At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic organisation empowering young people in Barking & Dagenham.
- Company: Future Youth Zone, a vibrant community-focused charity.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, gym access, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven team and expand your impact in youth services.
- Why this job: Shape the future for youth and make a real difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership, fundraising experience, and a passion for youth engagement.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
Job Description
Lead a Movement Advancing Universal Energy Access
Chief Executive Officer - SolarAid
Location: UK - hybridTravel: c. 8-10 weeks per year (Africa programmes, partners, global forums)Salary: ~£100kType: Full-time
About SolarAid
SolarAid is an ambitious international charity working to achieve a world where everyone has access to clean, renewable energy. With a strong track record of impact across sub-Saharan Africa, SolarAid has helped transform access to energy through solar solutions that improve lives, livelihoods and the environment.
Today, SolarAid is entering a pivotal new phase. Building on proven delivery models, the organisation is shifting towards systems change - scaling impact through partnerships, influencing markets, and shaping policy to accelerate universal energy access. Alongside this, SolarAid retains active operational programmes in countries such as Malawi and Zambia, ensuring deep, real-world insight informs its work.
This is a rare opportunity to lead an organisation with both credibility on the ground and growing influence at the highest levels.
What You Can Look Forward To
As CEO, you will lead SolarAid through an exciting transition - balancing external influence and internal leadership to unlock its next phase of impact.
You will:
- Shape and Deliver Strategy Bring clarity, focus and prioritisation to SolarAid's ambitions, ensuring resources are aligned to the highest-impact opportunities
- Drive Global Influence Act as SolarAid's primary ambassador, building credibility with governments, funders, multilaterals and partners
- Scale Impact Through Partnerships Expand and strengthen partnerships to deliver scalable, replicable models across sub-Saharan Africa
Why This Role Matters
- You will lead a mission that is fundamental to human development and climate progress
- SolarAid combines proven delivery with growing global influence
- You will have the opportunity to shape the future of energy access at scale
About You
SolarAid is seeking an experienced, credible and decisive leader - someone equally comfortable representing the organisation externally and leading it internally through change.
Skills and Experience
- Proven senior leadership experience (CEO, Executive Director or equivalent) within international development, social enterprise or a related field
- Experience of programme delivery in sub-Saharan Africa, with a deep understanding of operating contexts
- Demonstrable ability to build credibility and influence with governments, funders, and global partners
- Track record of leading organisations through complexity, change or transition
- Strong strategic judgement, with the ability to prioritise and align ambition with capacity
Highly Desirable:
- Relevant sector expertise - in energy access, climate, or adjacent sectors
Personal Attributes
- Decisive and empowering, able to lead with clarity and confidence
- Credible and articulate ambassador, with presence at senior levels
- Emotionally intelligent, able to build trust and stability in a mission-driven culture
Recruitment Timeline
To ensure equitable access to information and uphold SolarAid's commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the charity will be hosting a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the Chair/Outgoing CEO. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Thursday 4th June 6-7pm and we will send you a link.
Application Deadline: 5pm, Monday 22nd June 2026
First Interviews: w/c 6th July 2026
Final Interviews: w/c 13th July
How to Apply
Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor to SolarAid on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to Charity People and request a candidate pack in the first instance. For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala or Tiku van Houtem or send an email to Senior Appointments at Charity People
We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.
Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CEO in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the youth services sector. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current or former leaders at Future Youth Zone. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether it’s at an interview or a casual chat, let your enthusiasm for empowering young people shine through. Share your vision for how you can make a difference in Barking & Dagenham.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Interviews can throw curveballs, so think about how you’d handle real-life scenarios related to youth engagement and community impact. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident and ready to impress.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After any meeting or interview, drop a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation. It shows professionalism and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your excitement about the role!
We think you need these skills to ace CEO in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for empowering young people shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Future Youth Zone.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in leadership and community engagement. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive innovation and impact.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to share your personal journey and what motivates you. We value lived experiences and want to know how they shape your approach to leadership.
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all submissions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charity People
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research Barking & Dagenham and its youth services. Understanding the local challenges and opportunities will show your commitment and help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the values of Future Youth Zone. Share specific examples of how you've led teams in complex organisations and driven positive change, especially in community-focused settings.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since you'll be managing a £1.5m+ budget, come ready to discuss your experience with financial management. Highlight any successful fundraising initiatives you've led and how you ensured financial sustainability in previous roles.
✨Champion Youth Voice
Emphasise your passion for empowering young people and how you've previously championed their voices in decision-making processes. Be ready to share ideas on how you would continue to promote inclusion and engagement at Future Youth Zone.
