Senior International Programme Manager

Job Description

This is a hugely exciting new opportunity to work for the Liberal Democrats following our historic General Election result last July. 

As the largest third-party force in the Commons in a century, this new role will oversee Lib Dem Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) funded programmes. You will manage a small team and work closely with the senior Lib Dem Parliamentary team, representatives from the wider party, and the WFD secretariat. 

The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall planning and implementation of WFD funded projects, and ensure that they make a tangible difference. Previous WFP projects that we have supported include the African Liberal Network Women Leadership Programme, which has had a transformative impact for many women politicians in Africa. 

The successful candidate will be a dynamic self-starter who’s got a good understanding of the Liberal Democrats and British politics, and will thrive in an environment where they have to demonstrate political judgement, solve problems, manage projects and budgets.

They will be able to work to tight timescales, take the initiative and be able to prioritise a demanding workload.

The successful candidate will feel comfortable occasionally representing the Party at an international level.

The role will primarily be based in London but will involve some international travel and it will be possible for some flexible and remote working.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the Liberal Democrat Westminster Foundation for Democracy funded programmes, and developing the strategy for our approach to WFD funding for the rest of the Parliament. 

• Communicating and liaising with the party leadership and spokespersons, Parliamentarians and the Federal International Relations Committee.

• Managing budgets and projects and establishing deadlines to ensure programmes are managed effectively, including preparing annual budgets and monthly consolidated forecasts.

• Working closely with WFD to ensure effective programme implementation and alignment with WFD’s programming methodologies as well as the agreed Results Framework with FCDO for areas of priority and impact.

• Evaluating programmes and progressing quarterly and annual reporting.

• Managing a small team providing the administration of these programmes.

• Ensure the right resources are available to deliver programmes, and develop relationships with individuals, networks and institutions where Liberal Democrat WFD programmes operate as well as sister parties. 

• Establish and maintain key relationships with donors and sponsors including FCDO in the UK and posts overseas at the appropriate level.

• Represent the Liberal Democrats in internal and external forums.

• Work in partnership with other political party offices implementing WFD programming for shared learning and the design and implementation of an annual cross-party project.

About WFD

Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) is the UK public body dedicated to supporting democracy around the world. WFD’s established purpose is to assist, support and encourage the peaceable establishment and development of pluralistic democratic practice and political institutions. WFD offers:

• High quality and impactful programmes that directly support institutions in political systems to develop inclusive political processes, more accountable political systems, protection of rights and freedoms, and more pluralistic societies;

• Specialist analysis, research, and advice to inform policy makers on a range of democratic governance issues; and

• International election observations on behalf of the UK. 

Essential Skills and Experience

The candidate will be able to show knowledge and experience that demonstrate:

• Understanding of international development assistance

• Background in project and programme design, implementation, and management 

• Knowledge of the Liberal Democrats 

• Experience of working in an international environment an understanding of foreign affairs

• The ability to manage, brief and coordinate senior politicians.

• Experience of managing budgets and delivering value for money. 

• Experience of managing complex communications structures

• A clear commitment to the ideals and values of the Liberal Democrats

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience in proposal development, contracting, procurement, grant management, donor compliance, financial scrutiny

• Experience using programme management systems and tools. 

• Line management experience and skills.

• Experience of training, giving presentations and public speaking

• Experience of working on women’s political leadership programmes or research

• Knowledge of Liberal Democrat sister parties