effective partnerships for local disaster preparedness.
• Drive program development and ensure accountability.

Skills

Leadership in disaster response

Partnership development

Risk analysis

Humanitarian standards implementation

International development understanding

Education

Relevant degree in international development or humanitarian studies

Job description

3 weeks ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Location:Hybrid between our office in NW2 and working from home

Contract: Full time, permanent

Closing date:9th June 2025

About us

World Jewish Relief provides life-saving and life-changing action to people in crisis around the world. We work with our trusted local partners to help people survive the consequences of conflict and disaster, to thrive and rebuild their lives. We deliver programmes using our expertise, with urgency to achieve maximum and sustainable impact for those within and beyond our community.

This is an exciting time for World Jewish Relief’s Humanitarian work, building on our highly ambitious strategy to continue to expand the quality and scope of our humanitarian capabilities. As members of the START Network and signatories of Charter4Change and The Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organizations, and endorsers of the Principles for LLA (Locally Led Adaptation), we are committed to the highest standards of humanitarian intervention.

Recent operations include responses to disasters from Ukraine, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Colombia, East Africa, Bangladesh, Gaza, Nepal, and Haiti. We are eager to secure greater funding support to ensure we can deepen the quality and impact of our work through local partners ensuring we are meeting our obligations to the Core Humanitarian Standards.

The role

Given the rapidly changing humanitarian context, this role will play a leading part in shaping our position in ensuring locally led capability is at the forefront of sector best practices. It will help to strengthen and grow our response capabilities, impact, and accountability of our humanitarian portfolio.

The post will drive our response to international disasters, building programmes and partnerships to support both relief and recovery efforts. The portfolio includes a strong established climate resilience focus. The establishment and maintenance of effective local partnerships with credible local actors is essential to develop our Disaster Preparedness Initiative (a network of local partners in disaster prone countries who we work with to respond to large and small disasters).

You should have:

• A deep understanding of international development & humanitarian theory, practice and standards
• Extensive relevant experience in the humanitarian ecosystem
• Experience of leading within disaster response situations
• Experience of contributing to complex programme decision-making, basing practical recommendations on sound analysis of risk and opportunity
• Experience and knowledge of international humanitarian policy and practice issues and the humanitarian architecture sufficient to command the respect of others in the sector
• Experience in using best practices and humanitarian standards in designing programmes.
• Commitment to and experience of supporting locally led humanitarian action.
• Experience of developing and distance-managing partnerships with international or local agencies.
• Proven experience of managing all elements of the project cycle.
• An understanding of logical frameworks, monitoring and evaluation methodologies and the measurement of project impact.
• Willingness to undertake significant international travel (approx. 4-6 trips per year).

We offer a range of benefits including:

• 23 days holiday plus bank holidays and Jewish holidays, after 2 years’ service holiday entitlement increases to 25 days.
• Pension scheme – we contribute 5% to the World Jewish Relief pension scheme.
• Life Insurance – up to 3 times salary to nominated beneficiaries.
• Health Cash Plan – cash back to cover the costs of dental treatment, optical care, specialist consultations and a range of complementary therapies.
• Enhanced maternity & paternity pay.
• Employee Assistance Programme – free, confidential advice or support with any personal or work. related concerns or free counselling if needed.
• Season ticket / travel to work loan.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• On Friday the office closes at 3pm.
• We encourage flexible working and offer a range of flexible working options.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

World Jewish Relief promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We invite and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from candidates of different ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation and of faith or none that meet the criteria set out for this role.You don’t need to be Jewish to work for us, but you must share our desire to assist those who need help based on their vulnerability, not their identity, recognising the dignity and potential of all people.

How to apply

Please upload your CV and a cover letter which demonstrates your suitability for the role by explaining how you meet the criteria in the person specification.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Non-profit Organization Management

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