Executive Director

About us

The Sphere movement was started in 1997 by a group of humanitarian professionals aiming to improve the quality of humanitarian work during disaster response. With this goal in mind, they framed a Humanitarian Charter and identified a set of humanitarian standards to be applied in humanitarian response. Initially developed by non-governmental organisations, along with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the Sphere standards have become a primary reference tool for national and international NGOs, volunteers, UN agencies, governments, donors, the private sector, and many others. Today, Sphere is a worldwide community which brings together and empowers practitioners to improve the quality and accountability of humanitarian assistance.

Sphere’s flagship publication, the Sphere Handbook, is one of the most widely known and internationally recognised sets of common principles and universal minimum standards in humanitarian response.

Sphere is recruiting its next Executive Director. This is an incredible opportunity to shape Sphere and enhance its wider impact over the coming years.

Are you the humanitarian leader we are looking for?

The role

The Executive Director’s primary role is to lead and serve a vibrant global network of humanitarian practitioners committed to improving principled quality and accountability in humanitarian action, advocating for the uptake and use of humanitarian standards. The ED manages the performance of the Sphere Secretariat of 6 staff members, ensuring strategic direction and financial stability in line with the organisation’s vision.

The Executive Director (ED) reports to the Governing Board and has a direct reporting line to the President of the Governing Board

You will have previous, significant leadership experience in the international humanitarian sector, including the use of relevant standards to support this work. You will be able to demonstrate strategic insight at a global level and have highly developed relational, networking and external representation skills. You will foster a culture of learning to enable staff to grow and model a leadership style that facilitates an open, inclusive working environment built on integrity and effective communication.

Sphere Executive Director- Candidate pack

The role is open to global candidates. Sphere strives to be an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds.

Location: Sphere office, Geneva, Switzerland.

Contract: Indefinite duration.

Salary and benefits: Salary is commensurate with the seniority of the position and we offer a comprehensive benefits package. Relocation assistance for international candidates will be discussed. We are committed to paying staff in a fair and equitable way.