Executive Director
Job Summary
For over 40 years Akina Mama wa Afrika (AMwA) has helped shape feminist leadership and movement building across Africa. Through their flagship African Womens Leadership Institute (AWLI) advocacy work and partnerships across the continent they have supported generations of leaders driving change in communities institutions and movements.
Across changing political landscapes and shifting funding realities AMwA has continued to evolve adapt and strengthen its impact. Today they enter an exciting new chapter. With the launch of their Strategy they are deepening their commitment to transformative feminist leadership collective power and social change across Africa and beyond.
Our client AMwA is looking to hire an experienced and visionary Executive Director to lead their organization into this next phase. This is an opportunity to lead a respected dynamic Pan-African feminist institution at a moment of transformation.
About the Role
This role sits at the intersection of feminist movement leadership organizational stewardship and institutional influence. As Executive Director you will provide overall leadership to AMwA guiding strategy organizational effectiveness and long-term sustainability ensuring the organization remains a trusted and influential voice across Africa.
Key Priorities:
- Lead implementation of AMwAs long-term strategic vision
- Strengthen organizational culture leadership and shared accountability
- Build partnerships and deepen AMwAs influence across feminist ecosystems
- Strengthen and diversify resource mobilization to support long-term sustainability
- Steward relationships with the Board staff partners and broader movements
- Guide the organization through transition while positioning it for the future
Who We Are Looking For
You are an African feminist leader who brings vision and execution. You understand feminist movement work and organizational leadership. You have built partnerships mobilized resources led teams and navigated complexity. You know how to create momentum and bring people with you.
You Bring:
- Deep understanding and experience in African feminist or womens rights ecosystems
- Significant senior leadership experience within feminist womens rights or social justice spaces
- Proven fundraising experience and established donor relationships
- Political awareness and understanding of regional and continental dynamics
- Strong people leadership and change management experience
- Leadership grounded in integrity accountability and collaboration
Read the full job description here.
Why Join AMwA
As the next Executive Director you have the unique opportunity to steer the organizations evolution and actively shape the future of the African feminist movement
o Drive strategic transformation
Lead the next decade of AMwAs impact and growth.
o Lead beyond the organization
Represent AMwA in spaces shaping conversations and action across Africa.
o Leverage a strong legacy
Draw upon four decades of deep trust influence and relationships to deepen impact
o Work with people who care deeply
Join a talented and committed team grounded in feminist values and practice.
- Minimum of a Masters degree or equivalent in Social Sciences Gender Studies Development Studies Leadership Public Policy or related field
Core Skills and Experience
- 710 years in senior leadership with 5 years at an executive leadership level within feminist womens rights spaces
- Hands-on fundraising experience with a strong track record in securing grants and cultivating donor partnerships.
- Experience leading complex organizations networks or multi-stakeholder initiatives
- Experience leading organizational transition growth or change
- Strong political and contextual literacy across the African continent
- Experience engaging regional and global institutions and movement actors
- Fluency in English required. French or another AU language is a distinct advantage
The role is based in Kampala Uganda with an initial relocation requirement. Following the initial transition on the ground a hybrid or remote arrangement with frequent HQ travel can be agreed upon. Candidates from across Africa and the diaspora with strong ties to the continent are highly encouraged to apply.
What AMwA Can Offer:
- Competitive Gross Salary USD $ 100000 - $125000 per annum (contingent on grant/funding cycles).
- Medical insurance
- Gratuity scheme
- Relocation support housing assistance and annual home leave travel.
- Work permit processing and costs.
- Supportive work environment promoting diversity inclusivity and delivery-focused flexible arrangements.
Does the role profile match your description Qualified and interested candidates can submit their application by clicking on the " Im Interested" button below. Closing date for applications: Aug 2nd 2026
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
AMwA is committed to a fair transparent and dignified process for every candidate. Applications from African/ African diaspora women and gender-expansive persons people with living with disabilities and candidates from historically marginalized communities are welcome. We assess demonstrated values and practice.
Visit AMwA to learn more: Skills:
Minimum of a Masters degree or equivalent in Social Sciences Gender Studies Development Studies Leadership Public Policy or related field Core Skills and Experience 710 years in senior leadership with 5 years at an executive level leadership within feminist womens rights spaces Hands-on fundraising experience with a strong track record in securing grants and cultivating donor partnerships. Experience leading complex organizations networks or multi-stakeholder initiatives Experience leading organizational transition growth or change Strong political and contextual literacy across the African continent Experience engaging regional and global institutions and movement actors Fluency in English required. French or another AU language is a distinct advantage The role is based in Kampala Uganda with an initial relocation requirement. Following the initial transition on the ground a hybrid or remote arrangement with frequent HQ travel can be agreed upon. Candidates from across Africa and the diaspora with strong ties to the continent are highly encouraged to apply.
Required Education:
Minimum of a Masters degree or equivalent in Social Sciences Gender Studies Development Studies Leadership Public Policy or related field