Women for Women International Seeks Chief Research, Policy, Advocacy & Strategic Communications Officer -Deadline 14 Jun 2026

Senior leaders in international development, women’s rights, advocacy, communications, and public policy have an exceptional opportunity to join Women for Women International as its next Chief Research, Policy, Advocacy & Strategic Communications Officer (CRAO). This full-time remote leadership role offers the chance to shape global conversations around women’s rights, peacebuilding, and gender equality while influencing policy and advocacy efforts that impact women affected by war and conflict.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CRAO will play a critical role in strengthening the organization’s global influence, thought leadership, and strategic communications agenda.

About Women for Women International

Founded to support women survivors of war and conflict, Women for Women International invests in communities where inequality is greatest. The organization helps women rebuild their lives through access to skills training, education, economic opportunities, and support networks that foster long-term resilience and empowerment.

For years, the organization has worked alongside women in conflict-affected regions, helping them achieve economic independence, strengthen leadership skills, and advocate for their rights within their communities.

Today, Women for Women International remains one of the world’s leading organizations focused on advancing gender equality and supporting women living in some of the most challenging environments globally.

About the CRAO Position

The Chief Research, Policy, Advocacy & Strategic Communications Officer serves as the senior executive responsible for the organization’s external voice, policy influence, evidence-informed thought leadership, and strategic communications.

The role combines executive leadership, advocacy strategy, communications management, and public engagement to ensure that the experiences and voices of women affected by conflict are amplified on the global stage.

The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to strengthen the organization’s visibility, reputation, policy impact, and resource mobilization efforts.

Key Responsibilities

The CRAO will oversee several strategic functions across the organization.

Executive Leadership

Responsibilities include:

• Serving as a member of the Executive Leadership Team
• Contributing to organizational strategy and decision-making
• Advising the CEO on policy and advocacy opportunities
• Supporting organizational growth and external engagement initiatives
• Strengthening the organization’s global influence

This role requires a leader who can balance strategic vision with operational excellence.

Policy, Advocacy, and Thought Leadership

The selected candidate will lead efforts to:

• Develop global advocacy strategies
• Shape policy positions and recommendations
• Strengthen organizational thought leadership
• Advance gender equality and women’s rights initiatives
• Build relationships with policymakers and advocacy networks
• Represent the organization in high-profile forums

The role ensures that evidence from Women for Women International’s programs informs global policy discussions and public engagement efforts.

Strategic Communications

Communications leadership responsibilities include:

• Developing global communications strategies
• Strengthening public positioning and brand visibility
• Leading media engagement initiatives
• Overseeing storytelling and content development
• Supporting donor communications and public campaigns
• Managing reputation and crisis communications

The successful candidate will help transform programmatic evidence into compelling narratives that inspire action and investment.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

The CRAO will work closely with senior leaders across the organization, including:

• Chief Executive Officer
• Chief Programs and Partnerships Officer
• Chief Operating Officer
• Regional fundraising leaders
• Program teams
• Communications and advocacy specialists

Collaboration will be essential to ensure that advocacy efforts remain grounded in programmatic evidence and community realities.

Qualifications and Experience

Women for Women International is seeking an accomplished leader with extensive experience in international development and advocacy.

Required qualifications include:

• Master’s degree or equivalent senior-level experience
• Minimum of 15 years of leadership experience
• Background in women’s rights, policy, advocacy, communications, humanitarian work, or international development
• Strong global networks within policy, advocacy, media, or philanthropic sectors
• Experience producing high-level communications and thought leadership content
• Knowledge of global women’s human rights issues
• Understanding of peace, security, and gender equality frameworks
• Experience managing crisis communications initiatives

Candidates must also have existing work authorization in eligible countries across the United Kingdom, United States, Africa, or Europe.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

• Strategic leadership capabilities
• Exceptional communication skills
• Strong political and policy awareness
• Experience influencing global conversations
• Ability to build partnerships and coalitions
• Deep commitment to women’s rights and gender justice
• Experience engaging with donors, policymakers, and media

This role is particularly suited for leaders who are passionate about transforming research and lived experiences into meaningful advocacy and social change.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Few leadership roles offer the opportunity to combine advocacy, communications, research, policy influence, and executive leadership at a global scale.

The CRAO position provides the opportunity to:

• Shape international conversations on women’s rights
• Influence policy and advocacy initiatives worldwide
• Elevate the voices of women affected by conflict
• Lead global communications and thought leadership efforts
• Collaborate with respected leaders across the development sector
• Contribute directly to gender equality and peacebuilding efforts

How to Apply

Interested candidates should prepare:

• Updated CV or resume
• Cover letter addressing all required application criteria

Applications must demonstrate qualifications related to leadership experience, policy expertise, communications capabilities, and commitment to women’s rights and international development.

The application deadline is 14 June 2026.

Final Thoughts

The Chief Research, Policy, Advocacy & Strategic Communications Officer position represents a remarkable opportunity for an experienced leader to influence global policy, strengthen advocacy efforts, and elevate the voices of women impacted by war and conflict.

For professionals with extensive experience in women’s rights, international development, communications, and policy leadership, this role offers the chance to drive meaningful change on a global scale while contributing to a more equitable and just future for women worldwide.

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