Head of Orphans, Child Welfare and Seasonal

Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is a faith-based humanitarian relief and development organisation working to save and transform the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people.  Established in 1984, with an active presence in over 45 countries, we strive to make the world a better and fairer place for those affected by poverty, conflict and natural disasters. 

Our International Programmes Division is recruiting for the position of ‘Head of Orphans, Child Welfare and Seasonal’ to join its dynamic team.  

The International Programme Division ensures that the organisation responds promptly and effectively to humanitarian crises while addressing the socio-economic and humanitarian needs of vulnerable populations. Through capacity building, technical and programme support, and fostering institutional partnerships, the division enables sustainable development and strengthens Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW)’s implementing structure.

The purpose of this Head of OCWS position is to contribute to the overall divisional objectives by supporting strategic initiatives, fostering partnerships and strengthening IRW’s visibility within the humanitarian and development sectors through proactive engagement, whilst supporting the divisional director in providing the IRW family with strategic direction and technical advice.

This role focuses on leading development, implementation and periodic review of the OCWS department’s strategy and work plans as well as manage and develop staff to ensure the department achieves its objectives effectively.

The successful candidate must have:

•  Post graduate degree or equivalent (preferably in humanitarian/development studies) is essential. A business management degree is desirable.
•  Proven leadership and people management experience, with a focus on achieving organisational objectives.
• Demonstrated skills in exercising sound judgment and decisions when dealing with unexpected issues.
• Strong financial and resource management skills within budgetary and time constraints
• Experience developing and implementing strategies and work plans aligned with organisational goals.
• An understanding of Islamic concepts around Orphans, children, Ramadan and Qurbani as well as a good understanding of international development, humanitarian work, and partnership-building
• Demonstrated ability to analyse data, make informed decisions, and resolve unexpected challenges.
• Ability to guide staff development towards achieving key performance indicators and delivering objectives
• Excellent communication and networking skills to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to Islamic Relief’s values, vision and mission.
• Flexibility and resilience to meet the demands of a dynamic work environment.
• High level of self-awareness, energy, and motivation.

For more information, please click on the Documents tab above to view the full Job Description.

If you are talented, reliable, service-minded, resilient and a highly motivated professional looking for a meaningful career, with a strong commitment to IRW’s mission and values of sincerity, excellence, compassion, social justice and custodianship, please apply by completing our online application form.

For more information on the excellent company benefits we offer our employees, please visit: 

https://www.islamic-relief.org/work-with-us/what-we-offer/ or

https://islamic-relief.org/what-we-offer-expatriate-colleagues/

Pre-employment Checks:

Any employment with Islamic Relief will be subject to the following checks:

• screening clearance
• proof of eligibility to live and work within the UK (if applicable)
• criminal records check
• receipt of satisfactory references

Please note, for UK-based roles, we are only able to accept applications from candidates who are eligible to work in the UK. We are unable to progress applications which would require sponsorship.

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

IRW is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom IRW engages. IRW expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records checks. IRW also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Islamic Relief is an equal opportunities employer