Executive Director of External Affairs

Executive Director of External Affairs

Full-Time 110000 - 110000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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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 working, and the chance to make a real impact.
  • Other info: Join a respected team and navigate complex international challenges.
  • Why this job: Shape global perceptions and drive meaningful change in humanitarian efforts.
  • 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 of 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 of External Affairs employer: PROSPECTUS-4

As a leading humanitarian organisation, we offer an inspiring work culture that prioritises collaboration, innovation, and the well-being of communities affected by conflict. Our employees benefit from competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic international environment. Join us to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career in a role that shapes global partnerships and influences humanitarian agendas.

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Contact Details:

PROSPECTUS-4 Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

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

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to humanitarian work. Attend events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Create a personal brand that highlights your experience in external affairs, policy, and partnerships. Use platforms like LinkedIn to share insights, articles, or even your thoughts on current humanitarian issues. This will help you stand out and attract the right attention.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. We want you to articulate how your skills align with their goals, especially in building partnerships and enhancing visibility. Confidence is key!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can make a difference in the humanitarian sector. So, get your application in and let’s make an impact together!

We think you need these skills to ace Executive Director of 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 this is a senior role, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in complex environments, and how you've navigated sensitive issues.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.

Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures we receive all the necessary information and can process your application smoothly. 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 of External Affairs, 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, highlighting your strategic thinking and decision-making skills.

Prepare for Geopolitical Discussions

Given the current geopolitical climate, be ready to discuss how you would address sensitive issues that may arise. Think about potential challenges the organisation might face and come prepared with thoughtful insights on how to maintain credibility and navigate reputational risks while advocating for humanitarian principles.

Engage with Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare insightful questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation's future. Ask about their strategies for income diversification or how they plan to enhance their global influence. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.