Application Closing Date
20th Nov 2026 * Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible. IPPF reserves the right to close this vacancy before the advertised closing date should a high volume of suitable applications be received *
Context of Role
For candidates based outside the UK, countries: France, Germany, Switzerland remuneration will be aligned to IPPF's approved salary scale for the employee's contractual location and may differ fr om the London salary £65,025-91,033 range advertised. The Mexico salary range is MXN 1,069,148 -1,817,552 / Tunisia salary range TND 220,234-385,409
Please note, candidates must have the Right to Work in the respective country this role will be based in.
Frequent travel to London off ice as required where Director General is based.
Role Purpose
The Chief of Staff serves as the Director General’s adviser and partner in advancing IPPF’s mission, strategy and organisational priorities. The role supports the Director General’s effectiveness by providing high-quality strategic advice, shaping cross-organisational initiatives, enabling effective executive decision-making and supporting disciplined follow-through on agreed priorities.
Working in close partnership with the Director's Leadership Team (DLT) and senior leaders across the Federation, the Chief of Staff combines executive support, strategic partnership coordination, and programme management to ensure the Director General’s highest-priority initiatives are effectively coordinated, implemented, and monitored. Working across the Federation, the postholder will coordinate the DG’s engagement and participation in strategic initiatives and global platforms, and support the implementation and follow-through of cross-organisational projects sponsored by the Director General.
The role requires exceptional strategic thinking, stakeholder management, political judgement, and the ability to work effectively across a complex, federated international organisation and across diverse institutional and cultural contexts.
The role operates through influence, credibility and trusted relationships rather than through routine line authority. It will work closely with DLT members, senior technical and functional leaders, Member Associations and selected external partners. Any direct reports or project teams will be determined by the approved operating model and the requirements of specific initiatives.
Role boundaries
The Chief of Staff does not line-manage, evaluate or direct DLT members unless a separate, explicit reporting arrangement is formally approved by DLT.
Institutional ownership of external relationships, policy, communications, resource mobilisation and technical portfolios remains with the relevant accountable functions.
The Executive Assistant retains responsibility for diary management, executive administration, travel, logistics, routine meeting coordination and day-to-day management of the Director General’s office.
Deliverables
1. Strategic advice and executive decision support
Originate and develop strategic analysis, options and recommendations on emerging organisational priorities, opportunities and risks for the Director General.
Shape decision papers, briefings, presentations, speeches and talking points, drawing together the expertise and evidence of relevant Secretariat teams.
Anticipate matters requiring executive attention and establish proportionate approaches for analysis, consultation, decision and follow-through.
Provide candid, evidence-based advice while exercising a high level of discretion, judgement, and organisational awareness.
2. Executive strategy and cross-organisational initiatives
Lead and oversee a portfolio of high-priority initiatives sponsored by the Director General that cut across established functions or regions.
Establish fit-for-purpose frameworks and ways of working that enable initiative owners and contributing teams to deliver collectively.
Identify material risks,…