“One of the most fulfilling aspects of my job is knowing that I am part of a larger mission that saves lives.
My passion for photography has allowed me to capture the communities we serve. One of the most rewarding moments in my career was witnessing the transformation in a Kenyan village after we provided clean water access, alleviating the daily burdens on women and girls.
At Islamic Relief, I have learned that every day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth. My managers have fostered an environment where I feel supported to explore new ideas and develop my skills. This has transformed me into a more confident individual who is not afraid to take on new responsibilities.”
“I truly enjoy my job, as I am passionate about supporting the right holders and ensuring our responses to life-saving emergency programs are timely and effective. The most fulfilling aspect of my role is improving the well-being of our communities.
One of my favourite moments in my humanitarian career was in Yemen. I had the opportunity to work closely with our local team to distribute food items to those in desperate need. It was a challenging situation, but seeing the difference we made reinforced my belief in the importance of resilience and teamwork in our humanitarian efforts.
For anyone considering a career at Islamic Relief, I encourage you to focus on developing the necessary skills and adopting a humanitarian mindset. Flexibility and dedication are essential if you want to make a real impact in the lives of those we serve. There are plenty of opportunities to grow within the organisation and I’m living proof of that — I began as an administrative officer in 2008 and have had the chance to work in various roles and countries ever since.”
“I find the job very rewarding. For me, the best part of it is getting to become so familiar with the history of the organisation.
Since I’ve been here, it has become very clear that Islamic Relief is very proud of its history. Now 40 years old, the organisation is very proud of its humble beginnings in Birmingham and its growth to a global presence.
Getting to see the links between the organisation of 1984 and now, observing how the organisation has changed and how charities in general have evolved, is a pleasure to get really familiar with.
I have been at Islamic Relief for a year now and I found it very easy to fit in with the team, the workplace culture is great and everyone has been very welcoming.”
“I have been with Islamic Relief for 11 years and throughout my journey, I have found immense fulfilment in building relationships and partnerships that make a real difference in communities. One of the aspects I cherish most about my role is the opportunity to build relationships. I thrive on working with diverse teams and supporting them in achieving their goals. Travelling to different countries and experiencing their cultures has enriched my understanding of the communities we serve, and it fills me with passion knowing that I play a part in promoting effective programs that create positive change.
Joining Islamic Relief felt like I was welcomed into a family where everyone genuinely cares about one another. This sense of community has made my time here not just a job, but a meaningful and rewarding journey.”
“In my role as a humanitarian advocacy advisor at Islamic Relief, I’m tasked with tailoring Islamic beliefs to address different humanitarian challenges globally. It’s crucial to stay up to date with the landscape of global affairs and discussions.
What I find most rewarding about being part of the advocacy department is the opportunity to contribute to meaningful
discussions and initiatives behind the scenes.
Working at Islamic Relief isn’t just a job—it’s a commitment to a larger mission. It’s about shouldering the responsibility of representing one of the largest faith-based organisations and striving to make a difference in the world.”
“Working at Islamic Relief has truly been a nurturing experience for me. There’s such a variety of roles available, and if the first one you try doesn’t quite fit, there’s always the opportunity to explore other departments or areas within the organisation.
It’s a place where you can build a fantastic career and access opportunities you might not find elsewhere, whether it’s through travel, personal development, or forming lasting friendships.
I feel like a custodian of the organisation, as we all do when we join. We’re here to ensure its longevity and success, serving its mission and the rights holders we aim to help. Every day is different, presenting new challenges to tackle and allowing me to collaborate with colleagues from around the world. It’s not a monotonous job at all and that’s something I really appreciate.
My background in journalism naturally led me to focus on public relations and crisis communications, skills that have proven to be invaluable here. It’s immensely satisfying to contribute to maintaining Islamic Relief’s reputation and navigating through the challenges we face.”
“I started off as an intern right out of university, moved on to be an administrator, then into recruitment and later to international HR as an officer. Now, I’m a HR service coordinator.
