Deputy Executive Director in London
Deputy Executive Director

Deputy Executive Director in London

London Full-Time 100000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
ReliefWeb

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and transform operations while promoting anti-racist and feminist values.
  • Company: Join Frontline AIDS, a global leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for impactful leadership.
  • Other info: Work in a dynamic, supportive culture with a focus on well-being.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in global health and community empowerment.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years of experience in international organisations and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 £ per year.

About Frontline AIDS

Together with their partners, Frontline AIDS has been on the frontline of the world’s response to AIDS for 30 years. Frontline AIDS was founded in 1993 as the International HIV/AIDS Alliance to support the work of existing community-led organisations responding to HIV and AIDS. They work with partners to reach marginalised communities. Today, their global partnership works in more than 100 countries to support local, national, and global community action on HIV, health, and human rights. Frontline AIDS’ mission is to support community-led organisations to break down social, political, and legal barriers to create a future free from AIDS.

Job Purpose

The Deputy Executive Director, working closely with the Executive Director and as part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), is responsible for stewardship of internal affairs in Frontline AIDS and will deputise for the Executive Director as required. They lead on advancing the organisation’s Power in Partnership strategic plan for 2026-2030, coordinating operational planning and ensuring operations are fit for purpose for an evolving organisation rooted in anti-racist, feminist and decolonial values.

Key Responsibilities

  • Coordination of internal affairs, including the business planning of the Senior Leadership Team
  • Oversee the development of a holistic and coordinated annual planning and budgeting process and the systematic measurement of KPI and performance objectives in service of organisational strategy
  • Shaping an organisational culture to model anti-racist, feminist and decolonised values
  • Oversee the development of SLT as an accountable, high-performing, value-based leadership team
  • Develop and maintain good working relationships with the Board and its Committees to support governance responsibilities
  • Deputising in other areas of Frontline AIDS, including external representation as required by the Executive Director
  • Lead on systems, practices and behaviours that enable a cohesive globally co-located organisation
  • Develop a Leadership Forum bringing SLT and wider organisational leadership together on strategic issues
  • Transform the organisation towards being highly digitally proficient and virtually connected
  • Foster an organisational culture rooted in feminism and anti-racism
  • Create a workplace that fosters high performance while supporting well-being and work-life balance

Operations Leadership

  • Cultivate a values-driven, globally cohesive, high-performing Operations team
  • Provide supportive line management to Heads of Finance, People Lead, Safeguarding Lead, ARFD Lead and Risk & Performance Lead
  • Ensure Operations plans align with Power in Partnership strategy (2026-2030)
  • Ensure divisional plans and SOPs are up-to-date and grounded in anti-racist, feminist and decolonial principles
  • Oversee development of finance and people systems; improve policies and processes to drive efficiencies
  • Maintain an effective control environment to meet legal requirements
  • Collaborate with Head of Internal Audit and Governance to manage risk across corporate, financial, people, safety and IT/cyber security
  • Ensure staff at all locations have appropriate infrastructure, policies and engagement
  • Provide regular management reporting for leadership, Board and donors
  • Support Frontline AIDS partners with operational facilitation and technical assistance
  • Collaborate with IT to roadmap digital infrastructure improvements
  • Establish confidential channels for reporting grievances, whistleblowing and safeguarding concerns

Risk & Safeguarding

  • Strategic risk management, safeguarding policy implementation, incident response and business continuity
  • Develop Frontline AIDS culture committed to anti-racism, feminism and decolonisation
  • Ensure workforce reflects global diversity and equality

