Chief of Staff

Ippf; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

IPPF is seeking a Chief of Staff to serve as the Director General's adviser and partner, shaping strategy, priorities and cross‑organisational initiatives across a federated international system. The role requires exceptional strategic thinking, stakeholder management and the ability to operate across diverse contexts.

The position combines executive support, programme management and leadership alignment with travel to London as needed, working closely with the Director General's Leadership

Qualifications

• Strategic analysis and briefings for the Director General.
• Cross-organisational initiatives leadership and governance.

Responsibilities

• Originate and develop strategic analysis, options and recommendations on emerging priorities and risks for the Director General.
• Shape decision papers, briefings, presentations and talking points for executive decision-making.
• Coordinate and monitor cross-functional initiatives to ensure timely delivery and impact.

Job description

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 *

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.

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.

• 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, dependencies, resource implications and implementation barriers, and bring forward practical options for resolution by the appropriate accountable leaders. Lead selected special projects commissioned by the Director General, with accountability for their quality, pace, scope and organisational value. Develop concise strategic updates, progress reports and executive dashboards highlighting achievements, challenges and decisions required.
• 3. DLT effectiveness and leadership alignment Partner with the Director General and DLT to strengthen collective focus, strategic coherence and shared visibility of the Federation's most important priorities. Shape the strategic agenda and substantive preparation for DLT meetings, retreats and other executive forums, in collaboration with the Director General, DLT members and the Executive Assistant. Facilitate alignment across divisions, regions and functions where priorities, dependencies or resource constraints require collective leadership attention. Maintain an executive-level view of agreed strategic commitments and support a