Programme Director: Rights Respecting Schools Award

UNICEF; Greater London; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Generous leave

Pension plan

Brand discounts

Wellbeing tools

QEOP office

Job summary

UNICEF UK is seeking a Programme Director for the Rights Respecting Schools Team, responsible for delivering the Rights Respecting Schools Award and advocacy objectives in the UK. The role requires leadership and a strong understanding of education structures within the country.

The post is permanent, with hybrid working arrangements in London, offering a competitive salary and benefits package as outlined.

Qualifications

• Leadership and management experience in child rights education.
• In-depth knowledge of UK school and education service structures.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the Rights Respecting Schools Award and advocacy objectives.
• Lead and manage the Rights Respecting Schools Team.
• Collaborate with schools and stakeholders across the UK.

Skills

Leadership

Management

Job description

Circa £71,000 per annum

Permanent

Part home/Part office (London) based

This is a great opportunity to join the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) as the Programme Director of the Rights Respecting Schools Team who has overall responsibility for delivering the Rights Respecting Schools Award and associated advocacy objectives.

The Rights Respecting Schools team works with schools in the UK to create safe and inspiring places to learn, where children are respected, their talents are nurtured, and they are able to thrive. Over 5000 schools and 1.7 million children and young people are actively engaged in the programme.

Leadership and management experience in a relevant field relating to child rights education and in-depth knowledge and understanding of UK school and education service structures, culture and significant issues are essential requirements.

Closing date: 9am Monday 19 October 2026.

Interview date:Monday 2 November 2026 via video conferencing (MS Teams).

In return, we offer:

• excellent pay and benefits (including flexible working, generous annual leave and pension, big brand discounts and wellbeing tools)
• outstanding training and learning opportunities and the support to flourish in your role
• impressive open plan office space and facilities on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
• an open culture and workplace with colleagues who share our values, enjoy their work and are motivated to do their utmost for children.
• the opportunity to work in a leading children’s organisation making a difference to children around the world

We are gradually moving back to our offices on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London and we anticipate most colleagues will work one or two days a week in the office and the rest of the time from home. We will happily discuss other flexible options to suit your circumstances.

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, disabled candidates, and from men, because we would like to increase the representation of these groups at this level at UNICEF UK. We want to do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for children.

UNICEF UK promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

We welcome a conversation about your flexible working requirements, personal growth, and promoting a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

The successful candidate will be required to apply for a criminal records check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the role and the circumstances of your offences.

We only accept online applications as this saves us money, making more funds available for us to help ensure children’s rights.

Registered Charity Nos. 1072612 (England and Wales) SC043677 (Scotland)