Desk Coordinator

We are currently recruiting a Desk Coordinator to join our Programs team.

This is a remote position with up to 20% international travel. The role sits within Relief International's Global Support Team and supports a portfolio of country programmes across Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

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.

This role is classified as requiring advanced 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 team works across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, delivering Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), Education and Livelihoods programming that creates the foundation for community resilience. We do this by working with local actors to develop safe, inclusive and evidence-based programming that reaches those most in need.

About the Opportunity

The Desk Coordinator is a key role within Relief International's Program Implementation Department, providing programme development, grants management and donor compliance support across a portfolio of country programmes including Myanmar, Philippines, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, Palestine and South Sudan.

Working closely with Desk Managers, Country Offices, Awards Management, Resource Development and other support functions, you will help ensure programmes are designed, implemented and reported to the highest standards. The role combines proposal development, donor reporting, grants management, capacity strengthening and programme quality support, making it ideal for a development professional who enjoys working across multiple countries and complex humanitarian contexts.

This position requires a highly organised and proactive individual with strong project cycle management skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities across a diverse international portfolio.

Your Responsibilities

This role includes the following responsibilities.

• Support programme design, proposal development and programme modification processes for both humanitarian and development funding opportunities.
• Coordinate and support the development and review of donor proposals, concept notes and partnership documentation, ensuring quality and compliance.
• Support Country Offices and Desk Managers to ensure the timely submission of high-quality donor reports and compliance with donor requirements.
• Maintain grants management systems, reporting trackers and programme documentation, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
• Provide training, coaching and capacity building to country teams on qualitative reporting, grants management and donor compliance.
• Participate in grants and awards management reviews, portfolio management discussions and project monitoring processes.
• Support programme quality improvement initiatives, including the development and refinement of tools, templates and standard operating procedures.
• Produce programme updates, briefing materials, capacity statements and country profiles to support donor engagement and business development efforts.
• Deploy to country programmes when required to provide surge support, capacity strengthening, reporting assistance and support during humanitarian crises.

About You

You will bring the following experience and skills.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in International Development, Humanitarian Studies, Management or another relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience in programme development, proposal development and grants management within humanitarian or development settings.
• Experience working with major institutional donors such as US Government donors, ECHO, AICS and UN agencies. Experience with European Commission and development donors is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of the full programme cycle, from programme design and proposal development through implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality donor-facing documents and build consensus across diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally to support field operations and emergency response activities.
• Arabic and/or French language skills and previous experience in one or more countries within the portfolio, particularly Sudan, are desirable.

How to apply

To apply for this post, click on the Apply button in the job advert page.

• You will be asked to upload a CV and Cover Letter.
• The cover letter should be one page and explain why you are interested in this post with Relief International and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.

Closing Date

October 16, 2026.

As a humanitarian organization, Relief International is committed to the safeguarding of all those we come into contact with through our work. We are committed to the core humanitarian principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. Relief International expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and uphold the values and behaviors outlined in the Code of Conduct.

Recruitment to all roles in Relief International includes a criminal records self-declaration, references and other pre-employment checks, which may include police and qualification checks.

Due to the nature of this role, we will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and the role might be filled and closed before the closing date. Early applications are encouraged.