Regional Director, Africa

International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is the world’s largest civil society organisation advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). For over 70 years, we have worked through our Federation of Member Associations in 120 countries and Collaborative Partners in 38 more, to deliver life-saving services and champion human rights. At the heart of our mission is the provision – and advocacy in support of – integrated healthcare to anyone who needs it regardless of race, gender, sex, income, and crucially, no matter how remote. Guided by Strategy 2028, we are reimagining our future to be more locally owned, globally connected and unapologetically bold in advancing SRHR, gender justice and human rights.

In this critical and transformative era for IPPF, we are now seeking to appoint an ambitious Regional Director for the Africa Region (IPPFAR) to make our strategy a reality, revolutionising IPPF and placing it in a stronger position. Part of the Global Leadership Team (DLT) and reporting to the Director-General, the Regional Director AR plays a key leadership role for the International Secretariat whilst also driving strategy and management of the Africa region. They will partner with, and support the Member Associations and Collaborative Partners, whilst maintaining a strong culture of team spirit, and driving collaboration across the region and the global federation. The Regional Director will be a highly visible advocate and thought-leader for SRHR across the region, to build bolder solidarity for change and raise the voices of those who are left behind.

The successful candidate will be a dynamic and senior international health, human rights, or development professional and leader, with significant experience and interest in SRHR, and related fields. They will be able to demonstrate complex operational leadership, and oversight of strong and diverse teams. The successful candidate will have a track record of effectively working with donors in the international development sector, and proven experience of networking to build partnerships and donor relations. They must have extensive knowledge of developing countries, particularly within the Africa Region, and strong knowledge of the international political environment in the region. They will combine strong vision, with the sensitivity to nuance, relationship building skills at a human level, and pragmatism needed to work in an increasingly polarised environment. Fluency in both English and French will be essential.

Crucially, the ideal candidate will be an intersectional, pro-feminist, passionate about sexual reproductive health care rights and justice and be supportive of people’s rights regardless of sexuality or gender identity/ expression. IPPF particularly welcomes applications from candidates who represent communities who face exclusion and/or difficulty accessing their sexual and reproductive rights.

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