I’ve achieved a lot here, progressing every year. I’m also involved in mental health and well-being initiatives, ensuring people are taken care of financially, emotionally and physically.
My message to someone considering a career here would be if you believe in the mission and want to help people, you should definitely apply.”
“The best part of my job is definitely the exposure I get to colleagues from all parts of the organisation. Interacting with partners in fundraising, colleagues in the UK, as well as colleagues from the field, offers a vast learning opportunity. It’s not about changing who you
are but respecting and operating within the organisation’s values.
I’ve learned a lot about Islam and the generosity it entails, which greatly impacts our ability to deliver programs.
Starting at Islamic Relief felt like beginning from scratch, but I quickly found my footing and hit the ground running and despite my initial lack of knowledge about the humanitarian sector eight years ago, the exposure to diverse colleagues has facilitated my learning and
growth.
Over my time here, I’ve experienced a level of support and kindness that might be rare in secular workplaces. The caring and passionate environment encourages involvement, such as volunteering opportunities, which is something I find truly enriching.
I would encourage anyone considering Islamic Relief not to be deterred by its faith-based nature but rather to embrace the nurturing and supportive community it offers.”
“Living under siege in Palestine, experiencing bombardments and enduring starvation have left a mark on my soul. It made me more aware of others’ suffering, realising that pain, hunger, and fear are real and not abstract concepts.
Through my lens, I strive to capture genuine moments and true emotions. These images and footage convey stories and experiences in a way that touches both hearts and minds.
What keeps me committed is my deep belief in our humanitarian mission. This job allows me to serve others on a larger scale.”
You can only apply for a job advertised on our website. To do so you must complete the relevant online application form, which you can find via our vacancies page.
We welcome applications from people who satisfy the right to work requirement and have the skills and experience set out in the job description.
Register for Job Alerts by creating an account to receive an email when we advertise a role that fits your criteria.
To do this:
We aim to reply to candidates within 4 weeks of the vacancy closing date.
Sometimes there may be a slight delay due to unforeseen circumstances. Longer delays are rare, and if they occur, we will do our best to provide you regular updates.
You will hear from us if we decide to invite you for interview.
If we don’t invite you for interview, unfortunately we are unable to provide you with any feedback as we receive many applications. We thank you for your interest and hope you consider applying for any future positions for which you’re a great fit!
Within your portal, there is a Help option taking you to our providers help hub – they can advise best on any technical glitches if they occur.
Once you submit your application, you can only change your contact details. Simply login to your account and make any necessary changes.
We recommend that you check all details thoroughly before submitting your application.
Islamic Relief offers our colleagues many benefits. Find out more on our What We Offer UK colleagues and What We Offer Expatriate colleagues
Please don’t send us unsolicited CVs, as we don’t accept them.
Jobs with Islamic Relief attract a lot of interest, so we require everyone who wishes to apply to our online application system to do so. This helps ensure a fair recruitment process.
No. We do not discriminate and welcome applications from anyone who meets the criteria for our vacancies.
Islamic Relief are required by law to ensure that all our colleagues have the right to work in the country in which they are employed.
Most of our roles are based in the UK and therefore you must have the right to work in the UK. For any of our global roles, you must have the right to work in the base location.
For expatriate roles, you will be responsible for procuring the relevant work permits and providing any documents as required by the law of the country in which you will be working.
Yes you can, but please make sure you meet the criteria for each job, and that you finish and submit one application before starting another. You must complete a separate application form for each job you apply for.
To support the shortlisting process, please complete your application form with as much detail as possible.
Before you can submit your application you will need to verify your email address, and complete the declaration and submission section. Our system will prompt you to do this.
Right after you have submitted your application it will still appear in your account as ‘In progress’. Check that you have completed all the sections. Within 24 hours you should receive an email confirming we’ve received your application.
That’s why it is very important to make sure you give us the correct email address when you register for an account. An email containing your login details will be emailed to you. If you do not receive this within 24 hours, please email us at recruitment@irworldwide.org to let us know.
To ensure emails from Islamic Relief reach your inbox (rather than bulk or junk folders), please add recruitment@irworldwide.org to your address book.
