Head of Region Asia (Internal Only)

Shape the future of humanitarian and development work across Asia.
Islamic Relief Worldwide is a faith-based humanitarian and development organisation established in 1984 with an active presence in over 45 countries. Our mission is to save and transform lives affected by poverty conflict and natural disasters.

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to join our International Programmes Division as Head of Region Asia (Open to existing employees of IR in the UK only). This is a pivotal role driving impact across one of the most diverse and challenging regions in the world.

Why This Role Matters

Asia is a region of immense complexity and opportunity. As Head of Region you will lead country programmes to deliver high-quality impactful initiatives aligned with IRWs global strategy in a changing world. You will also represent IRW at the highest levels influencing donors and partners to secure resources and shape policy.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Set and implement regional strategies that deliver measurable impact.
• Programme Excellence: Ensure quality compliance and innovation across humanitarian and development programmes.
• Advocacy & Representation: Build strong relationships with donors governments and partners to influence priorities and secure funding.
• Team Empowerment: Lead and mentor a diverse team of senior professionals across multiple countries.
• Crisis Management: Respond decisively to emergencies and shifting priorities ensuring resilience and risk management.

What Were Looking For

• Postgraduate degree in social economics development studies or related field.
• Proven experience managing large multi-country teams and driving organisational change.
• Expertise in crisis response risk management and strategic planning.
• Strong advocacy skills and ability to influence external stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of international development trends and INGO dynamics.
• Demonstrated success in securing significant funding and managing large budgets.
• Fluency in English and at least one regional language.
• Commitment to participatory leadership and staff development.

Why Join IRW

• Global Impact: Your leadership will shape programmes that transform lives.
• Influence & Advocacy: Be at the forefront of policy and donor engagement.
• Collaborative Culture: Work with passionate teams in a supportive environment.
• Competitive Package: We value your expertise and offer comprehensive benefits

For more information please click on the Documents tab above to view the full Job Description.

If you are talented reliable service-minded resilient and a highly motivated professional looking for a meaningful career with a strong commitment to IRWs mission and values of sincerity excellence compassion social justice and custodianship please apply by completing our online application form.

For more information on the excellent company benefits we offer our employees please visit:

What we offer UK colleagues - Islamic Relief Worldwide

PLEASE NOTE: Interviews are expected to take place on an ongoing basis until a suitable appointment is made. We therefore may close the advert sooner than the advertised date.

Pre-employment Checks:

Any employment with Islamic Relief will be subject to the following checks:

• screening clearance
• proof of eligibility to live and work within the UK
• criminal records check
• receipt of satisfactory references

Please note for UK-based roles we are only able to accept applications from candidates who are eligible to work in the UK. We are unable to progress applications which would require sponsorship.

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

IRW is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment exploitation and abuse lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children young people adults and beneficiaries with whom IRW engages. IRW expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks which can include criminal records checks. IRW also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

In line with this Scheme we will request information from job applicants previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

By submitting an application the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Islamic Relief is an equal opportunities employer

Islamic Relief is a faith-inspired humanitarian aid and development agency working to save and transform the lives of some of the worlds most vulnerable people. We work in over 45 countries assist people of all faiths and none according to need and do not discriminate in any way. Our proximity means we can often respond swiftly to emergencies and work in areas that other organisations cannot access.

We are the only UK-based Muslim faith-inspired charity to have been certified against the Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability (CHS) which is designed to ensure that charities best meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Islamic Relief is a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) we have Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council and we are a signatory to the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.