Cordaid is an international organisation rooted in the Netherlands and guided by Christian values of dignity, justice, compassion, and care for the environment. We work with local partners in fragile and conflict-affected settings, addressing the root causes of poverty and fragility through locally led programmes in healthcare, agrifood, and justice. When crises strike, we act alongside partners in humanitarian response. With offices in 15 countries across Africa and Asia and around 1,000 staff worldwide, Cordaid combines decades of local expertise with global collaboration as a member of Caritas Internationalis, ACT Alliance, and CIDSE.
The International Director of Programmes and Impact will play a pivotal role in driving Cordaid’s transition to a more decentralised, lean, and impactful operating model. This new leadership role aligns our dual mandate of humanitarian aid and development with our programmatic strategy, ensuring delivery in a truly locally led context. Based in the Global South, the Director will oversee multi-country clusters, empower regional and country offices, build strategic partnerships, and embed innovation into programme design and delivery. You will foster interconnectedness across our national, regional and global civil society partnerships influencing local and global outcomes. By balancing strategic vision with operational leadership, you will position Cordaid’s programmes for greater effectiveness, accountability, and sustainability.
Working closely with the CEO, CFO, International Director of Business Development and Innovation, and other IMT members, the International Director of Programmes and Impact will be central to advancing Cordaid’s locally led development agenda while strengthening its global footprint. A key member of the IMT, you will contribute to the overall strategic leadership and oversight of the organisation. As a visible and trusted ambassador, you will engage confidently with donors, partners, policymakers, beneficiaries, and sector peers—building trust, fostering collaboration, and amplifying the impact of Cordaid’s mission worldwide.
Cordaid encourages local and regional applicants from Africa, with rootedness on the continent. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader and empowering mentor, able to strengthen country-level leadership while driving operational excellence. They bring innovation, collaboration, and cultural adaptability, building trust across diverse contexts. Above all, they are impact-focused, committed to maximising humanitarian and development outcomes through truly locally led programmes.
How to Apply
An executive search exercise is being undertaken by Perrett Laver to assist the Appointment Committee in identifying the widest possible field of qualified candidates and assisting in the assessment of candidates against the requirements for the role.
Informal enquiries and questions can be directed to Isa Betoret on + +44 (0)20 7340 6248 or by Isabela.Betoret@perrettlaver.com. Applications can be uploaded at https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/, quoting reference number 8062.
The closing date for applications is at 9 am CEST on Monday 13th October.
Applications should consist of a cover letter addressing suitability against the person specification and a full curriculum vitae.
Applications will be considered by the Selection Committee in late October. Perrett Laver will conduct preliminary discussions with longlisted candidates w/c 27th October and w/c 3rd November, and the Committee will then meet in early-November to decide on a shortlist of candidates. These individuals will subsequently be invited for a first round of formal interviews in mid-November and a second round during the last week of November. Selection of and negotiations with the preferred candidate will take place thereafter.
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