Table of Contents
Organization: Mary’s Meal International
Location: Remote (with regular international travel)
Salary: £62,355 (UK-based candidates) plus benefits; location-based salary structures apply
Application Deadline: Sunday, 31st August 2025
About Mary’s Meals
Mary’s Meals International is a global movement dedicated to one transformative goal: ensuring that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in their place of education. Today, more than 2.6 million children benefit from this vision in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Rooted in values of dignity, community, and stewardship, Mary’s Meals operates through a unique model of local ownership, global support, and a commitment to safeguarding and accountability.
The Opportunity
Mary’s Meals International (MMI) is seeking an exceptional strategic leader to take on the role of Director of Programme Development. Reporting directly to the Chief Programmes Officer, this role is instrumental in shaping the future of the organisation’s global school feeding programmes.
The Director will guide the evolution of programme strategy, drive innovation, enhance quality and effectiveness, and lead global teams toward greater impact. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to transformational change at scale and to lead work that directly supports millions of children worldwide.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Innovation
- Lead the development and delivery of a global programme development strategy aligned with the organisation’s mission and strategic objectives.
- Drive continuous improvement in programme design, effectiveness, and impact, using evidence-based learning and sector innovations.
Team Leadership and Collaboration
- Provide visionary leadership to the Programme Development team and Country Directors.
- Promote a culture of empowerment, collaboration, and accountability across diverse international teams.
- Embed safeguarding standards across all areas of programme development and delivery.
External Engagement and Representation
- Build and sustain strategic partnerships with governments, multilateral agencies, research institutions, and peer organisations.
- Represent Mary’s Meals in high-level external forums, networks, and working groups relevant to school feeding, education, and child development.
Research, Learning, and Policy Influence
- Ensure robust research, monitoring, and evaluation frameworks are in place to inform policy and practice.
- Translate evidence into actionable insights and tools for programme refinement and advocacy.
Candidate Profile
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- Significant senior leadership experience in international development or humanitarian sectors, preferably across multiple geographies.
- Proven track record of leading complex, high-impact global programmes with a focus on transformation and sustainability.
- Expertise in research, learning, evaluation, and policy influencing within development or humanitarian contexts.
- Demonstrated success in coaching and inspiring senior leaders and cross-cultural teams.
Additional Information
This is a remote role with regular travel to countries where Mary’s Meals operates (up to 10 weeks per year). The role involves regulated work with children. Candidates will be required to register with the appropriate safeguarding authority (e.g., the PVG Scheme in the UK or local equivalent).
Mary’s Meals embraces a consistent pay philosophy across locations. The advertised salary applies to UK-based applicants; candidates from other countries will be compensated based on local salary scales. Interested individuals may contact jobs.mmi@marysmeals.org for salary details in their region.
How to Apply
Those inspired by Mary’s Meals’ mission and values and ready to lead programme innovation on a global scale are encouraged to apply.
Submit your CV and a concise cover note (maximum one page) outlining your suitability and motivation to join Mary’s Meals International.
Early applications are encouraged, as the vacancy may close ahead of the deadline if sufficient applications are received.
Mary’s Meals is committed to safeguarding and ensuring a safe working environment. We expect all members of our global movement to uphold the highest standards of behaviour and integrity, especially in service to the communities we support.
Visit official website to apply
FAQs
1. What is Mary’s Meals?
Mary’s Meals is a global charity organization dedicated to providing daily meals to children in their place of education, helping break the cycle of poverty while supporting learning and empowerment.
2. What does the role of Director of Programme Development involve?
The Director of Programme Development will lead strategic planning, oversee program design and delivery, ensure effective monitoring and evaluation, and drive innovations that strengthen Mary’s Meals’ global impact.
3. Who is eligible to apply for this position?
Applicants should have strong experience in international development, program leadership, strategic planning, and cross-cultural collaboration. A background in humanitarian or non-profit sectors is highly desirable.
4. Where will the Director of Programme Development be based?
The role may be based at one of Mary’s Meals’ international offices, with some flexibility for remote or hybrid arrangements. Frequent travel to program countries may be required.
5. What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for submitting applications is 31 August 2025. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early to ensure consideration.
6. How can I apply for the position?
Applicants can apply directly through the Mary’s Meals careers portal on their official website. The application requires a CV, cover letter, and supporting documents outlining relevant experience.
