Reimagining Development Through Locally Led Action
Adeso is a pioneering African-led development and humanitarian organisation, working alongside communities to unlock their full potential. For over 30 years, we have strengthened rural livelihoods, advanced environmental stewardship, and built innovative social enterprises, all while challenging traditional power dynamics in development and humanitarian aid.
After two decades of visionary, founder-led leadership, Adeso stands at a defining moment in its history. Degan Ali, is stepping into a new chapter as Group CEO of the Adeso group of companies and in her place, we are seeking an exceptional leader to carry the organisation's mission and legacy forward.
This is a rare invitation to step into the senior-most executive level leadership of a globally respected institution, with full authority, accountability, and ownership of strategy, operations, and external positioning. A thoughtfully structured handover and a clear mandate from the Board will ensure the incoming Executive Director is set up not just to lead, but to thrive - building on thirty-five years of impact while shaping what comes next.
This is a role for a leader ready to lead with real autonomy from day one, while honouring and building on Degan Ali’s 20-year institutional legacy. The right candidate brings deep, genuine fluency in decolonising aid and shifting power to communities; strategic leadership; and a track record of leading through major institutional transitions. Fluency in Somali and established networks in Somalia or the Horn of Africa are essential.
Above all, character matters. We are looking for a values aligned leader with integrity, sound judgment, and resilience - someone who can hold full executive authority with confidence while remaining a trusted, unifying presence for staff, partners, and the Board.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a globally respected institution into its next chapter, at a defining moment in its evolution.
To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter detailing how you fulfil the role description and specification, to https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/ quoting reference 8563.
The deadline for applications is 09.00BST on Monday, 17th August 2026.
The location of the role is in Nairobi (with 60% travel to Somalia and internationally). A competitive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate. This is a full-time position.
Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process in parallel with the public advertisement of the role. Longlisted candidates will be invited to interview with Perrett Laver throughout July and August. The Selection Panel will subsequently meet to decide upon a final shortlist for the post with formal interviews due to take place in late August to early September.
Perrett Laver believes that excellence will be achieved through recognising the value of every individual. A broad range of perspectives, backgrounds and opinions amongst our global community of colleagues is crucial in maintaining our culture of openness, intellectual curiosity, and creativity. We take an active role in supporting under-represented communities and groups in becoming better and more fairly represented in the leadership of all organisations. We also know that diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact on our ability to identify, engage and secure candidates from these groups.
To ensure inclusion on the basis of age, disability, ethnic or national origin, family circumstance, gender, gender identity, marital status, nationality, political or religious beliefs, race, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, we would like to specifically invite applications from under-represented groups.
To confidentially get in touch about this role, or for advice on your application please email, George Hourmouzios George.Hourmouzios@perrettlaver.com
Should you require access to these documents in alternative formats, please contact Kelly Harding kelly.harding@perrettlaver.com
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