Person Specification

Essential
  • A relevant degree or professional qualification
  • Experience of working for an international organisation
  • Experience of working in Southern Africa
  • Experience of working in Europe
  • Strong strategic leadership with a track record of directing and motivating multifunctional teams in a complex international organisation
  • Experience in senior leadership collaboration with Boards and committees
  • Strategic thinking, planning and analysis skills
  • Experience in setting and tracking KPIs
  • Exceptional people leadership and HR practices in an international, diverse environment
  • Extensive experience in organisational change and general management
  • Experience in budget management, reporting, forecasting and analysis
  • Understanding of modern financial systems and IT structures, use and risk
  • Understanding of programme operating environments, requirements and risks
  • Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
  • Fluency in English with excellent written, oral and presentation skills
Desirable
  • Knowledge of HIV prevention and treatment issues
  • Working knowledge of French or Spanish
  • Experience within an international NGO
  • Experience of working in South Africa
  • Experience of working in the UK

Key Attributes, Values & Personal Qualities

  • Commitment to Frontline AIDS mission and values and the partnership model
  • Commitment to equality of opportunity, anti-racist practice, safeguarding, and diversity
  • Inclusive leadership that inspires and fosters collaborative teams
  • Delivery in contexts of organisational change
  • Engagement with marginalised communities and partners
  • Ability to adapt to changing global development challenges
  • Strategic yet detail-oriented thinking
  • Exemplary integrity and respect in leadership

Appointment Terms

  • Location: South Africa / United Kingdom
  • Salary and Benefits: South Africa: R 2,050,000 | United Kingdom: GBP 100,000
  • Contract length: Permanent
  • Travel: Occasional
  • Reports to: Executive Director
  • Direct reports: Head of Finance; People Lead; ARFD Lead; Safeguarding Lead; Risk & Performance Lead

How to apply

Closing date: 24 May. Candidates are asked to submit a CV of no more than four pages and a cover letter, preferably in MS Word. All documents should be submitted in English.

Deputy Executive Director in London employer: ReliefWeb

Frontline AIDS is an exceptional employer that champions a values-driven work culture rooted in anti-racist, feminist, and decolonial principles. With a commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, the organisation offers unique opportunities for leadership development and collaboration across its global teams, particularly in South Africa and the UK. Joining Frontline AIDS means being part of a transformative mission to support community-led organisations and make a meaningful impact in the fight against AIDS.
ReliefWeb

Contact Detail:

ReliefWeb Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Deputy Executive Director in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Frontline AIDS. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to make connections that could lead to opportunities.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's values and mission. Understand their focus on anti-racism and feminism, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the Deputy Executive Director role. Keep it concise but impactful—show them why you’re the one they need.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Frontline AIDS.

We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Executive Director in London

Strategic Leadership
Team Management
Budget Management
KPI Tracking
Organisational Change
Interpersonal Skills
Relationship Building
Fluency in English
Analytical Skills
Risk Management
Cultural Competence
Digital Proficiency
HR Practices
Communication Skills
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Deputy Executive Director role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with Frontline AIDS' mission and values. We want to see how your background fits into our vision!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how you can contribute to our goals. Keep it concise but impactful, and don’t forget to mention your commitment to anti-racist and feminist values.

Follow the Application Guidelines: Stick to the application guidelines provided in the job description. Submit your CV and cover letter in the specified format (preferably MS Word) and ensure you name your files correctly. This shows us you pay attention to detail!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and efficient!

How to prepare for a job interview at ReliefWeb

✨Know the Mission Inside Out

Before your interview, dive deep into Frontline AIDS' mission and values. Understand their commitment to anti-racism, feminism, and community-led initiatives. This will not only help you align your answers with their ethos but also show your genuine interest in their work.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience

As a Deputy Executive Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong strategic leadership. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've directed multifunctional teams or led organisational change. Highlight how you motivated teams and achieved KPIs in complex environments.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle organisational challenges. Think of scenarios where you've successfully navigated change or managed risks. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.

✨Engage with Their Culture

Frontline AIDS values a cohesive and high-performing culture. Be ready to discuss how you would foster an inclusive environment and support well-being within teams. Share your thoughts on building relationships with diverse communities and how you can contribute to their organisational transformation.

Deputy Executive Director in London
ReliefWeb
Location: London

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>