Job Title: Interim Chief Executive Officer (Maternity Cover)
Location: London, UK (Hybrid working available)
Duration: 9–12 months (Fixed-term contract)
Start Date: 1st July 2025
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
About the Organisation
We are a respected, high-impact international charity headquartered in London, working across multiple continents to tackle some of the world’s most pressing humanitarian and development challenges. With a focus on health, education, climate resilience, gender equality, we deliver programmes in partnership with governments, communities, and local NGOs.
As our Chief Executive Officer prepares for maternity leave, we are seeking an Interim CEO to lead the organisation through a critical period, maintaining momentum on strategic initiatives, safeguarding operational effectiveness, and representing the charity to key external stakeholders.
Role Overview
The Interim CEO will be accountable to the Board of Trustees and will lead the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in the delivery of the organisation’s strategy, operations, and mission. You will be a visible and values-driven leader, guiding the organisation through a period of continuity and stability while ensuring ongoing responsiveness to a dynamic external environment.
Key Responsibilities
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Provide strategic and operational leadership of the charity, maintaining alignment with the long-term mission and strategic plan.
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Act as the chief ambassador and spokesperson, representing the charity with donors, government bodies, partners, and the media.
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Ensure continued delivery of high-quality programmes across international regions, in partnership with in-country teams and stakeholders.
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Lead the Senior Leadership Team, fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, and performance.
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Oversee key fundraising and partnership efforts, working with the Development team to secure institutional and philanthropic funding.
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Ensure robust governance, risk management, and compliance, working closely with the Board of Trustees and Finance Director.
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Provide regular reporting and strategic updates to the Board, maintaining strong governance practices.
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Maintain momentum on strategic initiatives, including digital transformation, equity and inclusion goals, or climate resilience strategies (depending on focus).
Candidate Profile
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Proven senior leadership experience within the non-profit, international development, or humanitarian sector.
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Demonstrated ability to lead complex, mission-driven organisations through change, transition, or growth phases.
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Excellent external engagement skills, with experience representing organisations to funders, policymakers, and the media.
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Strong understanding of governance, financial management, and risk oversight.
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An empowering, emotionally intelligent leader with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
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Global perspective, with sensitivity to working in cross-cultural environments and understanding of international development frameworks (e.g., SDGs, localisation).
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Desirable
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Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Trustees.
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Familiarity with grant-funded operations, including FCDO, USAID, UN agencies, or major foundations.
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Experience in crisis response, safeguarding, or complex programme delivery would be advantageous.
Working Arrangements
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The role is based in London with flexibility for hybrid working.
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International travel may be required on a limited basis depending on operational needs.
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Attractive Day Rate
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