Role Number: 8648
Working together to save, protect and rebuild lives
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) brings together 15 of the UK’s leading humanitarian agencies to raise funds quickly and efficiently at times of major humanitarian crisis. Since it was founded in 1963, the DEC has launched more than 80 appeals and raised over £2.5 billion to help save lives and protect livelihoods in disaster-affected communities around the world.
The DEC is now seeking a Director of Programmes & Accountability to provide strategic leadership across its humanitarian programmes, quality, accountability and learning. At a time of growing humanitarian need and increasingly complex crises, the Director will play a critical role in ensuring the DEC is ready to respond to emerging emergencies, helping ensure the right appeals are launched at the right time and that DEC funding delivers high-quality, effective and accountable humanitarian responses.
Reporting to the Chief Executive and as a member of the Executive Team, the Director will provide strategic oversight of the DEC’s humanitarian programme portfolio and lead the Programmes & Accountability team. They will provide trusted advice to the Chief Executive, Board and Membership and Accountability Committee on programme performance, risk and assurance, while strengthening the use of evidence and learning across the DEC and its membership. Externally, they will build influential relationships across the humanitarian sector and lead the DEC’s strategic relationship with FCDO, including responsibility for negotiating and securing UK Aid Match.
The ideal candidate will bring significant senior leadership experience in humanitarian response and substantial knowledge of the international humanitarian system, programme quality and accountability. They will combine strategic judgement with strong programme oversight and experience of operating in complex humanitarian contexts. A collaborative and influential leader, they will be able to build trust across a diverse membership, navigate complexity and engage credibly with government, donors, humanitarian agencies and partners.
Above all, the DEC is looking for someone with a deep commitment to principled and effective humanitarian action and a collaborative leadership style. This is an exceptional opportunity to play a senior leadership role at the heart of the UK’s humanitarian response, helping the DEC and its members deliver effective, accountable support to communities affected by crises around the world.
To apply, please submit a CV and short covering letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification below. The deadline for applications is 9:00am BST on Monday 12th October 2026.
The role is based in London, United Kingdom. The successful candidate will be expected to work regularly from the DEC’s London office (at least 2 weeks in an appeal), with flexibility for home working. Given the nature of the DEC’s work, the role may occasionally require out-of-hours, evening or weekend working in response to humanitarian emergencies, as well as attendance at relevant learning, accountability, fundraising and sector events. Occasional overseas travel may also be required.
The salary is £85,000 per annum, the role is full time.
Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role. Longlisted candidates will be invited to interview with Perrett Laver in October, and the Selection Panel will subsequently meet to decide upon a final shortlist for the post in November, following which interviews will take place towards the end of November. If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
The DEC is an equal opportunities employer and provides opportunities to learn and grow in an inclusive, supportive, and productive environment. We encourage applications from anyone who can meet the criteria, regardless of gender, race, age, disability, sexuality, or religion.
To confidentially get in touch about this role, or for advice on your application please contact George Hourmouzious, Principal Research Associate george.hourmouzios@perrettlaver.com for a confidential conversation. Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please contact Freya Coombes, freya.coombes@perrettlaver.com
If you have comments that would support us to improve access to documentation, or our application processes more generally, please do not hesitate to contact us via accessibility@perrettlaver.com.
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