We don’t offer international based volunteering opportunities but donating your time is a fantastic way to support Islamic Relief. We have a variety of volunteering opportunities based in the UK.
We offer a range of opportunities through our paid internship programme.
For more information, see our current vacancies page for any available opportunities.
We will always treat your personal information with the utmost care and will keep it private (read our privacy policy). You can opt out at any time by contacting us via email at IslamicReliefWorldwide@irworldwide.org or by clicking the unsubscribe button on one of the emails you receive from us.
Zia Salik was appointed Interim Director of Islamic Relief UK in 2025, and brings with him over 18 years of third sector experience. He has held several leadership roles within Islamic Relief UK, including National Events Coordinator, National Community Fundraising Manager, Head of Fundraising, and Deputy Director. Zia has led national fundraising strategies, managed large-scale campaigns and events, and contributed significantly to volunteer development, donor engagement and public outreach.
As Interim Director, Zia oversees multiple teams and contributes to strategic planning, operational leadership and organisational growth. He is recognised for his expertise in major donor management, public speaking, media engagement and community fundraising. Zia has been instrumental in building strong community networks and delivering impactful campaigns.
Before joining Islamic Relief, Zia served as Programmes Manager at Humber All Nations Alliance, where he led organisational growth, project delivery and funding proposals.
Zia is a seasoned leader committed to social justice, who brings a collaborative, mission-driven approach to his work, helping to amplify voices and maximise impact in the charity sector.
Nadeem has a wealth of experience from the charity, statutory and private sectors. He is the Managing Director of HAD (a division of IRW) which is a centre of excellence seeking to empower the humanitarian sector and maximise its effectiveness and from October 2025 will serve as our interim CEO.
Before joining Islamic Relief, for nearly a decade at the General Medical Council — a globally recognised professional regulator — Nadeem managed strategic relationships with Chief Medical Officers and senior leaders. Prior to that, he served as the UK Director of Islamic Help, engaging closely with many international non-governmental organisations and playing a key role in fundraising and media activities.
In 2000, Nadeem was admitted as a solicitor. He spent nearly 8 years as a Partner at a law firm specialising in employment, regulatory and charity law. He has published papers, including in the Modern Law Review, and chapters in books.
Nadeem is deeply committed to strengthening civil society organisations and the charity sector, and throughout his career has focused on improving foundations for future generations and building strong networks. Nadeem has particular expertise working in matters of Learning and Development, especially personal and professional development, combining Islamic principles with modern techniques and interventions. He is also especially interested in psychological perspectives and cognitive distortions. He has designed and delivered training to thousands of people for nearly 3 decades.
As well as individual development and growth, Nadeem has spent 20 years working with organisations to manage and lead people to improve outcomes and efficiencies. He is a Consultant Coach, qualified at ILM Level 5 in Effective Coaching and Mentoring and ILM Level 7 in Executive and Senior Leadership Coaching. He was Chair of the Independent Advisory Group for the Professional Standards Department of West Midlands Police for 4 years, where he was awarded recognition for his ‘Outstanding Work.’
Saqeb Mueen
Asha joined Islamic Relief in 2025 with the aim of working with colleagues to create an environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute meaningfully to our shared mission.
Asha has more than 20 years of experience in HR leadership across a range of industries, holding roles at Thomson Reuters, BMW, Movado Group and others. She is passionate about building strong, resilient teams and fostering positive workplace cultures where individuals are empowered to thrive, contribute and do their best work.
Asha holds a BA in Management, Economics and Law, as well as a BA in Business Studies. She is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.
Adnan joined Islamic Relief in 2004 as a regional fundraiser in the UK. He worked in multiple roles over 10 years at Islamic Relief UK, including setting up the first digital team and leading the growth of digital fundraising and engagement. Adnan also led numerous fundraising and marketing campaigns, which played a significant part in the growth of Islamic Relief UK.
