About the position
We are seeking a dynamic individual with a proven ability to successfully navigate complex, multi-national environments and inspire a diverse, global team toward a shared vision. In this role, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s strategic direction while ensuring operational excellence across all functions.
Make a real impact on human rights issues and contribute to positive change in the world!
As the Executive Director at Civil Rights Defenders, you will lead the organisation’s operative work in achieving its mission and strategic goals. You will oversee all operational aspects, including programme development, process improvement, financial management, and employee engagement. Your leadership will ensure that the organisation continues to fulfill its mission and thrive.
This role requires a strategic leader who can drive the efficient execution of daily operations while continuously enhancing processes. You will be responsible for maintaining financial sustainability, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and spearheading initiatives that support Civil Rights Defender’s long-term growth and success.
Working closely with the Board of Directors and the Chair of the Board of Directors, employees and partners globally you will ensure the effective implementation of programmes and initiatives that further the organisation's goals.
Key responsibilities
- Strategy: Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors to define and execute a forward-thinking strategic vision and governance.
- Leadership & Team Development: Mentor and empower team members, promoting a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous learning, whilst leveraging global experiences and integrating diverse viewpoints.
- Organizational Development: Build and strengthen the organization, enhancing its capacity, structure, and resources to meet future challenges and opportunities.
- Communication: Foster open and effective communication channels across all levels, ensuring transparency and inclusivity. You will engage seamlessly with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with geographically diverse, cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment and smooth communication toward shared objectives.
- Financial Health: Oversee the organisation’s financial sustainability, including budget management, financial planning, and resource allocation.
Skills
- Proven Leadership Experience: Significant experience in a senior leadership role within an NGO or similar organisation, with a track record of driving transformation and achieving strategic goals.
- Inclusive Leadership Style: A commitment to fostering an inclusive culture and promoting diversity within teams.
- Exceptional Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to articulate vision, engage stakeholders, and inspire teams, both verbally and in writing. You can effectively engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Strategic Thinking: Experience in developing and implementing strategic initiatives that align with organisational goals.
- Change Management: Proven ability to lead and manage change initiatives, ensuring smooth transitions and sustained performance.
- Team Development: Experience in mentoring and developing talent, creating high-performing teams that deliver results.
- Financial Acumen: Proficient in budget management, financial analysis, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
- International Experience: Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an international context, with experience leading teams and projects across multiple countries or regions.
- Human Rights Expertise: Proven knowledge of international human rights frameworks. Experience in working with issues related to human rights defenders is desirable.
- Language Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills in both Swedish and English are required. Fluency in additional languages is highly desirable.
Profile
You are a down-to-earth and confident leader with a proven track record of driving change in similar international organisations, ideally complemented by experience in organisations of various sizes and types. You are skilled at surrounding yourself with experts whenever possible and working closely with an engaged Board of Directors.
You are determined, results-oriented, and decisive. As a leader, you are attentive and receptive with strong listening skills and empathy in all interactions. You value transparency and excel at building relationships based on trust.
What the position offers
The position offers a unique opportunity to lead a renowned international human rights organisation based in the heart of Stockholm. As the Executive Director of Civil Rights Defenders, you will have the chance to make a real impact on the promotion and protection of human rights globally.
You will work with an engaged Board of Directors and a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about defending civil and political rights and empowering human rights defenders.
This position offers a supportive work environment where your leadership and vision will be valued and recognized. Join us in our mission to create a world of democratic societies in which we all enjoy our civil and political rights.
Other information
The position is a permanent employment based in Stockholm.
Candidates should note that this position may require occasional travel both domestically and internationally. The successful candidate will be expected to work collaboratively with a diverse team of professionals and stakeholders and should be comfortable in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. Additionally, a commitment to human rights and social justice is crucial for anyone interested in joining our team at Civil Rights Defenders.
- Locations
- Stockholm
Stockholm
Workplace and Culture
At Civil Rights Defenders you will be a part of an important global human rights movement. Through advocacy, litigation and public campaigns, you will advance people's rights globally in the company of committed and competent colleagues.
As an organisation, we strive for diversity and see your background, experience and personality as a valuable contribution. Read more about our work at crd.org.
Join our ambitious team!
About Civil Rights Defenders
Civil Rights Defenders is a politically and religiously independent international human rights organisation. We defend people’s civil and political rights in some of the world’s most repressive regions. We partner with and support human rights defenders in more than 300 organisations in 50 countries on four continents. Together with our partners, we hold those in power accountable when people’s civil or political rights are violated. We also act as Sweden’s civil rights watchdog.
Civil Rights Defenders has around 100 staff members working in various functions towards our vision - a world of democratic societies in which we all enjoy our civil and political rights. Our headquarter is located in Stockholm, and we have eight branch-offices around the world. Learn more about our work at crd.org.