Director of Programme Development

Summary

Join Mary's Meals International as the Director of Programme Development, a values-driven leadership role overseeing global school feeding programs. Lead the design and delivery of the program development strategy, driving improvements in quality and impact through innovation and strategic partnerships. Provide inspirational leadership to Country Directors and the Programme Development team, fostering collaboration and accountability. Build strong external relationships with governments and other organizations. Oversee the evolution of the Theory of Change and embed safeguarding standards across all program design and delivery. Represent Mary's Meals externally as a key member of the programs team. The role requires significant strategic leadership experience in international development and a proven track record of delivering transformational change.

Requirements

• An exceptional leader with a deep commitment to Mary’s Meals’ vision, mission, and values, and significant strategic leadership experience in international development
• You will have a proven track record of delivering transformational change across global programmes, along with expertise in research, evaluation, and policy influencing in humanitarian or development contexts
• Skilled at coaching and inspiring senior leaders and diverse international teams, you bring excellent relationship-building, communication, and strategic influencing abilities, as well as cultural sensitivity and experience of working across different geographies and contexts
• This role will undertake regular travel to countries where our programmes operate, up to 10 weeks per year and will involve regulated work with children
• You will be required to register with the Protected Vulnerable Group Scheme or local equivalent before undertaking your role

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of our programme development strategy, ensuring alignment with Mary’s Meals’ mission and organisational goals
• Drive improvements in quality, effectiveness, and impact through innovation, evidence-based learning, and strategic partnerships
• Provide inspirational leadership to Country Directors and the Programme Development team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and empowerment
• Build strong external relationships with governments, multilateral bodies, research institutions, and sector networks
• Oversee the evolution of our Theory of Change, ensuring we measure, understand, and share our impact
• Embed safeguarding standards and best practices across all programme design and delivery
• Represent Mary’s Meals externally, as a key member of programmes team and the wider Mary’s Meals network

Preferred Qualifications

Experience of working with governments, particularly in strategic advocacy, policy development or school feeding initiatives, would be beneficial but not essential