Desk Director

We are currently recruiting a Desk Director to join our Programs team. This is a remote position open to candidates based within the UTC+1 to UTC+4 time zones and requires up to 30% international travel. The role reports to the Director of Program Implementation and is a senior member of Relief International 's Programs team.

At Relief International , we are committed to building a representative, inclusive and authentic workplace. We strongly encourage applications from candidates from minoritized backgrounds and those who bring lived experience of the contexts in which we work.

We are proud to be a global recruiter, hiring people from around the world. We offer competitive salaries and benefit packages for all staff that are applied fairly and transparently. This means we are unable to advertise the salary as it is dependent on the local job market of the staff member. Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the salary range during the selection process.

This role is classified as requiring enhanced pre-employment checks.
About Relief International

Relief International is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Our teams work across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, delivering Health and Nutrition, WASH, Protection, Education and Livelihoods programming that creates the foundation for resilient communities.

Operating under a one-team model, Relief International brings together global expertise and local knowledge to deliver effective humanitarian and development programming in some of the world's most challenging environments.
About the Opportunity

As Desk Director, you will provide strategic oversight and leadership for a portfolio of up to seven country programmes with a combined annual portfolio value of approximately $60 million. You will directly manage Country Directors and lead a Desk Team responsible for supporting country operations, programme quality, donor engagement, risk management and organizational sustainability.

The role sits at the intersection of strategy, operations and humanitarian leadership. You will work closely with Country Directors, the Resource Development team, Security, Finance, HR, Awards Management and senior organizational leadership to ensure that programmes are delivered safely, effectively and in compliance with donor and organizational requirements.

You will be expected to navigate complex humanitarian crises, political volatility, donor expectations and operational risks while ensuring Relief International remains responsive, accountable and focused on delivering impact for the communities we serve.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced humanitarian leader who combines strategic vision with operational excellence and is passionate about strengthening country programmes, empowering leaders and driving organizational growth.
Your Responsibilities

This role includes the following responsibilities:

- Provide strategic leadership and oversight for a multi-country portfolio, ensuring alignment with Relief International 's global strategy, country priorities and donor expectations.

- Directly line manage Country Directors and the Desk Manager, providing leadership, coaching, accountability and support to drive high performance across the portfolio.

- Oversee programme quality, operational performance, financial management, compliance and security across all countries within the Desk portfolio.

- Ensure country programmes are delivering high-quality, timely and compliant services while effectively managing risk and maintaining strong donor confidence.

- Lead cross-functional coordination with Finance, HR, Security, Supply Chain & Operations, Awards Management and Technical teams to resolve challenges and improve programme performance.

- Support and guide donor engagement efforts, strategic po