Head of Programmes

Democratic Progress Institute; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A non-governmental organization is seeking a Head of Programmes to oversee project activities and lead the Programmes team. You will be responsible for coordinating operational management, monitoring compliance with internal procedures, and reporting to the CEO. The ideal candidate will have a postgraduate degree and 8-10 years of project management experience in NGOs, with strong organizational and interpersonal skills. This role includes travel to Türkiye. A competitive salary of £45,000-£51,000 per year is offered.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in project management within a charity or NGO.
• Experience managing a team, including remotely.
• Knowledge of EU funding streams and grant processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee implementation of project activities.
• Coordinate operational management of programmes.
• Build project budgets and monitor expenditures.

Skills

Project management

Strong organisational skills

Critical thinking

Team management

Written and oral communication

Education

Postgraduate degree in Political Science or related field

Job description

Title : Head of Programmes

Reporting to : Chief Executive Officer

Salary Range £45,000-£51,000

Location : London, UK (with travel)

Contract type : Permanent contract

The Democratic Progress Institute (DPI) is an independent non-governmental organisation established in consultation with international experts in conflict resolution and democratic advancement. DPI seeks to promote peace and democracy building through strengthened public dialogue and engagement.

Overall Purpose of the Position

The Head of Programmes is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the organisations’ project activities and leads the DPI Programmes team, also ensuring a close working relationship with Finance, Fundraising and Operations colleagues. The role works with the CEO on operational, fundraising, strategic and monitoring levels and also involves representing DPI at external meetings and events as needed.

Project Management

• Coordinates the day-to-day operational management of the DPI’s programmes, including the implementation of activities and financial matters– in close coordination with relevant colleagues.
• Monitors the implementation of project activities and ensures compliance with the strategic framework as well as internal procedures and policies including financial and administrative.
• Facilitates programmes and events meetings (including designing the agenda and overseeing the organisation and preparation of materials).
• Manages performance of programmes’ team both Türkiye and UK.
• Organises regular meetings with the Programmes team to ensure project plan is on -track.
• Keeps an up-to-date overview of programme delivery, reports any challenges, and suggests solutions to the CEO.
• Builds project budgets with Finance, monitors project expenditures, develops financial strategies and addresses financial challenges.
• Monitors the political and security situation in Türkiye and the wider regions, developments relating to the conflict and impact on the project.

Reporting

• Works closely with the Funding and Development Manager to ensure timely delivery and monitoring of contractual reports, including interim and final reports to donors.
• Ensures that projects are implemented and reported in a timely and qualitative manner.
• Follows up with the team and gathers the reporting of meetings.
• Oversees deliverables and performance of the M&EE and Communications consultants.

Network

• Represents and promotes DPI’s work in varied contexts and maintains relationships with external stakeholders in Türkiye and in Europe such as political party representatives.
• Builds and maintains relationships with partners and donors alongside the Funding and Development Manager when needed.
• Carries out frequent visits to Türkiye and maintains a good working knowledge of the facts on the ground when needed.

Project Development

• Translates strategy into operational objectives and develops project / fundraising proposals including concept notes and narrative project proposals in conjunction with Funding and Development Manager.
• Identifies operational developments needs and develops corresponding opportunities and initiatives.
• Supports the CEO in strategic developments related to the project.

Key Experience / Technical Competencies / Knowledge required for the position

• § A postgraduate degree in Political Science, Law, Conflict Resolution, International Relations, or a related discipline is highly desirable.
• § At least 8-10 years’ experience in project management in charity or NGO setting.
• § Experience directly managing a team including remotely.
• § Strong experience of EU funding streams, rules and regulations and knowledge of government grant processes.
• § Strong organisational and planning skills.
• § Critical and strategic thinking skills.
• § Experience in research and complex information analysis.
• § Knowledge of Türkiye political situation (desirable).
• § Strong writing and oral skills in English.
• § Knowledge / experience of and commitment to peace-making / humanitarian field.
• § Understands and respects confidentiality terms.
• § Ability to manage under tight deadlines and in high-pressure environments.
• § A DBS certificate is preferable.

Interpersonal Skills needed for the position

• § Multi-tasker
• § Extremely reliable
• § Flexible and able to take initiative
• § Self-learner
• § Strong team player
• § Confidentiality

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis with the final deadline set as the 19th of January 2026.

The successful candidate should have the right to work in the United Kingdom.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

DPI is committed to Equal Opportunities and Cultural Diversity.

DPI SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

DPI maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. All employment offers are conditional upon the receipt of satisfactory references and the signing of our code of conduct with a particular focus on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.