Background
Women for Women International (WfWI) invests where inequality is greatest by helping women who are forgotten — the women survivors of war and conflict. In Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Kosovo, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Sudan, women learn skills to rebuild their families and communities through the Women for Women International’s Stronger Women, Stronger Nations Programme. They form support networks, are equipped with the skills to earn an income and save and gain knowledge and resources about health and their rights. Since 1993, our global community has invested in the power of over 550,000 women across 17 conflict‑affected countries, to create a ripple effect that makes the world more equal, peaceful, and prosperous.
About The Role
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Research, Policy, Advocacy & Strategic Communications Officer (CRAO) to join our Executive Leadership Team. This critical global leadership role will shape WfWI’s external voice, thought leadership, policy influence, and strategic communications. The CRAO will lead the organisation’s global communications, advocacy, and thought leadership agenda, ensuring that WfWI programme experience, evidence, and the voices of women affected by war and conflict are translated into compelling external narratives, stronger policy influence, and meaningful engagement with donors, partners, policymakers, media, and allies. Working closely with the Chief Programs and Partnerships Officer (CPPO) and the COO, the CRAO will ensure that external positioning is grounded in program reality, evidence, and managed with appropriate risk, compliance, and safeguarding. The role will also advance WfWI’s thought leadership across global conversations on women’s rights, economic empowerment, conflict, protection, and localisation, while enabling new opportunities for influence, partnerships, and long‑term resource mobilisation. The CRAO will lead high‑performing global teams across communications, advocacy, policy, and strategic engagement, strengthening WfWI’s reputation, visibility, and credibility in key global forums and priority markets.
Role Locations
The CRAO can be based in any of the following locations: Africa (DRC, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda), Europe (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey), UK, USA.
Requirements
* Located in the UK, US, or one of the specified African or European countries with the existing right to work in the country of employment (A)
* Master’s degree or equivalent senior experience in public policy, international development, communications, international relations, social sciences, gender studies, or a related field (A)
* Minimum 15 years of senior leadership experience in international development, women’s rights, humanitarian, policy, advocacy, communications, or related sectors (A)
* Existing credibility and networks in relevant global policy, media, or advocacy spaces (A)
* Knowledge of key policy issues related to global women’s human rights, peace and security, and philanthropy (A)
* Experience producing external communications on such issues, including for donors (A)
* Demonstrated experience designing and implementing global or regional advocacy campaigns, positioning executive leadership in strategic spaces, identifying thought leadership opportunities, and developing talking points (A)
* Experience with endowment campaigns, from design to securing and executing pledges from anchor funders
* Experience implementing crisis communications, and familiarity with global human rights frameworks (A)
* Demonstrated ability to translate evidence and program learning into compelling external positioning, donor‑facing narratives, public influence, and thought leadership
* Strong experience with media engagement, public speaking, executive communications, and high‑level external representation
* Proven ability to lead and develop diverse, geographically dispersed teams
* Excellent strategic judgment, political sensitivity, and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments
* Deep understanding of women’s rights, gender equality, and conflict‑affected contexts
* Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across program, operations, fundraising, and executive leadership teams
Why Join Us
At Women for Women International, you will find more than just a job. You will join a passionate team committed to creating meaningful change in the lives of the women we serve. This unique opportunity allows you to shape global influence and advance women’s rights in conflict‑affected settings. Diversity at WfWI embraces differences, creates possibilities, and promotes better performance. We give full and fair consideration to all applicants and support the development of all employees, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage, civil partnership, social status, political opinions, or pregnancy and maternity.
How To Apply
Please submit a CV and covering letter by the closing date and time below. Your cover letter must provide evidence to support the criteria above labelled (A) for Application and include your location and your existing right to work in that country, and details of any visa restrictions. If you do not submit a covering letter, your application will be disregarded. Closing date for applications is Sunday 14 June 2026, 23:59 BST (GMT+1). Online tests and interviews will be scheduled during the selection process, with interviews online in July. If you need reasonable adjustments for the application process, please contact the People & Culture Team via the UK Recruitment email address on our recruitment page.
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