Programme Manager - Children's Services

Barnardo's; Essex; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnardo's is seeking a Programme Manager to provide strategic oversight and support across their Centre's work. The role focuses on governance and enabling effective programme delivery aimed at improving outcomes for children and young people.

The successful candidate should have strong project management skills and a commitment to race equity, with the ability to lead impactful programmes and partnerships. Understanding safeguarding and the challenges faced by marginalized communities is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience managing projects or programmes in a relevant field.
• Ability to lead and inspire teams to create lasting change.
• Understanding of safeguarding children as the highest priority.
• Desirable: Experience with issues affecting children and young people of African, Asian, and Caribbean heritage.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and support across the Centre's portfolio.
• Develop and maintain effective programme governance.
• Support the operation of the Centre amidst systemic change.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Motivation

Understanding of race equity issues

Job description

We are now seeking a Programme Manager to provide strategic oversight, guidance, and support across the Centre's portfolio of work. The role will be responsible for developing and maintaining effective programme governance, enabling delivery, and supporting the overall operation of the Centre. The successful candidate will bring strong expertise in systems change and a demonstrable commitment to advancing race equity, with the ability to translate these into impactful programmes, partnerships, and practice.

The activity of the Centre will exist around three elements:

• The Spine: Our systems change work that will focus on 4 key work flows: Education and Employability, Physical Health and Emotional Wellbeing, Social Care & Informal Community Care, Police & Custody – looking at how we can change practice to improve outcomes
• The Heart: Our work with Children and Young People so that they can feel the presence of the Centre and co-produce models for effective advocacy and policy change
• The Arms: Our reach with locally rooted organisations that connects the work we both do to create change for Children and Young People

If you:

• Have successfully managed projects or programmes
• Can lead and inspire others to create lasting positive change for Black and Asian children and young people
• Are a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual who views safeguarding children as the highest of priorities
• Meet the person specification for the role
• Have experience and/or understanding of the issues that affect children and young people of African, Asian and Caribbean heritage in the UK (desirable but non-essential)

We would love to hear from you.