Chief Executive Officer

Muslim Aid is a UK faith-based international development organisation that provides support to communities around the world affected by disasters, conflict, or endemic poverty without regard to their social, religious, or ethnic background. Established in 1985, Muslim Aid has facilitated the engagement of the British Muslim and non-Muslim community in support of its work in a variety of ways. Over the years, its humanitarian work has included responses to major crises around the world including famine in East Africa, earthquakes and flooding in Pakistan and Bangladesh as well as conflicts in Syria and Yemen. We place strong emphasis on long-term development projects that build the capacity of local people to help themselves. In addition to the 5 country offices worldwide we also work with multiple partner offices focusing on sustainable Development Programmes and providing humanitarian relief during times of crisis.

Role Description

Working with the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will shape and implement the strategic direction of Muslim Aid and lead the organisation into its next phase of development and growth. The CEO will provide vision and leadership in the UK and internationally, strengthen partnerships, represent Muslim Aid with key stakeholders and in the media, and enhance the organisation’s profile by promoting the impact of its work. Reporting to the Board of Trustees and line-managed by the Chair, the CEO will have overall accountability for organisational performance, financial sustainability, and the delivery of Muslim Aid’s mission and charitable objectives.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to Muslim Aid, shaping and delivering the organisation’s long‑term vision and strategy in partnership with the Board of Trustees.
• Lead the organisation through its next phase of growth, strengthening impact, governance and operational effectiveness across UK and international operations.
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships and represent Muslim Aid at senior level with donors, governments, the media and key stakeholders.
• Lead income generation and oversee the development of sustainable and diversified funding streams.
• Provide inspirational leadership to employees and volunteers, fostering a high‑performing, values‑driven organisational culture.
• Maintain overall accountability for organisational performance, financial sustainability, risk management and regulatory compliance.

About You

You will have a clear understanding of Islam and the ability to ensure that Muslim Aid delivers its strategic objectives in line with the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. You will be a values‑driven leader with a strong track record in organisational leadership, income generation and stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to serving humanity. You must also have sound knowledge of the legal and regulatory requirements to effectively manage charity funds.

Qualifications

• A degree‑level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven senior leadership experience within an NGO, humanitarian or non‑profit organisation, including effective engagement with a Board of Trustees or equivalent governance body.
• Demonstrable experience of developing and leading a financially sustainable organisation with diversified income streams.
• Proven experience of leading senior teams and delivering organisational transformation in complex environments.
• Experience of building strategic partnerships and representing an organisation at senior level with donors, governments, the media and other stakeholders.
• High levels of emotional intelligence, resilience and strategic judgement, with the ability to operate effectively under pressure.

Genuine Occupational Requirement

In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, this role has a Genuine Occupational Requirement for the post‑holder to be a Muslim. This requirement arises from Muslim Aid’s constitution and charitable objects, which require the organisation to be governed and led in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah.

Right to work in the UK

This role is based in the UK and is open to individuals with the unrestricted right to live and work in the UK. At this stage, we are unable to offer sponsorship opportunities. Applicants must therefore currently hold the right to work in the UK.

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference to the lives of millions of vulnerable people across the world. If you are driven by purpose, motivated by impact, and have the leadership capability to guide an international humanitarian organisation into its next chapter, we would welcome your application.

Safeguarding and Equality

Muslim Aid’s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to the safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults. Successful candidates will be expected to undergo a DBS check or international equivalent. Muslim Aid is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your cover letter (no more than 1 page) and CV to recruitment@muslimaid.org. Please use the subject line: "Chief Executive Officer".