Global Programmes System Design & Implementation Officer

Islamic Relief Worldwide is a faith-based humanitarian and development organisation working to save and transform the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Founded in 1984, we now work in more than 45 countries, guided by a single aim: a fairer world for those affected by poverty, conflict and natural disaster. 

Our Islamic Relief UK team leads on the UK fundraising, communications, marketing, public engagement, advocacy and UK programmes — inspiring supporters across the country, building strategic partnerships, and turning that support into greater impact for the people we serve. 

About the role 

IRW’s International Programmes Division is recruiting for the position of Programmes System Design & Implementation Officer to its dynamic team, based out of its offices in Birmingham, UK. The organisation currently operates to a hybrid working model. 

Reporting to the Global Programme Impact & MEAL Manager, the Programmes System Design & Implementation Officer will support the ongoing delivery, maintenance and future development of the Global Programmes & MEAL System (GPMS), ensuring it remains fit for purpose and continues to meet the needs of stakeholders globally.  

The role holder will support the design, development, testing, implementation and rollout of digital systems and solutions across the organisation, working closely with country teams, regional desks, implementation partners, IR Family Members and technical colleagues. The postholder will also contribute to wider data and information management initiatives, providing high-quality analysis and reporting to support strategic planning, operational decision making and ongoing digital transformation activities. 

What we are looking for 

• Significant experience working with a range of stakeholders with diverse IT and technical skills, knowledge and experience, from technical specialists such as developers to end users with little or no IT background. 

• Proven ability to translate complex technical concepts into customer and business-friendly language for non-technical audiences. 

• Experience configuring and building no-code systems and digital solutions. 

• Exposure to and a general understanding of ICT technical areas relating to systems development and infrastructure. 

• Proven record of excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at both individual and group levels. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data manipulation, analysis and reporting. 

• Experience designing and executing system development test plans, including user acceptance testing and validation activities. 

• Experience producing training materials and delivering both in-person and remote training on new systems and technologies. 

• End-to-end experience of the project lifecycle, from requirements gathering and design through to implementation and rollout. 

• Ability to travel nationally and internationally, including to locations where Islamic Relief operates. 

• Business analysis skills, including the ability to map, analyse and improve business processes. 

• Experience writing requirements specifications and supporting information systems development. 

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to quickly grasp new technical concepts. 

• Proficiency in Power BI for data visualisation, reporting and communication purposes. 

• Experience using Visio to create and maintain process maps and workflow models. 

• Experience using Jira or similar software development lifecycle tools to manage user stories, epics and sprint activities. 

• Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken. 

Personal qualities 

• Deep empathy commitment to integrity and IR Values, upholding the highest standards in conduct 
• Strong emotional intelligence and resilience, and able to maintain composure — acting in a calm and measured way, in difficult situations 
• Positive demeanour and disposition, and able to overcome setbacks by motivating others 
• Highly flexible and able to adapt to changing situations and priorities 
• Learning attitude and a continuous improvement philosophy 

How to apply 

The full job description is available to download from the vacancy listing. Applications are made online, and we’d encourage you to apply early — we reserve the right to close this vacancy ahead of the advertised date if we receive a strong response. 

The vacancy closes at 23:59 on the closing date. We’re only able to accept applications from candidates already eligible to work in the UK, and we’re not able to progress applications that would require sponsorship. 

Pre-employment checks 

• Screening clearance 

• Proof of eligibility to live and work in the UK 

• Satisfactory references 

Our values and our commitment to safeguarding 

IRW is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom IRW engages. IRW expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.  

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.  

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records checks. IRW also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.  

In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.  

By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.  

Islamic Relief is an equal opportunities employer