The CPA is seeking a Head of Programmes to provide strategic leadership for the Programmes portfolio of the CPA Headquarters Secretariat and to oversee the delivery of all CPA parliamentary institutional strengthening and professional development programmes, projects and networks.
The post-holder will provide strategic oversight, coordination and management of Programme development and delivery, ensuring that all projects adhere to best practices for project management and achieve planned objectives, cost, quality and benefits realisation. The Head of Programmes oversees a budget of approx. £800,000 per annum and a Programmes team of 7-10 people at various levels. The role holder reports to the CPA Executive Committee and is a member of the CPA Headquarters' Senior Management Team who will be expected to contribute to wider organisational decision-making.
We are keen to hear from ambitious Commonwealth nationals with the right to work in the UK who have the aptitude, appetite and drive in engaging new and key audiences and enhance the reach and promotion of Parliamentary democracy.
Key Responsibilities
The main responsibilities of the Head of Programmes include:
● Strategic Leadership and Management: Develop the overall programme strategy, including budgetary oversight for the Programmes Team. Lead and manage the team to deliver high-quality outputs in line with CPA's overall strategy.
● Programme and Project Oversight: Provide oversight and coordination for bilateral and multilateral programmes, projects and networks. This includes leading on major initiatives such as the CPA Parliamentary Academy, the FCDO Good Governance Project and Technical Assistance Programmes (TAPs).
● Network Oversight: Provide strategic oversight for the CPA's key networks, including the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) network, the CPA Small Branches network and the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) network, ensuring their work plans are developed and delivered effectively. Ensuring Funds are appropriately distributed to CPA member-Branches and regions.
● Content and Knowledge Development: Provide expertise around parliamentary strengthening and development. Lead the development and publication of CPA knowledge products, such as toolkits, handbooks and online resources. Oversee the updating of key documents where necessary.
● Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement: Initiate and build relationships with new and existing partners and stakeholders to deliver the objectives of the Programmes portfolio. Develop relationships with partners to expand the CPA's funding streams to expand its potential. Represent the CPA at international and Regional Conferences and events to promote its work.
● Operational Management: Ensure robust and professional project management, risk management, financial management, and monitoring, evaluation and learning methodologies are utilised across the team. Experiment with new methodologies and technologies, such as MS Planner and paperless programmes, to improve efficiency.
Person Specification
Essential
● Demonstrable experience in a senior leadership role within an international organisation or similar inter-parliamentary body.
● Extensive experience in leading, engaging, and motivating a high-performing team.
● A track record of successful project management, including design, implementation and the use of monitoring and evaluation frameworks and tools.
● Proven ability in strategic planning and developing a programmatic strategy and its successful implementation.
● Excellent written and oral communication skills for reports and presentations.
● Proficient at influencing and negotiating with senior stakeholders.
● Experience in financial management and budgetary oversight and reporting.
● Experience in preparing bids for external grants and applications for project funding and experience of overseeing donor funded projects demonstrating impact.
● Knowledge of and experience with a wide range of stakeholders, including Parliamentarians, parliamentary staff and international organisations.
● Knowledge of issues relating to parliamentary democracy and governance development.
● A strong appreciation of the historical, cultural, political and social nuances at play across the Commonwealth and the abilities to be sensitive and impartial.
● Willingness to undertake duty travel overseas (approx. eight times per year) and experienced in delivering projects and programmes in a variety of countries.
● High degree of IT proficiency utilising Microsoft, Adobe and AI platforms.
Desirable
● Experience of overseeing online learning platforms and learning management systems.
● Extensive experience as a trainer and facilitator for professionals.
● Degree-level education in Social Sciences/International Relations/Politics, or a related field.
● PRINCE2 Practitioner, or an equivalent project management qualification.
* NOTE: All posts are subject to UK Border Agency requirements for those who already have the right to work in the UK.
* In order to fulfil our security clearance vetting requirements, you are required, in addition, to hold at least 3 years UK residency.