We are recruiting for two Interim Senior Programme Development Specialists:
- 5-month fixed term contract (from 21 September 2026 – 28 February 2027)
- 6-month fixed term contract (from 15 September 2026 – 15 March 2027)
Please specify in your application form which fixed term contract role you are applying for.
Do you want to play a key role in an experienced and passionate team supporting and shaping CARE International UK’s portfolio? Join the Programme Funding Team! The team shapes our restricted programme portfolio by securing funding from UK-based institutional donors, trusts and foundations, multilaterals and in some cases private sector donors.
The Senior Programme Development Specialist role leads the design of complex proposals – including bids £20m+ and FCDO commercial contracts. They also play a vital role ensuring quality bid submissions to a variety of donors, aligning with CARE international UK’s impact objectives, in particular gender justice and local leadership.
About the role
As the Senior Programme Development Specialist, you will manage a pipeline of institutional funding opportunities and be responsible for securing a significant proportion of CARE International UK’s restricted income.
You will work in partnership with CARE country offices, national and international partners, finance colleagues, and technical advisory teams to identify, scope, bid for and secure new funding for programmes through both grant and commercial contract modalities.
You will deliver a high-quality bidding process, submitting applications to funders such as FCDO, DEC, START Fund, Education Cannot Wait, Jersey Overseas Aid Committee, and Power of Nutrition. You will build learning from existing CARE programmes into bid design and design programmes in line with CARE policies and standards, as well as donor standards.
About you
You are a passionate and experienced funding specialist, with a proven track record in fundraising from key UK donors – including solid experience of commercial bidding and FCDO frameworks, trusts and foundations and corporate donors.
You will have the ability to lead and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams during proposal preparation, working with partners and colleagues in multiple locations. You have experience in and very good understanding of programme design and meeting institutional and corporate donor requirements.
You have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. You are capable of building strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders; you are a positive collaborator and a strong team player.