Director of Programmes

Vacancy Reference Number:

DOP/PR/UK-R1

Position title:

Director of Programmes

Reports to:

Deputy CEO

Location:

Muslim Hands, 148 – 164 Gregory Boulevard, Gregory House, Nottingham, NG7 5JE

Hours of Work:

Full-time, 35 hours per week

Salary guideline:

(Up to) £65,000.00 per annum (commensurate with experience)

Terms of Employment:

36-Months’ Fixed Term Contract (subject to successfully completing a 9-Months’ Probationary Period)

About Us

Muslim Hands is a UK-based international relief organisation working in over 40 countries worldwide. The Head Office based in Nottingham and a fundraising team based in Whitechapel, London; occasional travel between the two locations will be expected. Muslim Hands UK is seeking an enthusiastic and passionate individual to direct our Programme through an exciting period of growth and change as we have ambitious plans to grow our income in this area by 2025.

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to join our organisation to oversee all our programmes from design to delivery. As the Director of Programmes, you will be responsible for:

• Strategy, Planning and Financial Management:

1. Deliver the ‘Muslim Hand’s Programme Strategy and ensure the delivery of the Global Results Framework
2. Plan and review the annual progress of programme strategy and financial management at regular intervals (monthly, quarterly and annually) with the Deputy CEO.
3. Develop and implement the programme annual budget to ensure it is in line with the organisation’s financial procedures to deliver projects.
4. To effectively oversee financial transactions to and by MH partners in accordance with MOU and programme funding agreement.
5. Build network within the sector

• Support to Senior Management:

1. Support senior management in producing programme strategic plans, budgets and new policies for the future of Muslim Hands.
2. Present programmatic feedback and financial reports to CEO/Deputy CEO, Senior Management and Board of Trustees on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
3. Advise senior management on the future projects and the viability of obtaining funds to support project initiatives.
4. Attending Programmes committee meetings to report and give input on programme matters.
5. Work with senior management and ensure Muslim Hands programme policies and practices are in line in with the programme standards, charity commission and legislation.

• Programme Management:

1. Provide direction to the programmes team with guidance and support to ensure the effectiveness and positive impact of the programmes implemented by Muslim Hands, including resources, feedback and additional training when required.
2. Collaborate with overseas partners to develop the country development plan in line with country strategies and Global Results Framework
3. Develop a reporting mechanism to be utilised by the programmes team which includes monitoring, programme delivery and financial reporting.
4. Ensure the Programmes Teams effectively uses the Muslim Hands software suite (Programme System 3, Qalam, Alpha or any application approved by senior management) for managing budgets, monitoring and coordination of programmes across the organisation.
5. Assist Muslim Hands Family (MHF) to ensure overseas partners are working in line with partnership’ policies which meet the organisational strategic aims.
6. Assist Muslim Hands Family (MHF) to revise strategy and budget to improve the effectiveness of programs.
7. Assist Muslim Hands Family (MHF) to ensure overseas partners are working in line with partnership’ policies which meet the organisational strategic aims. (see due diligence folder for ‘Must have List’)
8. Work with Global Operations and other relevant departments in review and putting action plans for the coordination of the capacity building and partner development programme
9. Develop and implement a clear communication structure between programme and fundraising departments to provide timely feedback to Muslim Hands’ supporters.
10. Provide timely feedback to fundraising department, supporters and stakeholders particularly during emergencies response, Ramadan, Qurbani or any specific campaigns.
11. To be versed and familiar with existing changes within the required standards and regulations for INGOs / humanitarian relief, development agencies and local laws (CHS).

• Humanitarian Response:

1. Develop and implement a strategy to deliver rapid emergency responses during any disasters and human crisis.
2. Ensure the humanitarian response strategy administers all aspects of emergency preparedness, responses, recovery and long-term development.
3. Prepare, manage and monitors the Emergency Response annual budget and expenditures.
4. Support Emergency team in identifying relevant stakeholders for the Emergency Program (UN, NGOs, donor agencies, private sector)
5. During emergencies, actively encourage the partners to increased collaboration with agencies, UN Institutions, Donors, Trusts, Foundations, Campaigners and Standardization Organisations.

• Programme Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEAL):

1. Work with Global operations department to develop and implement regular processes of monitoring and data collection of all Muslim Hand programmes.
2. Ensure effective regular monitoring of international programs to evaluate the impact and direction of the programmes.
3. Ensure after adequate assessment made by MEAL recommendations are implemented to improve delivery of programs.
4. Share recommendations based upon MEAL with stakeholders.

• Staff Management:

1. Ensure clear communication and coordination between all programme units; emergency, children education and welfare and General Programmes.
2. Conduct regular performance reviews to ensure teams are achieving or exceeding their targets on a regular basis, through one to one line accountability meetings and department reviews.
3. Develop policies and processes which ensure that staff are effectively recruited, inducted, trained and managed.
4. Programme staff are trained and follow all policies and procedures.
5. Plan and implement continuous professional development programme for team members to gain and learn relevant skills.
6. Provide regular feedback, training and support throughout the year to create a capable and highly motivated workforce.
7. Undertake any reasonable responsibilities as required by line manager and adhere to all Muslim Hands Policy.
8. Ensure effective management of team’s time keeping and attendance though tools provided ie Clock-rite and E-days as an example.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

• Ability to demonstrate current eligibility to work within the United Kingdom
• Must be able to either:

Provide a valid Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) certificate (issued within the last year) when requested by Muslim Hands;

OR

Undertake to provide full cooperation for Muslim Hands to perform a DBS Check at the required level appropriate for this / similar role.

• Minimum 5-years + suitable experience
• A degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field, such as Project Management, General Management, Social sciences, or International development.
• Good understanding of Sustainable Development Goals
• Able to develop and implement strategy and strategic framework.
• Significant experience in leading, designing, managing, and evaluating complex programmes or projects in the charity sector, preferably with an international focus and faith-based charity.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships and collaborations with a range of stakeholders, including donors, funders, governments, civil society, faith communities, and beneficiaries.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences and contexts, and to promote the faith-based values and ethos of the organisation.
• Strong leadership, management, and organisational skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire teams, manage budgets and resources, and deliver results.
• A commitment to the vision, mission, and values of the organisation, and a passion for making a positive difference in the world.
• Knowledge and understanding of the issues and challenges facing the organisation’s target groups, such as poverty, inequality, conflict, human rights, or environmental sustainability.
• Experience of working in or with different countries and cultures, and a willingness to travel internationally as required.
• A high level of professionalism, integrity, and ethical standards, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• A flexible and adaptable approach, with the ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and cope with ambiguity and change.

Desirable Criteria:

• A postgraduate qualification or professional certification in a relevant field, such as project management, leadership, or social impact.
• Experience of working with or within faith groups, and an understanding of their beliefs, practices, and diversity.
• Experience of leading or participating in innovation, research, or advocacy initiatives that contribute to the organisation’s strategic objectives and impact.
• Experience of using digital tools and platforms to enhance programme delivery, communication, and learning.
• Experience of applying quality standards, frameworks, or principles to ensure programme excellence and accountability.