International Chief Projects Officer

Barnabas International is a large family of Christian ministries and charities focused on giving practical support to suffering, abandoned and persecuted Christians around the world. The ministry was founded in 1993, and since then, it has funded projects in more than 100 countries, providing hope and help to millions of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Some of our key projects include supplying food aid, medical supplies, educational and vocational training, Bibles, micro-enterprise, disaster relief, help for victims of violence, and support for pastors and church leaders. Barnabas Aid also provides advocacy for religious freedom, especially for persecuted and suffering Christians.

Barnabas is primarily a Christian ministry and a charity. Employees are expected to subscribe to the Vision, Mission, Value and Statement of Faith, and their work may be viewed as being vocational. There is an occupational requirement for applicants to be practising Christians, who are engaged in their local church, in order to be able to carry out our roles.

The International Chief Projects Officer (ICPO) will lead and oversee the Projects Department, and reports to the International Chief Executive Officer.

The ICPO will drive the strategic development, implementation and evaluation of Barnabas’ projects around the world. The ICPO will work closely with the International CEO, senior leadership team, and local project partners to identify opportunities, ensure effective and efficient resource allocation, and deliver impactful results that align with Barnabas’ mission to support persecuted and suffering Christians.

The ICPO will ensure that Barnabas’ projects are strategically aligned with the organisation’s goals, operationally effective, and financially sustainable, while maintaining the highest standards of accountability and impact measurement.

i.        Protect, maintain and adhere to Barnabas Aid’s distinct Christian identity

ii.       Lead and inspire the Projects Department ensuring its alignment with BA’s mission

iii.     Line manage and supervise all personnel and work within the Projects department, optimising their efficiency and impact for His glory

iv.    Support the International CEO and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) with strategic decision-making and day-to-day operations

Strategic Leadership and Development

·        Develop and implement a comprehensive global project strategy aligned with Barnabas’ mission and organisational goals

·        Lead the strategic planning process for the Projects Department, setting clear goals, priorities and key performance indicators (KPIs)

·        Provide strategic guidance on the identification of new project opportunities and the expansion of existing projects

·        Ensure that project activities reflect BA’s Christian ethos and commitment to supporting persecuted, suffering and abandoned Christians

·        Collaborate with the International CEO and Senior Leadership Team to shape BA’s overall strategic direction

Projects Oversight and Grant Management

·        Oversee the full lifecycle of BA’s projects, from proposal review and needs assessment to execution, monitoring and evaluation

·        Lead the Project Department to ensure grants are awarded to projects that align with BA’s objectives and demonstrate clear potential for impact

·        Ensure all grant-making decisions are transparent, accountable, and in line with best practices and industry standards

·        Establish clear guidelines and criteria for project selection, monitoring, and evaluation

·        Establish and maintain rigorous project governance frameworks, including risk management, impact assessment, and reporting

Financial Management and Resource Allocation

·        Experience in managing large budgets and ensuring financial accountability

·        Develop and manage the Projects Department’s budget, ensuring the efficient and effective use of financial resources

·        Oversee the allocation of financial grants to project partners, ensuring due diligence and financial accountability

·        Monitor the Project Department’s expenditure and ensure financial resources are used efficiently and transparently

·        Lead efforts to identify new funding opportunities to expand BA’s project capacity and impact

Monitoring, Evaluation and Impact Assessment

·        Develop and implement a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track project performance, measure impact and identify lessons learned for continuous improvement

·        Regularly review project progress and outcomes to ensure accountability and effective use of resources

·        Provide regular impact reports to the International CEO, SLT and Board of Trustees

·        Ensure that feedback from project partners and beneficiaries is incorporated into future planning

Capacity Building and Partner Engagement

·        Develop and maintain strong relationships with project partners worldwide, providing strategic advice and support

·        Identify training and capacity-building opportunities for project partners to enhance their effectiveness

·        Facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among project partners

·        Ensure that BA’s partnerships reflect its Christian ethos and commitment to integrity and excellence

Team Leadership and Development

·        Lead, inspire and mentor a high-performing Projects Department team

·        Manage and develop a team of regional Projects Managers, Projects Administrators and Project Coordinators

·        Foster a culture of excellence, accountability and continuous improvement within the team

·        Maintain a supportive and collaborative working environment, encouraging innovation and learning

·        Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities for the Projects team

Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

·        Develop and maintain strong relationships with board members, donors, local project partners, Christian communities and other high-level international stakeholders

·        Engage with church leaders, faith-based organisations and advocacy groups to promote BA’s mission and enhance project delivery

·        Represent BA at international forums, conferences and partner meetings

·        Serve as a spokesperson for BA’s projects and their impact on persecuted and suffering Christian communities

·        Provide thought leadership on issues related to Christian persecution, humanitarian aid and development

·        Bible-believing follower of Jesus: Demonstrates a personal commitment to discipleship and growing in faith. In good standing with their Church, actively participating in its life and community. Committed to affirming and signing Barnabas Aid’s Statement of Faith. 

·        Strong Leadership & Integrity: Able to lead with vision, decisiveness, and transparency, while upholding Christian values and organisational ethics.

·        Servant Heart for Persecuted Christians: Must possess a passion for justice and compassion for Christians who suffer for their faith.

·        Emotional Intelligence & Resilience: Demonstrates empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to work well under pressure, supporting others in high-stress situations while managing multiple priorities effectively.

·        Cultural Sensitivity & Global Mindset: Aware of and adaptable to diverse cultural contexts and has a deep understanding of the challenges facing persecuted and suffering Christians globally.

·        Collaborative Team Player & Diplomat: Builds strong relationships across teams and with external stakeholders, promoting cooperation and conflict resolution.

·        Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Critical thinker with a solution-oriented mindset, capable of navigating complex situations and making informed decisions.

·        Commitment to the Mission: Must be prepared to work flexibly and respond to emergencies and urgent project needs at short notice.