We fight global warming with and for the many people.
The IKEA Foundation is an independent philanthropy that fights global warming with and for the many people. Founded by Swedish entrepreneur Ingvar Kamprad, we are proud to share the heritage and values of the business he started – IKEA. Though we operate independently from IKEA, we hold a common vision: to create a better everyday life for the many people.
To pursue this vision, we support partners that are working to bring long-term changes to high-emitting systems with a direct impact on people’s lives: Energy, Land, Food and Forests, and Buildings and Transport. We are committed to reducing and avoiding greenhouse gas emissions through people-centred solutions. This support is made possible by financial resources generated over decades of IKEA business success. To date, we have provided nearly €3 billion in funding to our partners.
Togetherness is our core value and lies at the heart of our work. We recognise that solving the challenges of this century will require unprecedented levels of collaboration. No single organisation or group of people will be able meet them alone.
The IKEA Foundation is seeking an experienced, strategic and purpose-driven Regional Director, South Asia to strengthen their team. The Regional Director will lead the Foundation’s regional programme strategy and grant-making in South Asia, initially focused on India, while also providing thematic leadership across regions on Built Environment and Transport sector transitions. The Regional Director will ensure alignment between the Foundation’s global strategy and regional priorities, identifying opportunities to maximise impact through strong partnerships, locally led solutions, and systems-change approaches.
Reporting to the Chief Programmes Officer, the Regional Director will lead the South Asia Programmes team and work closely with colleagues across the Foundation to advance our mission and impact. The successful candidate will oversee programme development, grant-making strategy, partnership management, organisational learning, and regional team leadership. They will play a key role in strengthening relationships with communities, NGOs, governments and other stakeholders, ensuring that our work remains people-centred, equitable, and responsive to local contexts. In addition, the Regional Director will provide thematic leadership across regions on Built Environment and Transport sectors transitions, ensuring the integrity of that impact area across the Foundation.
This senior leadership role requires extensive experience in philanthropy, international development, systems-change initiatives, or related fields, combined with deep regional expertise in South Asia and significant experience in India. The ideal candidate will bring a strong understanding of climate and development challenges, particularly across areas such as renewable energy, mobility, economic inclusion, land use, just transitions, and low-carbon built environment development. They will also have a proven track record of leading diverse teams through change, building trusted partnerships, and advancing locally led solutions that deliver long-term impact.
The position is full-time (38 hours) and based at the IKEA Foundation’s office in Leiden, the Netherlands, with regular international travel required. Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is essential.
This is a unique opportunity to join a passionate, international team committed to creating meaningful change. For more information about the organisation, the role, and how to apply, please download the brochure.
Informal enquiries and questions can be directed to Boris Evenhuis on +31(0) 202 404 378 or by emailing Boris.Evenhuis@perrettlaver.com. To apply, applications should consist of a covering letter explaining the motivation and qualifications for the position and a full curriculum vitae. Applications can be uploaded at https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/, quoting reference number 8494.
The closing date for applications is at 9am CEST on Monday, 13th July.
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