International Programme Officer

Job Title: International Programme Officer

Responsible to: Senior International Programme Manager

Salary: £30,000 pro-rata

Contract: Fixed-term to 31 March 2026 (with possibility of extension)

Hours: Part-time (32 hours per week)

Location: Westminster, London (hybrid; occasional international travel required)

Application Deadline: Sunday 27th July 2025

Purpose of the Role

This is a hugely exciting new opportunity to work for the Liberal Democrats following our historic General Election result last July. As the largest third-party force in the Commons in a century, the Liberal Democrats are expanding their international work through Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) funded programmes. 

This new role will support the delivery and administration of those programmes, working closely with the Senior International Programme Manager. It offers a valuable opportunity to contribute to international political development by helping to coordinate projects that promote inclusive politics and support democratic strengthening around the world.

You will play a key part in ensuring the successful delivery of programme activities and effective administration, communications, logistics, and financial oversight. You will regularly liaise with members of parliament (MPs), Peers from the House of Lords, parliamentary staff, and Liberal Democrat party members, as well as representatives from liberal parties and networks across the globe. 

Key Responsibilities

Programme Support and Coordination:

• Support the day-to-day delivery of WFD-funded programmes in line with agreed objectives and timelines.
• Assist in programme design and development, including gathering background research, drafting concept notes and reports.
• Coordinate with international partners, consultants and Liberal Democrat stakeholders.
• Support planning and logistics for international delegations, events, and training sessions.

Finance and Administration

• Monitor budgets, process expenses, and support financial reporting.
• Assist in preparing funding proposals, contracts, procurement documentation, and donor compliance reporting.
• Maintain accurate programme documentation and support regular monitoring and evaluation efforts.

Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

• Draft communications, briefings and updates for internal and external stakeholders.
• Help coordinate inputs from parliamentarians, party staff, and external partners.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing, learning, and reporting within the party and WFD.

Person Specification

Essential

• Minimum 1 year working experience providing a broad range of programme administration, finance/budgetary and logistic support, particularly booking international travel and supporting short-term visa applications.
• Experience in a similar role supporting international programmes and comfortable communicating across cultures.
• Experience coordinating complex international travel, events or delegations.
• Exceptional planning and organisational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure.
• Financial administration experience (budget tracking, procurement, donor reporting).
• Ability to work independently and effectively, and drive to manage workload, working with international, remote teams and with limited supervision.
• Excellent level of written and oral communication skills in English.
• Intermediate-level Microsoft and Google Suite skills.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the Liberal Democrats, or experience working in a political and/or parliamentary environment.
• Experience working with WFD, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) or similar international donor-funded programmes.
• Experience preparing reports, writing briefs and conducting research.
• French, Spanish, Slavic, Chinese, or other relevant language skills.

A Note on Applications

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and communities, particularly those that are currently underrepresented in our sector. If you’re enthusiastic about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.

We may also be open to candidates who would prefer working at a reduced level (2 or 3 days a week, instead of a 4 day equivalent), though with a commensurate reduction in salary. If this option is of interest, please note this in your application, cover letter, and/or during interviews.

How to Apply

Please fully read through the requirements of the job  before applying and take a few minutes to complete our Equality and Diversity Monitoring Forms then proceed with your application.  

• A full CV of no more than two pages and including a telephone number and email address
• A covering letter (no more than one A4 page) setting out why you want the job and how your experience and skills are relevant to it 

To be considered for this position, please submit your application to recruitment@libdems.org.uk 

We will be reviewing applications as they come in and reserve the right to appoint prior to the closing date.

Please note:  We will not be able to employ you if you are not eligible to work in the UK. We will not be able to obtain a work permit on your behalf.

Applicants are encouraged to inform us if any reasonable adjustments are needed to be made during any part of the recruitment process.

Please let us have details of your current salary and two referees including one from your current employer – if you would prefer us not to contact them until a later stage of the selection process, please let us know.

We will not notify applicants if their application has been unsuccessful at shortlisting stage.

The  Party  believes  it  is  essential  to  foster  equity,  equality,  diversion  and  inclusion  within  our workforce.  We  want  our employees  to  thrive  in  an  environment  where  everyone  is  welcome and  supported  to  achieve  their  potential.  It  is  important  to  celebrate  what  makes  us  unique  and that  you  feel  valued,  appreciated  and  free  to  be  who  you  are.