Salary: Head of Programme Operations – International Development Job 2026
- United Kingdom: £68,000 – £74,000 per year
- Nigeria: NGN 64,968,462 – NGN 90,955,847 per year
- Rwanda: RWF 73,661,730 – RWF 89,738,798 per year
- Work Model (UK): Hybrid working with a minimum of 40% in-person engagement
Looking for a high-paying international development job in the UK, Nigeria, or Rwanda in 2026? This senior leadership opportunity offers competitive salaries and the chance to drive global impact in the WASH sector (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene).
About WaterAid – Global WASH Organization Hiring in 2026
WaterAid is a global federation committed to achieving universal access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) by 2030. Operating across Africa and Asia, the organisation partners with governments, communities, and donors to strengthen systems and deliver sustainable public health solutions.
Guided by core values—Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity, and Innovation—WaterAid focuses on:
- Long-term access to safe water and sanitation
- Institutional strengthening and policy influence
- Sustainable and inclusive WASH systems
- Public health improvement in underserved communities
If you are seeking a senior international NGO leadership job, this role offers the opportunity to influence multi-country programme delivery at scale.
About the Program Operations Team (International Programs Department)
The Programme Operations Team sits within WaterAid UK’s International Programmes Department (IPD) and supports programme delivery across 17 countries.
The team provides expertise in:
- Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (PMER)
- International project design and management
- Programme systems strengthening
- Operational oversight and risk management
Working closely with regional and country leadership teams, the function ensures:
- Compliance with donor regulations
- Operational excellence in multi-country programmes
- Risk mitigation and governance
- Strong performance assurance systems
Head of Program Operations – Role Overview
This senior leadership role provides strategic and operational oversight across WaterAid’s international programmes. The successful candidate will lead improvements in systems, governance, compliance, and performance management across multiple countries.
The position combines:
- International programme management
- Business and financial oversight
- Risk and compliance leadership
- Systems strengthening and organisational development
- Senior-level operational troubleshooting
The role also collaborates closely with Programme Funding teams to ensure smooth grant start-ups, strong compliance during implementation, and effective project close-out processes.
Key Responsibilities
1. International Programme Operations Leadership
- Lead development and improvement of global programme operations frameworks
- Provide oversight of operational systems and governance mechanisms
- Ensure operational excellence across multi-country programmes
2. Business Management & Financial Oversight
- Oversee International Programmes Department (IPD) business processes
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting
- Strengthen integration between financial and operational systems
3. Risk Management, Compliance & Assurance
- Act as focal point for operational risk management
- Lead assurance processes across country programmes
- Strengthen donor compliance and governance standards
- Provide senior-level solutions to complex operational challenges
4. Systems Strengthening & Performance Improvement
- Improve planning, monitoring, and reporting systems
- Promote high-quality data usage and performance tracking
- Strengthen grant management systems
5. Capacity Building & Team Leadership
- Support regional and country teams to enhance operational capacity
- Lead and motivate teams within a matrix structure
- Foster collaboration across diverse cultural contexts
Who Should Apply? (Candidate Profile)
This opportunity is ideal for experienced professionals in international development, NGO programme management, donor-funded projects, and WASH leadership roles.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Proven experience leading large-scale international programme operations
- Strong knowledge of finance, procurement, logistics, and compliance systems
- Expertise in donor compliance and grant management
- Experience managing teams and leading organisational change
- Ability to work effectively in complex, matrix organisational structures
- Strong analytical and systems-thinking skills
- Advanced IT proficiency (Microsoft Office and programme systems)
- Leadership aligned with WaterAid’s values
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience in WASH, public health, or community development
- Experience managing restricted and unrestricted funding portfolios
- Relevant university degree or equivalent professional experience
- Familiarity with international NGO operating models
Safeguarding, Diversity & Equal Opportunities
WaterAid maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for abuse, discrimination, harassment, and exploitation. All employment offers are subject to screening checks, including DBS checks for UK-based roles.
The organisation encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace.
How to Apply – Deadline March 3, 2026
Applicants must demonstrate eligibility to work in their selected country location (UK, Nigeria, or Rwanda).
Application Deadline:
12:00 PM (UK time), 3 March 2026
Candidates are advised to submit authentic, experience-based applications in line with recruitment guidelines.
Why This International Development Job Matters
If you are searching for:
- Senior NGO jobs in 2026
- International development leadership roles
- WASH sector careers
- High-paying development jobs in Nigeria, Rwanda, or the UK
- Global programme operations roles
This position offers the opportunity to lead transformational change and strengthen systems that improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene for millions.
Through operational excellence and strong leadership, WaterAid continues advancing its mission of delivering sustainable WASH solutions worldwide.
