Job/Role Title: Regional External Relations Director

Division: External Relations

Grade: H

Location: Nairobi, Kenya 

Responsible to: Regional Director

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service provider and one of the leading advocates for universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. IPPF is a worldwide movement of 120 national organizations, referred to as Member Associations, working with and for communities and individuals. These member associations are the leading civil society providers of contraception in 89 of 120 countries. And in 64 of those 89 countries, IPPF is the only large-scale international provider. Collectively, member associations delivered more than 1 billion cumulative services between 2016 and 2022.

Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the overarching goal of IPPF Africa Region (IPPFAR) is to increase access to SRHR services to the most vulnerable youth, men, and women in sub-Saharan Africa. To reach this goal, IPPFAR works with local civil society organizations, governments, the African Union (AU), regional economic commissions (RECs), and the United Nations, among others, to expand political and financial commitments to SRHR in Africa. IPPFAR tackles the continent’s growing SRH challenges through a network of Member Associations (MAs), strategic partners, and volunteers in 42 countries. For more information, please read our 2022 profile (in English and French) here.

In November 2022, at IPPF’s General Assembly, all IPPF Members Associations adopted a new Strategy for the Federation: Come Together – Strategy 2028. This new Strategy is about changing IPPF so it is well-equipped to uphold SRHR for those who are left out, locked out or left behind. Come Together further commits IPPF to shaping laws, policies, and norms through feminist action and international solidarity; and to nurturing the federation, addressing shortcomings and adding new impetus for real and lasting impact.

Through this new Strategy, we commit to walking that path shoulder to shoulder with young people, and with individuals and communities bearing the full brunt of stigma and prejudice. At each step, we will defend, protect, and celebrate safety, pleasure and well-being in sex and reproduction. At every turn, we will denounce powers and authorities who, through policy, practice, and law, undermine dignity and human rights in those intimate realms. And, as IPPF, we will be accountable for who we are, what we do and how we do it.

In alignment with the new strategy, the IPPF Africa Regional Office (IPPF ARO) is seeking an individual to fill the position of “Regional External Relations Director” based in Nairobi, Kenya. The post holder will be expected to lead the positioning of IPPF in the region; to move the sexuality agenda forward and build solidarity for change by shifting norms, building strategic partnerships and supporting social movements, and amplifying the work of IPPF. They will also lead on IPPFs commitment to stand up, and speak out as defined in IPPF Strategy2028.

For more details about this position, please see the job description attached (below).

Interested individuals should submit an application form in the IPPFARO CV form and a 1-page cover letter to: [email protected] with the job position you are applying for as the subject of the email by 06 May 2024. Please note that IPPFAR will not consider applications that are not done in the requested format.

IPPF is an equal-opportunity employer. As a leading global human rights organization focused on equality, empowerment, ending discrimination, and poverty eradication, we internally reflect social justice principles. We, as IPPF, strongly oppose racism in all its forms and resolutely go for a cultural change that will shift the existing imbalances in power and process.

Applications are particularly encouraged from women, persons living with disability, and candidates openly living with HIV.

IPPF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees, volunteers, contractors, and partners to share this commitment. Anyone employed with IPPF agrees to sign and adhere to IPPF’s Code of Conduct and Safeguarding (Children and Vulnerable Adults) Policy.

IPPF has​ been made aware of various fraudulent vacancy announcements circulated via e-mail from websites falsely stating that they are issued by or in association with IPPF.  These correspondences, which may seek to obtain money from the recipients of such correspondence are fraudulent and IPPF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees).