Desk Director

We are currently recruiting a Desk Director to join our Programs team. This is a remote position open to candidates based within the UTC+1 to UTC+4 time zones and requires up to 30% international travel. The role reports to the Director of Program Implementation and is a senior member of Relief International's Programs team.

At Relief International, we are committed to building a representative, inclusive and authentic workplace. We strongly encourage applications from candidates from minoritized backgrounds and those who bring lived experience of the contexts in which we work.

We are proud to be a global recruiter, hiring people from around the world. We offer competitive salaries and benefit packages for all staff that are applied fairly and transparently. This means we are unable to advertise the salary as it is dependent on the local job market of the staff member. Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the salary range during the selection process.

This role is classified as requiring enhanced pre-employment checks.

About Relief International

Relief International is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Our teams work across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, delivering Health and Nutrition, WASH, Protection, Education and Livelihoods programming that creates the foundation for resilient communities.

Operating under a one-team model, Relief International brings together global expertise and local knowledge to deliver effective humanitarian and development programming in some of the world's most challenging environments.

About the Opportunity

As Desk Director, you will provide strategic oversight and leadership for a portfolio of up to seven country programmes with a combined annual portfolio value of approximately $60 million. You will directly manage Country Directors and lead a Desk Team responsible for supporting country operations, programme quality, donor engagement, risk management and organizational sustainability.

The role sits at the intersection of strategy, operations and humanitarian leadership. You will work closely with Country Directors, the Resource Development team, Security, Finance, HR, Awards Management and senior organizational leadership to ensure that programmes are delivered safely, effectively and in compliance with donor and organizational requirements.

You will be expected to navigate complex humanitarian crises, political volatility, donor expectations and operational risks while ensuring Relief International remains responsive, accountable and focused on delivering impact for the communities we serve.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced humanitarian leader who combines strategic vision with operational excellence and is passionate about strengthening country programmes, empowering leaders and driving organizational growth.

Your Responsibilities

This role includes the following responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for a multi-country portfolio, ensuring alignment with Relief International's global strategy, country priorities and donor expectations.
• Directly line manage Country Directors and the Desk Manager, providing leadership, coaching, accountability and support to drive high performance across the portfolio.
• Oversee programme quality, operational performance, financial management, compliance and security across all countries within the Desk portfolio.
• Ensure country programmes are delivering high-quality, timely and compliant services while effectively managing risk and maintaining strong donor confidence.
• Lead cross-functional coordination with Finance, HR, Security, Supply Chain & Operations, Awards Management and Technical teams to resolve challenges and improve programme performance.
• Support and guide donor engagement efforts, strategic positioning and business development initiatives to strengthen programme sustainability and portfolio growth.
• Provide oversight of proposal development processes, ensuring donor submissions are strategic, competitive, compliant and aligned with organizational priorities.
• Drive risk management across the portfolio, ensuring proactive identification and mitigation of operational, programmatic, security and reputational risks.
• Foster collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing across countries and departments to strengthen learning and programme impact.
• Contribute as a senior leader within the Program Implementation Department, helping shape organizational strategy, priorities and continuous improvement initiatives.

About You

You will bring the following experience, skills and leadership qualities:

• Master's degree in International Development, Political Science, Social Sciences or a related field.
• Significant senior leadership experience within humanitarian and development organizations, including multi-country, regional or global management responsibilities.
• Demonstrated success managing large and complex donor-funded portfolios across fragile, conflict-affected and rapidly changing environments.
• Strong experience working with major institutional donors including BHA, PRM, ECHO, UN agencies and other international funding bodies.
• Excellent understanding of programme cycle management, programme quality standards, compliance frameworks and risk management systems.
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with experience coaching senior leaders and building high-performing teams across multiple locations.
• Proven ability to influence, negotiate and collaborate effectively with donors, partners, boards, senior executives and cross-functional teams.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills, with the ability to balance operational realities, humanitarian imperatives and organizational objectives.
• Excellent written and spoken English. French and/or Arabic language skills are highly desirable.
• Experience in localization, partnership strengthening, climate resilience or nexus programming would be an advantage.

How To Apply

To apply for this post, click on the Apply button in the job advert page.

• You will be asked to upload a CV and Cover Letter.
• The cover letter should be one page and explain why you are interested in this post with Relief International and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit for the role.

Closing Date

Monday 14 September

As a humanitarian organization, Relief International is committed to safeguarding all those we come into contact with through our work. We are committed to the core humanitarian principles regarding the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. Relief International expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and uphold the values and behaviours outlined in our Code of Conduct.

Recruitment to all roles at Relief International includes references, a criminal records self-declaration and other pre-employment checks, which may include police and qualification checks.

Due to the nature of this role, applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the position may be filled before the closing date. Early applications are strongly encouraged.