International Programme Director Tearfund Netherlands

01About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and impact-driven International Programme Director to provide strategic leadership for our humanitarian and development portfolio. The International Programme Director serves on the Executive Team and is responsible for strategy, programme quality & oversight, financial & risk management, external representation & partnerships, Institutional Funding and Business Development, impact and MEAL. The IP director reports to the CEO.

The International Programme Team oversees implementation of programmes across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. The International Programme Team currently consists of 10+ employees with their own country-specific expertise and responsibilities. As International Programme Director, you are the primary point of contact for team leaders on programme and HR matters, fostering collaboration and ensuring the achievement of organisational objectives.

02We are looking for a leader who

• Has substantial senior leadership experience in international development, humanitarian response, including at least five years of work experience in the majority world.
• Has a proven track record of leading and developing managers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrates a strong track record in developing, overseeing and strengthening complex international programmes, partnerships and organisational strategies.
• Has experience managing institutional donor relationships and donor-funded programme portfolios, including strategic engagement with governments, multilateral institutions, foundations and humanitarian donors.
• Brings significant experience in fragile, conflict-affected and humanitarian contexts and is able to navigate complex and rapidly changing environments.
• Holds a master's degree or an equivalent combination of education, knowledge and relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrates strong strategic and analytical thinking and is able to translate organisational vision into priorities, partnerships, programmes and measurable impact.
• Has experience in financial oversight, organisational governance, risk management, safeguarding, accountability and quality management within an international context.
• Is committed to strengthening locally led development and humanitarian action and values equitable partnerships with local organisations, churches and communities.
• Is an inspiring and empowering people leader who develops talent, builds trust, fosters collaboration and creates conditions for teams and individuals to thrive.
• Is able to represent Tearfund credibly and confidently in national and international networks, consortia, donor relationships and strategic partnerships.
• Possesses strong communication and influencing skills in fluent English and Dutch. Candidates who are not yet fluent in Dutch should be willing to develop working proficiency after appointment.
• Is willing to assume responsibility during emergencies, critical incidents and organisational crises, including occasional availability outside regular working hours when required.

03What we offer

As International Programme Director, you can expect:

• A challenging and varied position where you can make a meaningful contribution, with plenty of scope for personal initiative and professional growth.
• An international, inspiring, and dynamic workplace, offering a professional, collaborative, and value-driven working environment.
• Regular travel to our programme countries.
• A modern and flexible office environment in Utrecht.
• An annual contract, with the intention of extending.
• The position is graded at Staff Officer VIII, Salary Scale 10 (max € 6645,21) based on a full-time contract of 40 hours per week.

04Who we are

Tearfund Netherlands is a Christian developmental and humanitarian response organisation. We alleviate poverty around the world by ‘Doing Justice Together’ with supporters, churches, Christian non-governmental organisations, and local communities.

We believe poverty is rooted in broken relationships: with God, with ourselves, with others, and with creation. These broken relationships often lead to injustice and prevent people from reaching their full potential. We collaborate with and strengthen local organisations equipping them where needed to help restore relationships and bring about lasting, holistic change. Tearfund Netherlands delivers a distinctive community asset based approach to sustainable development, resilience building and peacebuilding.

Through our extensive network of local and international partners, we are also well positioned to provide rapid and effective humanitarian assistance. This enables us to respond to both natural and human-made crises across the majority world through locally led action, complemented by international NGO support where needed. Our work is funded through partnerships with the Dutch government, the European Union, foundations, companies, churches, and a loyal and growing community of private supporters.

Tearfund Netherlands is headquartered in Utrecht and has around 50 employees. The annual budget in 2027 will be ca. €23 million, the majority of which will be spent on humanitarian aid, development and peacebuilding around the world.

*People's safety is very important to Tearfund and we therefore do not accept any form of abuse. Requesting references will therefore be part of the selection process. Because Tearfund is a signatory of the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, we do a reference check regarding integrity and a 'Statement of Conduct' (related to misconduct such as sexual abuse) and it is mandatory to sign a Personal Declaration of Integrity.

Applying for a recent Certificate of Conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag, VOG) and signing a Code of Conduct are mandatory when entering employment at Tearfund.*

You wholeheartedly agree with Tearfund's vision and mission and you are motivated to demonstrate and commit to it. In applying so, you endorse the international minimum operating standards ‘Protection from sexual exploitation and abuse’ (PSEA). Available upon request via [email protected].

Visit our website www.tearfund.nl for more information about Tearfund. Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.