Head of Programme Development

  • Contractor
  • Remote
  • TBD USD / Year
  • Mary's Meals profile




  • Job applications may no longer being accepted for this opportunity.


Mary's Meals

Due to internal progression, we are recruiting for an inspirational and impactful leader to be our new Head of Programme Development at Mary’s Meals International. Leading our Programme Development team, you will have the opportunity to lead and drive the development of our programmatic research, learning and impact work, to evolve our school feeding approach and drive continuous improvement in every meal we serve.

As Head of Programme Development, you will play a key role in the ongoing development of our global Programmes Strategy and will support in the strategic analysis of our programmes, ensuring learnings increase, efficiency, effectiveness and growth. Positive, innovative, and pragmatic, you will thrive in a collaborative environment, provide strong people leadership and will seek to enhance the understanding of our approach and programmatic impact by working in close collaboration with our Programme Affiliates and Programme Partners. Developing and leading targeted value- add research projects will be a key focus, as we strive for programmatic excellence and to reach the next child waiting for Mary’s Meals.

Other key responsibilities:

  • Lead on development and implementation of our programme development strategy.
  • Lead and execute key strategic projects and initiatives to further enhance our approach, delivery and impact.
  • Lead, develop, coach and inspire a high-performing team, promoting a culture of strong employee engagement and empowerment.
  • Build strong, trusted values-driven relationships with all stakeholders.
  • Drive team collaboration across the various pillars of the global programmes function, to achieve our strategy and objectives.
  • Develop and implement programme research and impact projects.
  • Lead externally led research or evaluations, as required.
  • Lead the programmatic aspects of grant development and reporting.
  • Produce targeted, value-add research reports for a range of audiences.

A proven leader, you will bring significant relevant experience of leading on Research, Impact and Learning projects and will have a collaborative, solutions focussed approach, whilst staying true to our vision, mission and values. Developing strategy and delivering on complex global projects involving many global stakeholders, bringing others with you, and inspiring those in your team, will be key to success. With exceptional communication skills, you will be confident in developing strong working relationships and communicating strategy and learnings in a culturally sensitive manner, across a wide geographic area. Experience of working in an NGO or within International Development would be great but not essential to succeed in this role.

This is a global role, and we are happy for you to work remotely. As part of your role, there will be a requirement for travel to countries where Mary’s Meals programmes operate, potentially up to 10 weeks per year.

Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and we are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. We continue to change the lives of over 2.2 million children who today will receive Mary’s Meals. We offer more than a role; we offer the opportunity to support our global movement in a dynamic and inclusive environment with a real focus on personal development and collaboration. We believe in the innate goodness of people, respect the dignity of every human being and family life and believe in good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us.

This role undertakes regulated work with children and you will be required to register with the Protected Vulnerable Group Scheme or local equivalent before undertaking your role.

How to apply

This is an amazing role within our Programmes team, where your daily work has real impact, if you are looking for more from your role, then we would love to hear from you. Please click on the link below to apply and tell us why you would be a great Head of Programme Development.

Head of Programme Development – Remote – Mary’s Meals International (workable.com)


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