Having moved to Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2014, Adnan has held different roles that have helped grow Islamic Relief’s global digital footprint into new geographic territories, supporting Islamic Relief members with their digital and marketing growth as well as developing new products and initiatives for the Islamic Relief family.
Adnan graduated in Industrial Design and Technology from Loughborough University. He has since completed an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Durham University and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Institute of Data and Marketing.
Nadeem Azhar
Nadeem joined Islamic Relief Worldwide in September 2022. He has worked in the charitable sector for over a decade.
He studied Modern History and Politics at Manchester University, and at the University of Law in London before qualifying as a solicitor in 2011.
Nadeem is an experienced corporate, commercial and governance lawyer, having worked with various faith-based and grant making charities as well those in health and education settings. He was a partner at a law firm in London before moving in-house where he focused on setting up and restructuring charities and social enterprises.
Most recently, Nadeem was Lead Counsel at Mind, a leading mental health charity, where he co-authored a new federation agreement, revamped legal processes, and played a major role in developing its strategic and fundraising partnerships.
Nadeem has been a charity trustee for the Seafarers Charity, as well as many grant-making bodies and theatre companies.
Salaheddin joined Islamic Relief UK in 2006 and over the next 7 years held multiple roles, including Community Fundraiser and Campaigns Manager, before joining Islamic Relief Worldwide in 2013.
Since then, Salaheddin has been instrumental in the launch and growth of new Islamic Relief member offices in Ireland, Spain, Norway and Finland, as well as providing essential support and guidance to existing members, including Italy, where he served as CEO for 3 years.
In 2023, Salaheddin became Deputy Director of Global Family Development and in this role has continued to play a crucial part in steering Islamic Relief’s growth and expansion. He has also led global fundraising and media engagement for major emergencies including the Türkiye-Syria earthquake and Libya floods. Salaheddin became the Interim Director of Global Family Development in 2025.
Salaheddin holds a master’s degree in International Development and is actively involved in several community-led initiatives. He is currently the Vice President of the International Union of Muslim Scouts and Deputy Chair of the UK Muslim Scouts Fellowship as well as Chair of the South Birmingham Muslim Community Association.
Martin Cottingham joined Islamic Relief in 2012 as IRUK Media Relations Manager, and was appointed Head of Communications in 2015 before taking up his current position as Director of External Relations and Advocacy for Islamic Relief Worldwide.
Martin has helped Islamic Relief to increase its mainstream media profile and expand its campaigning work, producing hard-hitting advocacy reports on floods in Pakistan (2011) famine in Somalia (2012) disaster risk reduction (2013) and aid to Afghanistan (2014). He has over 20 years’ experience working in media, communications and marketing roles for international development and environmental charities.
Martin graduated from the University of London with a degree in English and Drama (1982-85) then trained as a journalist with a postgraduate diploma at City University (1986-87). He has previously worked for Christian Aid as Editor of Christian Aid News and Media Relations Manager (1988-97) for Oxfam as Regional Campaigns Manager (1997-2000) and at the Soil Association as Marketing Director (2001-2006), as well as working for a wide range of organisations as a freelance writer, researcher and communications consultant.
Waseem Ahmad joined the Islamic Relief family over 24 years ago, serving as Programme Officer in the Balochistan province of south-western Pakistan before becoming Head of Programmes in Pakistan. Waseem then moved to Oxfam and Tearfund before returning to Islamic Relief to establish our mission in Malawi. Later serving as Head of Programme Funding and Partnerships, Waseem led the response to major crises across the globe, including the East Africa drought, Pakistan earthquake and the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Waseem then served for nearly 6 years as our Director of International Programmes, during which time the charity secured and retained the coveted Core Humanitarian Standard certification in recognition of the quality of our programming. He was appointed CEO of Islamic Relief in May 2021.
With a special interest in community mobilisation and infrastructure, Waseem received an MSc in Project Planning and Management from the University of Bradford, as well as an MSc in Economics from Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Waseem has also worked for Lepra Health in Action and is a member of the International Civil Society Centre’s Board of Trustees. The father-of-3 enjoys walking and playing football, and is a keen birdwatcher.