Job Details

The Global Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will provide inspirational, strategic and values-led leadership for Ripple Effect as it delivers its ambitious vision of creating sustainable change with farming families across rural Africa. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Global CEO will be responsible for leading the organisation globally, ensuring the successful delivery of its mission, long-term strategy and organisational objectives.

As the organisation continues its journey towards locally led development through its Africa Forward Together strategy, the Global CEO will champion a leadership approach that empowers colleagues closest to the communities Ripple Effect serves, while ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable, impactful and resilient. The Global CEO will lead the development and implementation of Ripple Effect’s strategic priorities, fostering a strong organisational culture, strengthening global partnerships and ensuring the charity continues to deliver measurable impact for farming families and communities.

Working closely with the Board, the Global Senior Leadership Team and senior leaders across Africa and the UK, the Global CEO will provide overall accountability for organisational performance, governance, financial stewardship, risk management and reputation. They will act as Ripple Effect’s principal ambassador, building influential relationships with donors, funding partners, governments, sector leaders and other key stakeholders to strengthen the organisation’s profile, influence and impact.

The Global CEO will inspire and lead a diverse, international workforce, creating an environment of collaboration, innovation and accountability. They will oversee the continued growth and diversification of income, ensuring the organisation is well positioned to secure the resources required to achieve its strategic ambitions and maximise its impact.

The successful candidate will be an experienced and visionary leader with a strong track record of organisational leadership, strategic delivery and stakeholder engagement. They will have a deep commitment to sustainable development, locally led solutions and alignment with the values that underpin Ripple Effect’s work combined with commercial and financial acumen.

• Provide visionary leadership and clear strategic direction to deliver Ripple Effect’s mission, long-term strategy, and impact.
• Oversee operations, income generation, fundraising and financial sustainability across the UK, Africa and international markets to encourage and ensure Ripple Effect’s increasing measurable impact.
• Lead, motivate and support a diverse and passionate team – fostering an inclusive, collaborative and values-led culture while recognising individual strengths and encouraging optimal staff development.
• Represent Ripple Effect externally, acting as Ripple Effect’s ambassador to partners, funders, government agencies and the media.
• Build and grow high-value partnerships with donors, trusts, foundations and international institutions.
• Ensure robust governance, legal compliance, and best practice in charity management.
• Encourage and develop appropriate devolved leadership and governance to local Ripple Effect teams and partners.
• Work closely with the Boards of Trustees, supporting oversight and strategic deliberations. Ripple Effect has an international board and several country-specific boards; CEO will ensure full engagement with each.
• Champion locally led programme delivery, enabling regional teams to design and deliver context-appropriate interventions.
• Promote innovation, continuous improvement and resilience in times of challenge.

Requirements of the Successful Candidate

• Proven experience of strategic leadership at senior management / CEO level with experience in private or not-for-profit sectors.
• Experience and understanding of working in one or more African countries.
• Demonstrated success in income generation, such as fundraising from investors, major donors, institutional funders, trusts and foundations.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in managing complex, multi-country operations and budgets.
• Outstanding communicator and relationship builder, skilled at influencing and negotiating with diverse stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of international development, rural livelihoods, and locally led change.
• Empathy, adaptability and cultural awareness; able to lead across international boundaries and promote cross-functional teamwork.
• Experience of working with Boards and supporting good governance.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to Ripple Effect operating countries.
• Commitment to uphold Ripple Effect’s values of integrity, accountability and compassion built from a respect for Ripple Effect’s Christian foundations and ethos.

Required Competencies

• Strategic thinking: Combines strategic vision with decisive execution, thinks strategically by shaping a compelling long-term vision, anticipates emerging challenges and opportunities, overcomes barriers with determination and resilience and leads transformative change that delivers sustainable mission impact.
• Delivery focus: Focus on delivery of Ripple Effect’s programme objectives & strategy.
• Critical thinking: Able to structure and process qualitative and quantitative information and draw insightful conclusions.
• Knowledge and communications: Capable to lead conversations with donors and delivery partners on complex issues relevant to Ripple Effect’s work.
• Ownership and Follow-through: Takes personal responsibility for commitments and follows through.
• Financial acumen & attention to detail: Strong financial understanding, with the ability to analyse accounts, review documents and synthesise situations in detail.
• Adaptability: Champions continuous learning and innovation by turning successes and setbacks into insight, solving complex challenges, and taking decisive action to unlock opportunities and drive progress.
• Team player: Builds an inclusive, empowering culture that breaks down silos, fosters strong cross-functional collaboration, and creates diverse, psychologically safe environments where everyone can contribute, develop, and thrive.
• Accountability: Acts with integrity and courage to address difficult issues, foster accountability and trust, and ensure responsible management of resources to maximise impact.
• High-performance mindset: Creates a culture of accountability, manages the team to a high-performance standard, offering support and ensuring accountability.

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