A non-profit organisation dedicated to co-creating solutions with communities,and integrating human-centered design into our work. Our 3500-strong team across 22 countries from four continents understands the experiences and strives to deliver high-quality services worthy of their humanity. Working in Pakistan since 2002, we have been making a meaningful difference in people's lives through initiatives in healthcare, nutrition, education, skill development, shelter, protection, livelihoods, and disaster response across the country.

Job Purpose

The Social Innovation Officer will support the design and development of innovative, evidence-based programs that address complex social challenges. Working under the guidance of the Program Development Manager, the incumbent will contribute to the ideation, research, and formulation of new project concepts, pilots, and proposals with a strong focus on community impact, scalability, and sustainability.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about leveraging design thinking, data, and social research to co-create meaningful solutions. The officer will also support external partnerships, digital innovation efforts, and learning initiatives to enhance the organization's programmatic vision.

QUALIFICATION and EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Innovation, Development Studies, Public Policy, Human-Centered Design, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in program development, social innovation, research, or development sector projects.
• Experience contributing to proposals or concept notes for donor-funded projects (NGO, multilateral, or corporate donors).
• Preference will be given to candidates with international education or experience working in global organizations

DESIREABLE ATTRIBUTES

• Experience working in complex or emergency contexts.
• Knowledge of proposal compliance mechanisms and donor due diligence requirements.
• Ability to manage, coach, and mentor cross-functional teams.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and COMPETENCIES

• Understanding of design thinking, systems thinking, or innovation methodologies in development settings.
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights.
• Creative mindset with problem-solving skills and a drive to try new approaches.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Knowledge of social development themes such as education, gender, youth empowerment, or digital inclusion is an asset.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative, and dynamic team environemt
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with data visualizations tools is a plus.

   Key Responsibilities/Tasks

1. Contribute to the design and development of innovative, high-impact programs that address complex development challenges across sectors (e.g., education, gender, livelihoods, health).
2. Collaborate with program teams and community stakeholders to identify needs, gaps, and locally driven solutions.
3. Conduct desk research, contextual analysis, and donor landscape reviews to inform program design.
4. Support the drafting of concept notes and full proposals for institutional donors, ensuring the inclusion of creative and adaptive approaches.
5. Assist in the design and testing of pilot initiatives or proof-of-concept activities to explore new approaches before scaling.
6. Work with MEAL and technical teams to incorporate learning, evidence, and data into program design.
7. Facilitate internal innovation workshops or design sessions using participatory and co-creation methods.
8. Track donor innovation opportunities and prepare briefs to inform the Programme Development Manager and senior leadership.
9. Document case studies, learning briefs, and success stories related to innovation, pilot programs, or adaptive strategies.
10. Build networks with innovation hubs, research institutions, and private sector actors to foster partnerships that strengthen program innovation.