HEROS Programme Director

DAI will bid to deliver the UK Government’s flagship humanitarian programme:
HEROS 2.0, a £217M+ initiative funded by FCDO.

This programme will define the UK’s ability to respond rapidly and at scale to global humanitarian crises, protracted emergencies, and stabilisation challenges well into the 2030s.

Building on HEROS 1.0, HEROS 2.0 will deliver enhanced capabilities across:

• Humanitarian & Conflict Early Warning & Analysis (EWAR)
• Expert Advisory Services
• Procurement & Logistics for Emergency Response
• Standby Partnership Deployments
• UNDAC Deployments

HEROS 2.0 is central to the UK’s humanitarian architecture, aligning with the Government’s Plan for Change, driving cost efficiency, leveraging technology (including AI), and strengthening partnerships across the international development and humanitarian industry.

The HEROS 2.0 Programme Director will be the face and driving force behind HEROS 2.0. They will lead a high-profile programme based at the heart of the UK’s global humanitarian response. This is a rare opportunity to shape policy, influence strategy, and deliver impact at scale.

• Provide strategic leadership for a complex, multi-faceted programme with global reach.
• Act as a trusted advisor to FCDO and senior stakeholders, ensuring alignment with UK foreign policy and humanitarian objectives.
• Lead innovation, embedding technology and best practice to enhance delivery and efficiency.
• Manage rapid response operations, ensuring readiness for crises and stabilisation efforts worldwide.
• Provide inclusive, people-centred leadership, that motivates and aligns teams of experts to deliver excellence at the highest level.

• Proven authority in humanitarian response, with extensive HQ and field leadership experience.
• Track record of leading major donor-funded programmes, preferably with FCDO; however experience with UN or other major donors is highly valued.
• Deep understanding of UK foreign policy and humanitarian priorities, with the ability to navigate political drivers and compliance requirements.
• Exceptional networks across FCDO, UN agencies, and the humanitarian sector.
• Experience in emergency deployments, including the rapid mobilisation of personnel and relief items.
• London-based or willing to relocate, with eligibility to work in the UK and attend regular HQ and FCDO meetings.

This is more than a leadership role; it’s an opportunity to shape the future of humanitarian response for the UK and its partners. You’ll operate at the highest levels of influence, lead a programme of global significance, and leave a lasting legacy in the humanitarian system.

For further details or a confidential discussion, please contact Chris Morgan via