Championing the right to sexual and reproductive health for all. 

The fight for sexual and reproductive health and rights has never been more urgent. Around the world, fundamental freedoms are being challenged, access to essential services is under threat and communities most in need are facing increasing barriers to care. Opposition is becoming more coordinated, disinformation is spreading and restrictive policies are reversing progress. At the same time, social movements and grassroots organisations continue to push back, advocating for justice, bodily autonomy and the right to healthcare. This is a time of both challenge and opportunity for bold leadership - a moment that will shape the future of sexual and reproductive rights for generations to come. 

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is the world’s largest civil society organisation advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). With a presence in over 146 countries through our Federation of 120 Member Associations and 38 Collaborative Partners, we deliver healthcare and champion rights where they are needed most. Our work spans comprehensive sexuality education, access to contraception and safe abortion, maternal care and humanitarian response - ensuring that care reaches all, regardless of race, gender, income, or geography. Guided by Strategy 2028, we are reimagining our future to be more locally owned, globally connected and unapologetically bold in advancing SRHR, gender justice and human rights. 

We are seeking a visionary leader to serve as our next Director, Solidarity for Change and Voice. This is an opportunity to lead a global movement for SRHR justice - driving bold advocacy, amplifying the voices of those most affected, and standing firm in the face of growing opposition. The Director will spearhead partnerships with social movements, build strategic alliances, and shape the global discourse on SRHR. They will ensure that IPPF remains a fearless and authoritative voice for gender justice, LGBTQI+ rights, and access to safe abortion, while strengthening our Federation’s ability to counter disinformation and resist the rollback of fundamental freedoms. 

Reporting to the Global Director of External Relations, the Director will set the conditions for IPPF to stand up and speak out. They will harness political intelligence, leverage storytelling and narratives, and work in deep solidarity with our Member Associations, activists, and allies to drive impact at every level - from grassroots mobilisation to international policymaking. They will also play a critical role in supporting human rights defenders, protecting activists from opposition attacks, and ensuring that IPPF continues to be a trusted and effective advocate for the people and communities we serve. 

The ideal candidate will be a bold and strategic leader with deep experience in social justice movements, international advocacy, and global policymaking. They will have a track record of  driving change in highly complex and contested spaces, building coalitions that shift power, and leading teams to deliver impact at scale. A skilled communicator and strategist, they will know how to shape narratives, challenge harmful discourse, and influence decision-makers at the highest levels. They will also bring extensive experience working with civil society, donors, governments, and multilateral institutions, along with a keen ability to navigate the political landscape surrounding SRHR. Above all, they will be relentlessly committed to human rights, fearless in the face of opposition, and unwavering in their pursuit of justice and equality for all. 

We welcome applications from candidates with lived experience of the global majority, whose leadership is grounded in authentic partnership, centring the voices of those most affected, and challenging inequities wherever they occur. 

To apply or to download further information on the required qualifications, skills and experience for this exciting role, please click the 'Download Further Details' button below. Any initial enquiries should be directed to Ryann Schutt at ryann.schutt@perrettlaver.com. The deadline for applications is Friday 2nd May at midnight BST.   

Longlisted candidates will be invited to interview first with Perrett Laver. The Selection Panel will meet subsequently to decide upon a final shortlist for the post. Formal interviews with IPPF will likely take place in June, with an appointment made thereafter. 

This role offers flexibility in terms of location, with a preference for the position to be based in Nairobi, New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago or Tunis. The ideal candidate will be highly mobile, adaptable, and willing to travel extensively across IPPF’s regions.  

IPPF is committed to equal opportunities and cultural diversity. We welcome applications from candidates worldwide, with a strong encouragement for those from the Global South, women, people openly living with HIV, sex workers, and LGBTQI+ individuals. As part of our commitment to a workforce that reflects the communities we serve, we actively seek candidates from global majority backgrounds. We value lived experience as a vital perspective and are dedicated to addressing historical underrepresentation in leadership. 

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