Executive Director

The African Child Policy Forum • Full-time • Remote • 17h ago

About the Organization

The African Child Policy Forum (ACPF) is an independent, Pan-African, not-for-profit policy research and advocacy organization based in Addis Ababa. ACPF is dedicated to promoting child rights and child well-being across Africa, connecting high-quality research and advocacy with policy advice at the level of African national governments and the African Union.

ACPF is a small- to medium sized organization, employing a core team of around 10 professional staff and 10 support staff. The organization works closely with international and African partners, academic institutions, child rights organizations, civil society, and policy-making bodies to advance its mission of improving the lives of children in Africa.

The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of ACPF and appointed by and accountable to the International Board of Trustees.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Provide overall direction and leadership to the organization, ensuring alignment with ACPF’s vision, mission, and strategic priorities.
Lead the development and implementation of strategic plans that enhance ACPF’s impact and visibility at the continental and global levels.
Build and enhance ACPF’s role as a thought leader on child rights-based child-focused policy development in Africa.

Representation and Advocacy

Serve as the principal representative of ACPF in its international networks of partners, including governments, the African Union, UN agencies, child rights organizations, civil society, and donor communities.
Represent ACPF at international and regional conferences, workshops, and policy forums.
Position ACPF as a trusted partner and authority in child-focused policy research and advocacy.

Partnership Development & Resource Mobilization

Build and maintain strategic partnerships with donors, foundations, academic institutions, child rights organizations, governments, and private sector actors.
Lead resource mobilization efforts to ensure long-term sustainability, with a focus on diversifying funding sources.
Secure growth to double annual turnover over the next five years.

Organizational & Financial Management

Ensure sound financial management, accountability, and compliance with donor and statutory requirements.
Oversee the recruitment, management, and development of staff, fostering a culture of professionalism, innovation, and collaboration.
Strengthen ACPF’s organizational systems and operational efficiency to support sustainable growth.

Governance

Report to and work closely with the International Board of Trustees, providing timely and accurate information for decision-making.
Support the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities.

About You

Key Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

Advanced degree in law, economics, social sciences, public policy, international development, or related fields.
At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience, including 7+ years at senior leadership level in an international or Pan-African organization, national African organization, intergovernmental body, or research institution.
Demonstrated success in resource mobilization and managing multi-million-dollar budgets.
Strong track record in partnership building and advocacy at regional and international levels.
Proven experience leading organizations through financial and institutional renewal.

Skills & Competencies

Visionary leadership and strategic thinking.
Exceptional communication, advocacy, and representation skills.
Strong fundraising acumen and donor relations expertise.
Ability to inspire, motiva te, and manage multidisciplinary teams.
Integrity, accountability, and cultural sensitivity.
Deep understanding of African policy contexts, particularly around child rights and social development.

Performance Objectives (First 5 Years)

Stabilize ACPF’s financial position and achieve annual turnover growth to USD 4–5 million.
Expand and diversify the donor base, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Strengthen ACPF’s reputation as the leading African policy and advocacy forum for children’s rights and wellbeing.
Recruit and retain a strong professional team supported by a network of external experts.
Consolidate ACPF’s role as a key advisor to African governments and the African Union on child-related policies.

The Executive director’s performance will be assessed twice a year through a performance meeting after six months, and an appraisal meeting towards the end of the year.

Requirement Skill

Strategic thinking
Strategic Management
Leadership
organizational skill
Communication & Negotiation
Leadership and decision-making potential

This position was originally posted by the AFrican Child Policy Forum and has been curated by PurposePhil Career. To apply, please visit the original listing on the "apply" link on the side. We are not affiliated with the employer organization of this job ad or consultancy, and provide this curated listing as a service to our users.