- Lead meaningful global impact to advance gender equality and improve outcomes for women and girls globally
- Grow funding, partnerships and influence through strong stakeholder engagement
- Lead strategy, advocacy, campaigns and a values-led team as UN Women Australia’s public face
UN Women Australia is a registered charity and one of 13 National Committees supporting UN Women, the United Nations entity for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
As UN Women’s recognised partner in Australia, the organisation raises funds and awareness, advocates for gender equality and collaborates with governments, businesses, donors, civil society and UN Women partners. Its work primarily supports women and girls in the Pacific, while also responding to urgent needs identified by UN Women teams globally.
Reporting to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer will lead the next phase of UN Women Australia’s growth, influence and impact.
Working closely with the Board, the CEO will set strategic direction and lead all aspects of the organisation’s operations, including fundraising, partnerships, events, advocacy, campaigns, governance and financial management. The CEO will be the organisation’s public face, building strong relationships with the Australian Government, corporate and philanthropic leaders, media, donors, supporters and UN Women headquarters in New York.
Key responsibilities include:
- Delivering the organisation’s strategic and annual plans, while strengthening performance, risk management and organisational capability.
- Leading fundraising growth, including corporate, philanthropic and multi-year partnerships and the development of new income streams.
- Building strong relationships with UN Women headquarters, regional and country offices, National Committees and Australian Government stakeholders.
- Raising the profile of UN Women Australia through strategic communications, media, events and public advocacy.
- Acting as spokesperson and leading public debate on gender equality in Australia.
- Supporting the Board and its committees as Company Secretary, including the preparation of high-quality Board papers.
- Ensuring sound financial management, regulatory compliance, safeguarding, privacy and workplace health and safety.
- Leading and developing a capable, engaged and values-led team.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a respected organisation, grow its impact and help accelerate progress towards gender equality.
You are a purpose-driven and accomplished executive with a strong commitment to UN Women’s mission and values and bring a proven record of senior leadership, strategic planning, organisational growth and stakeholder engagement.
You will have demonstrated success securing significant corporate and philanthropic funding, growing partnerships and developing new income streams. You will also bring sound financial management experience, strong corporate and government networks, and the ability to advise and report effectively to a Board.
A confident communicator and advocate, you will be comfortable representing UN Women Australia publicly, influencing diverse stakeholders and shaping debate on gender equality. You will be an inclusive and collaborative leader who models respect, integrity, accountability and inclusion.
Experience with the United Nations system, international development, particularly in the Pacific, not-for-profit governance, or supporter and community programs would be advantageous.
To view the Success Profile for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://tinyurl.com/d9y284ku
To apply, please click ‘apply now’ and upload your CV and Cover Letter summarising your alignment to the key role criteria. For any questions not outlined in the PD and for a confidential discussion, please contact Paul Lefebvre
on 0408 036 046
or Alannah O’Carroll
on 0426 691 205.
Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.
Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.
Applications close on Friday, 13 November 2026 at 5:00pm.
