Hobson Leavy is delighted to be helping the UNICEF Aotearoa to appoint their new Chief Executive / Executive Director to lead its next phase of growth, innovation, and influence.
UNICEF is one of the world’s most recognisable and trusted humanitarian organisations. As the United Nations agency for children, it operates in over 190 countries and territories, delivering life-saving support to those in the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach places. UNICEF Aotearoa is one of 33 National Committees globally, tasked with raising funds, engaging with the New Zealand public and government, and advocating for children’s rights at home and abroad.
This is a rare opportunity for an experienced, high-impact leader to take the helm of a globally connected, locally grounded organisation with a clear social purpose and a strong platform for change. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in executive leadership, ideally within the NGO, INGO, or international development sector, and will bring the commercial and strategic acumen needed to lead a modern, data-driven, donor-centric organisation.
You will be a compelling communicator and advocate – confident representing the organisation in the media, with government, philanthropic partners, the private sector, and within UNICEF’s global ecosystem. A deep understanding of fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy is critical, alongside the ability to lead a high-performing team through complexity and change.
We are looking for a leader who can drive innovation, uphold financial discipline, and amplify impact – while holding true to UNICEF’s values and commitment to children everywhere.
You will bring:
– Proven ability to grow funding and close significant partnerships
– Executive leadership experience with a strong record of delivery
– Deep knowledge of the NGO/INGO landscape and international development context
– Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills
– High EQ and an empathetic, values-based leadership style
– Comfort operating at pace, with both strategic and operational oversight
– A strong commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi and to reflecting Aotearoa’s bicultural foundation in the work
This is a high-profile, high-impact role for a leader who is ready to influence at a national and global level.
Apply via Seek or for more information, please contact Grace Barclay: grace@hobsonleavy.com
Applications close Sunday 31st August 2025.
