Experienced leaders in international development, women’s rights, advocacy, communications, and public policy are invited to apply for an influential executive leadership opportunity with Women for Women International. The organization is currently recruiting a Chief Research, Policy, Advocacy & Strategic Communications Officer (CRAO) to help shape its global voice, policy influence, thought leadership, and strategic communications agenda.

This senior leadership role offers an opportunity to drive meaningful change for women affected by war and conflict while contributing to one of the world’s leading organizations focused on women’s empowerment and gender equality.

About Women for Women International

Since 1993, Women for Women International has supported women survivors of war and conflict by helping them rebuild their lives, families, and communities. Through its Stronger Women, Stronger Nations Programme, the organization provides women with practical skills, access to resources, knowledge of their rights, and opportunities to achieve economic independence.

The organization has invested in the lives of more than 550,000 women across 17 conflict-affected countries, creating lasting social and economic change. Its work spans countries including Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Kosovo, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Sudan.

Women for Women International is committed to advancing gender equality, strengthening peacebuilding efforts, and amplifying the voices of women impacted by conflict.

About the Chief Research, Policy, Advocacy & Strategic Communications Officer Role

The CRAO serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and Global Leadership Team, providing strategic direction for the organization’s advocacy, policy engagement, external communications, thought leadership, and research-for-influence agenda.

Reporting directly to the International Chief Executive Officer, the successful candidate will lead efforts to translate program evidence, research findings, and women’s lived experiences into compelling narratives, policy positions, advocacy campaigns, donor engagement strategies, and public influence initiatives.

The role plays a critical part in ensuring that Women for Women International maintains a strong and credible global presence while strengthening relationships with donors, policymakers, media outlets, and strategic partners.

Key Leadership Responsibilities

The Chief Research, Policy, Advocacy & Strategic Communications Officer will oversee several critical functions across the organization.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading global policy, advocacy, communications, and thought leadership strategies
• Shaping the organization’s external positioning on women’s rights, economic empowerment, peacebuilding, and conflict-related issues
• Advising the CEO and Board on reputation management and strategic communications
• Developing global advocacy campaigns and policy positions
• Managing strategic media engagement and public relations initiatives
• Building partnerships with academic institutions, think tanks, coalitions, and civil society networks
• Overseeing executive communications, speeches, and thought leadership content
• Supporting donor engagement through evidence-based narratives and communications
• Leading crisis communications and reputation management efforts
• Ensuring global brand consistency and messaging alignment

The role also includes responsibility for strengthening the organization’s external influence through high-quality research translation and policy engagement.

Driving Research and Thought Leadership

A major component of the position involves transforming program learning and evidence into influential external products.

The successful candidate will:

• Commission and curate research that supports advocacy and donor engagement
• Develop flagship publications and thought leadership initiatives
• Translate monitoring, evaluation, and learning insights into public-facing content
• Strengthen Women for Women International’s reputation as a leading voice on women’s rights and conflict recovery
• Support evidence-based policy recommendations and public discourse

This work will help position the organization as a trusted authority in global discussions surrounding gender equality and peacebuilding.

Supporting Revenue Growth and Future Sustainability

The CRAO will also contribute to revenue growth by strengthening external narratives, partnership opportunities, and donor engagement strategies.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting fundraising and donor communications
• Developing compelling cases for support and campaign messaging
• Identifying new audiences and partnership opportunities
• Strengthening market positioning and brand differentiation
• Leading research and strategic planning for a future organizational endowment

The endowment initiative will involve developing long-term funding strategies, engaging philanthropic partners, and creating a sustainable framework to support future organizational growth.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Women for Women International seeks an accomplished executive with substantial leadership experience across advocacy, communications, policy, or international development sectors.

Required qualifications include:

• Master’s degree or equivalent senior-level experience
• Minimum of 15 years of leadership experience in international development, women’s rights, humanitarian action, communications, or policy
• Established networks within policy, media, advocacy, or philanthropic communities
• Expertise in global women’s rights and gender equality issues
• Experience leading advocacy campaigns and strategic communications initiatives
• Strong understanding of philanthropy and endowment development
• Proven experience managing crisis communications
• Exceptional leadership and team management capabilities
• Experience working in complex international and multicultural environments

Candidates should demonstrate strategic thinking, political awareness, and a deep commitment to advancing women’s rights globally.

Location and Work Arrangement

Applicants must already have the legal right to work in approved locations across selected countries in Africa, Europe, the United Kingdom, or the United States.

The position offers remote or hybrid working arrangements depending on location. Women for Women International does not provide relocation assistance or visa sponsorship for this role.

Application Deadline

Qualified candidates interested in joining Women for Women International’s executive leadership team should submit their applications before June 14, 2026.

Final Thoughts

The Chief Research, Policy, Advocacy & Strategic Communications Officer position represents a unique opportunity to influence global conversations on women’s rights, peacebuilding, and social justice. For experienced leaders seeking to combine advocacy, strategic communications, research, and executive leadership, this role offers the chance to create meaningful impact while helping shape the future of a globally respected organization dedicated to empowering women affected by war and conflict.

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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.