Executive Director, External Affairs

Executive Director, External Affairs

Full-Time 110000 - 110000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global influence and partnerships for a top humanitarian organisation.
  • Company: Renowned humanitarian organisation focused on saving lives and rebuilding futures.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible location, and impactful work in a dynamic environment.
  • Other info: Exciting opportunity to drive change in a respected international organisation.
  • Why this job: Shape global humanitarian efforts and make a real difference in people's lives.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in external affairs, policy, and strategic communications.

The predicted salary is between 110000 - 110000 £ per year.

Our client is one of the world’s leading humanitarian organisations working to save lives and build safer futures for communities affected by conflict. Through work in mine action, disarmament and post-conflict recovery, they help people reclaim land, rebuild livelihoods and move forward with safety and dignity.

At a time of profound geopolitical change, shifting donor priorities and increasing humanitarian need, they are creating a new role to strengthen the organisation’s global influence, visibility, partnerships and long-term sustainability.

This role will bring together policy, advocacy, strategic partnerships, media, communications, philanthropy and income diversification into one coherent external affairs directorate. It is a significant opportunity to shape how the organisation is understood, supported and positioned globally across governments, multilateral institutions, philanthropy, civil society, security and defence audiences, and emerging funding markets.

The Executive Director, External Affairs will lead the organisation’s global voice and external positioning, ensuring the organisation speaks with clarity, authority and impact. They will build high-level partnerships, open new doors, diversify income, strengthen thought leadership and help articulate the relevance of the organisation’s work to humanitarian, security, stabilisation and recovery agendas, while safeguarding the organisation’s humanitarian principles and values.

We are seeking an exceptional senior leader with a strong track record in external affairs, policy, advocacy, partnerships, strategic communications or income generation within a complex international environment. You will bring credibility with senior stakeholders, the judgement to navigate sensitive geopolitical and reputational issues, and the ability to lead experienced, multi-disciplinary teams.

This is a rare opportunity to take on a newly created executive role at the heart of a globally respected organisation, helping ensure the organisation remains influential, sustainable and future-ready in a rapidly changing world.

Closing date: 25.6.26 Preliminary Interviews: 6-9.7.26 Final Interviews and assessments: From 14.7.26

To learn more about the opportunity and recruitment process, please follow the link below for the full appointment brief.

Executive Director, External Affairs employer: PROSPECTUS-4

As a leading humanitarian organisation, we offer an exceptional work environment that prioritises meaningful impact and employee growth. Our collaborative culture fosters innovation and strategic thinking, empowering you to shape global partnerships and influence humanitarian agendas. With competitive compensation and the flexibility of a hybrid working model, this role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to vital missions while advancing your career in a supportive and dynamic setting.

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Contact Details:

PROSPECTUS-4 Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive Director, External Affairs

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the humanitarian sector, especially those who have connections to the organisation you're eyeing. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.

Tip Number 2

Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, make sure to express why you care about their mission. Your genuine enthusiasm for their work can set you apart from other candidates.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching current trends in humanitarian affairs. Being able to discuss recent developments shows that you're not just interested in the role, but also in the bigger picture of the sector.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director, External Affairs

Policy Development
Advocacy
Strategic Partnerships
Media Relations
Communications
Philanthropy
Income Diversification

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in external affairs, policy, and partnerships. We want to see how your background aligns with the role and the organisation's mission.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As an Executive Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and influenced stakeholders in complex environments.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while showcasing your impact.

Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at PROSPECTUS-4

Know the Organisation Inside Out

Before your interview, dive deep into understanding the organisation's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their work in mine action and post-conflict recovery, as well as their approach to partnerships and advocacy. This knowledge will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.

Showcase Your Leadership Experience

As an Executive Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and navigate complex international environments. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully built partnerships or influenced policy. Highlight your strategic thinking and how you've driven income diversification.

Prepare for Geopolitical Discussions

Given the current geopolitical climate, be ready to discuss how you would address sensitive issues that may arise. Think about your approach to maintaining the organisation's humanitarian principles while engaging with various stakeholders. This shows your awareness of the broader context in which the organisation operates.

Ask Insightful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about their future strategies for enhancing global influence or how they plan to adapt to shifting donor priorities. This not only demonstrates your engagement but also helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.