Director of Programme Development

Mary's Meals

. Lead the strategic development of Mary’s Meals programmes globally .

Posted 10/10/2026full-timeRemote • United KingdomLead💰 £64,226 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in international development, with a strong focus on programme strategy, quality improvement, and evidence-based decision-making. Proven ability to lead multicultural teams and engage effectively with stakeholders to drive organisational impact.

Highest-signal resume keywords

International Development ExperienceProgramme Strategy DevelopmentImpact Measurement and EvaluationStakeholder ManagementTeam Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Programme DevelopmentQuality ImprovementResearch FunctionsMonitoring and EvaluationEvidence-Based Decision-MakingFramework DevelopmentPolicy DevelopmentLearning and DevelopmentChange ManagementImpact Data Analysis

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationRelationship-BuildingInfluence Across FunctionsCultural SensitivityEngagement with Senior Leaders

Certifications & Qualifications

Protected Vulnerable Group Scheme Registration

Industry Keywords

International Development SectorOrganisational StrategyThought LeadershipSustainable GrowthMulticultural Team Development

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the strategic development of Mary’s Meals programmes globally
Ensure programme alignment with organisational priorities and global growth ambitions
Drive programme quality, innovation and learning across the global movement
Oversee programme frameworks, policies and country-level strategies
Ensure frameworks and strategies translate into effective practice and support sustainable growth
Champion research, impact measurement and organisational learning
Embed evidence-based decision-making across programmes
Lead innovation approaches, including piloting and gathering evidence for future direction
Represent Mary’s Meals with governments, partners and external stakeholders
Strengthen relationships and promote thought leadership within the international development sector
Work closely with Programme Management, Programme Operations and country programmes
Report to the Chief Programmes Officer
Shape organisational strategy and support the ambition to reach more children with daily meals in places of education

Requirements

What you’ll need

Significant experience in international development
Proven track record of shaping organisational strategy, driving programme excellence and delivering change at scale
Experience leading programme development, design, quality improvement, learning and research functions in complex international contexts
Experience using evidence, insight and impact data to inform decision-making and maximise organisational impact
Substantial experience developing programme strategies, frameworks, policies and approaches
Experience overseeing research, learning, monitoring, evaluation and impact measurement
Experience building and developing high-performing, multicultural teams
Skilled at leading through influence across diverse functions, cultures and geographies
Excellent communication, stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
Confidence engaging with senior leaders, partners, donors and external stakeholders
Strong understanding of safeguarding within international development programmes
Commitment to the vision, mission and values of Mary's Meals
Willingness to travel to countries where programmes operate
Required to register with the Protected Vulnerable Group Scheme or local equivalent before undertaking the role
CV and short covering note of no more than one page required for application

Benefits

Comp & perks

34 days annual leave including bank holidays, increasing by 1 day each completed calendar year to a maximum of 39 days, plus option to buy another week
Flexible working
Employee Assistance Programme
Life assurance
Medical insurance for candidates located in Kenya, Liberia, Malawi and Zambia
Pension, depending on the location of the candidate
Remote and flexible working supporting work-life balance
Occasional or regular use of the Glasgow office