Chief Executive Officer Role at Girls Not Brides: Leading a Global Movement to End Child Marriage|Deadline 15 Jul 2026

The global development sector continues to prioritize leadership that can drive systemic change, and one of the most significant opportunities currently open is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position at Girls Not Brides, a worldwide partnership dedicated to ending child marriage. This high-impact leadership role is being coordinated by Perrett Laver and represents a rare opportunity to shape global advocacy, influence policy, and strengthen a movement spanning nearly 100 countries.

Applications for the role close on 15 July 2026, and the position offers a chance to lead one of the most influential girls’ rights organizations in the world.

About Girls Not Brides

Girls Not Brides is a global partnership of more than 1,400 civil society organizations working collectively to end child marriage. The organization brings together grassroots groups, national NGOs, and international partners to address the root causes of child marriage through coordinated advocacy and action.

Its vision is a world where:

• Girls can decide if, when, and whom to marry
• Girls’ rights and futures are fully realized
• Communities are free from the harmful practice of child marriage
• Systems support gender equality and social justice

The organization works across multiple sectors including education, health, law, and economic development to address the structural drivers of child marriage.

About the CEO Role

The Chief Executive Officer will serve as the strategic leader and public representative of Girls Not Brides. This role requires someone capable of guiding a large, globally distributed partnership while maintaining strong alignment across diverse stakeholders.

The CEO will report directly to the Board and will be responsible for:

• Setting overall organizational direction and strategy
• Strengthening internal systems, performance, and culture
• Leading global partnerships and external engagement
• Expanding influence across governments, donors, and institutions
• Ensuring effective resource mobilization and sustainability

This is a senior leadership position requiring a balance of strategic vision, operational oversight, and diplomatic engagement.

Key Responsibilities

The CEO will oversee both internal leadership functions and external advocacy efforts. Core responsibilities include:

• Providing strategic leadership across the global partnership
• Representing Girls Not Brides in international forums and policy spaces
• Strengthening relationships with governments, donors, and civil society
• Expanding funding opportunities and partnership networks
• Supporting organizational performance and accountability systems
• Ensuring alignment between grassroots members and global strategy
• Driving visibility and influence of the movement to end child marriage

The role demands strong coordination skills across multiple regions and cultural contexts.

Required Leadership Profile

Girls Not Brides is seeking an experienced and values-driven leader with a strong commitment to gender equality and girls’ rights. The ideal candidate will bring deep sector expertise and the ability to lead in complex global environments.

Key qualifications and attributes include:

• Senior leadership experience in civil society or international development
• Strong background in gender equality, girls’ rights, or related fields
• Proven ability to lead large, diverse, membership-based organizations
• Strong political awareness and strategic judgment
• Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience working with governments, funders, and multilateral agencies
• Ability to lead across grassroots and global systems simultaneously
• Strong communication and public representation skills
• Commitment to inclusive, values-based leadership

The organization also encourages applications from individuals with lived experience or non-traditional career pathways, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity in leadership.

Why This Role Matters

Child marriage remains a global challenge affecting millions of girls each year, limiting access to education, health, and economic opportunities. Leadership of Girls Not Brides plays a critical role in shaping global responses to this issue.

The CEO will contribute to:

• Advancing global policy change on child marriage
• Strengthening feminist and grassroots movements
• Supporting legal and social reforms across countries
• Expanding awareness and advocacy efforts
• Mobilizing funding for girls’ rights initiatives

This role sits at the intersection of human rights, gender equality, and international development, making it one of the most influential leadership positions in the sector.

Work Environment and Benefits

Girls Not Brides operates as a fully remote global organization, with staff and partners working across multiple time zones. While the role can be based anywhere, preference is given to candidates in London or compatible time zones.

Key features of the role include:

• Remote global working environment
• Up to 30% international travel
• Competitive salary aligned with experience
• Strong benefits package including pension support
• Generous annual leave and organizational closures
• Flexible working arrangements
• Family and parental support provisions
• Commitment to staff wellbeing and inclusion

This structure reflects the organization’s emphasis on flexibility and global collaboration.

Application Process

Candidates are required to submit:

• A detailed CV
• A cover letter outlining suitability for the role

The recruitment process includes:

• Review and shortlisting by Perrett Laver
• Interviews scheduled for July–August 2026
• Final interviews expected in late August or early September 2026

Applicants may also request accessibility support or alternative document formats during the process.

Final Thoughts

The Chief Executive Officer role at Girls Not Brides represents a unique opportunity to lead a globally recognized movement dedicated to ending child marriage. It requires a leader who combines strategic vision, political insight, and deep commitment to gender justice.

As the organization continues to expand its global impact, the next CEO will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of girls’ rights worldwide and strengthening collective action across governments, civil society, and grassroots movements.

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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of  emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.