Plan International UK is a global children’s charity striving for an equal world. One where every child can reach their full potential and every girl can choose her own future. We bring people together to protect children’s rights and keep girls safe, in school and in control of their bodies – even when disaster strikes. And we won’t stop until we are all equal.

We are looking for a Senior Programme Management Specialist to join our Development Programmes Unit (DPU), the hub for impactful long-term development programming in Plan International UK. The role will look after our Young Health Programme (YHP), which is Plan International UK’s largest corporate funded programme. The YHP is a complex multi-country multi-million public health programme and is currently implemented in 8 countries, supporting the health rights and wellbeing of young people (10-24) in marginalised communities with a specific focus on the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This gender-transformative programme uses a range of strategies including youth empowerment through peer education, community mobilisation, health system strengthening and youth-led advocacy. The YHP takes a holistic approach to working with young people which means that Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and emotional well-being health are addressed and mainstreamed throughout the programme.

This role is a great opportunity for individuals with proven programme management experience, particularly in public health initiatives. As a Senior Programme Management Specialist, you will be responsible for leading and supporting a team of two programme specialists and a programme coordinator to provide specialist support to Country Offices and partners on programme management. You will have responsibility from project design to project closure while also managing and escalating risks.

Your role will be essential in ensuring clear communication, compliance, and problem-solving within the team as well as with external partners. You will be facilitating regular meetings with donors regarding programme management, technical queries, compliance, and reporting. Expertise in public health issues, especially NCDs, peer education, and adolescent health will be considered as advantageous.

Ideal candidates will have a degree or equivalent qualification in international development or a related field and will be able to motivate and develop a team of diverse professionals. Excellent negotiation and relationship-building with internal and external stakeholders are key skills for this role, as well as having strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting and reporting.

If you thrive in working in a highly collaborative environment and love working on a fast-paced global health programme, and can contribute to how we bring our values and Feminist Leadership Principles to life through our work, we would love to hear from you!

Please note the position also requires some travel.

For further detail of this role, please see the job profile. Please refer closely to the Person Specification section during your application, to demonstrate your suitability for the role.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 16 June 2024.

Interviews will take place on week commencing Monday 24 June 2024.

We are committed to the safeguarding and protection of children, young people and adults in our work.

We, therefore, apply rigorous recruitment and selection processes to ensure that only those who are suitable are recruited to work for us. Accordingly, appointment to all our roles is subject to a range of vetting checks and for this role this will include a Basic Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working for us; this will depend on the circumstances of any offences.

Plan International UK is committed to being an inclusive employer and we welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.