Director of International

Director of Internews International (II) & Senior Director of Programmes

This Executive position combines strategic leadership of Internews International with global programme oversight. The role ensures Internews International is governed and managed effectively while driving coherence, quality, and impact across a diverse global programme portfolio.

About Internews
For over 40 years, Internews has helped communities and institutions navigate the world's most complex information challenges. We work on some of the toughest briefs: defending freedom of expression, strengthening independent media and information ecosystems, and ensuring access to trusted information in times of crisis. Working with a global network of media partners, civil society, and technology innovators, we deliver impactful interventions and measure real-world impact. We're looking for leaders who want to operate at the intersection of media, technology, and democracy and who are committed to building a more informed, resilient world.

Internews operates internationally, with a global alliance across Internews Network (US), Internews Europe (London, UK) and Internews International (Paris, France).

About the Role
Reporting to the Président d'Internews International, this role combines senior organisational leadership with oversight of programme design and delivery. You will lead regional programme managers and global project directors, driving innovation, coherence and measurable impact across more than 40 projects in 30 countries. You will champion data driven approaches, embed global standards and ensure Internews remains at the forefront of media development and information integrity worldwide.

The Director of Internews International and Senior Director of Programmes is a key Executive role within Internews' European Alliance, combining two complementary functions.
As Director of Internews International, you will provide strategic leadership and global oversight, ensuring the organisation is governed effectively, managed efficiently and positioned for impact. You will ensure full compliance with French non profit laws and standards and act as the strategic and operational leader, linking governance and operational teams while ensuring effective delivery of Internews' mission and projects.

The Senior Director of Programmes component will occupy the majority of your time. You will be accountable for the delivery of a portfolio of approximately 40 projects across 30 countries, with direct line management of regional programme managers and key global programme leads. A central focus will be improving coherence across programmes, embedding a more standardised global approach to programme design, delivery and impact measurement, and using audience insights and data to better support media partners and demonstrate impact to donors and stakeholders.

The role also includes significant external representation. You will act as a senior ambassador for Internews at European institutions in Brussels, UNESCO in Paris and other global forums, reinforcing Internews' position as a trusted leader in independent information ecosystems.
The successful candidate will be experienced in managing complex global programmes, working with European and private donors and operating within an international organisationBottom of Form

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Programme Oversight
Lead and deliver Internews' global programme portfolio, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest technical standards
Provide direct oversight and line management of regional programme managers and key global programme leads, setting culture and driving excellent performance
Co-develop the design of innovative and effective programming in line with Internews' mission and strategic direction, based on local context and need
Drive programme coherence and cohesion across regions, embedding standardised approaches and global impact measurement
Champion the use of audience insights and data to strengthen partner support and demonstrate impact to donors

Governance and Strategic Leadership of Internews International
Implement strategies decisions of behalf of the II Bureau and Internews Europe board (acts under delegations of authority and signature granted by the Bureau and/or the Président)
Report to the Président d'Internews International on II's performance and compliance
Maintain transparency and accountability in all operations and ensure effective management and compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks, including line management of the Internews International Operations Manager
Support Internews International's operational resilience and alignment with Alliance-wide strategy.
Support the development of a fit-for-purpose system of programme support services provided from France/Internews International to various regional and global programme delivery teams

External Representation
Represent Internews at high-level forums, including European institutions (Brussels), UNESCO (Paris), and global media and information conferences
Act as a senior ambassador to donors, partners, and stakeholders, reinforcing Internews' leadership in independent media and information ecosystems
Build and maintain strategic partnerships to advance the organisation's mission and secure funding opportunities

Executive Leadership
Serve as a key member of the Executive Management Team, contributing to organisational strategy, planning, and governance
Ensure effective communication and coordination across regions and departments
Support fundraising strategy development and donor engagement, particularly with European and private donors
Foster a culture of quality assurance, operational excellence, and innovation across programmes
Inspire and lead a diverse, global team, fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and high performance
In all duties, uphold Internews' Core Values and demonstrate commitment to fostering a culture of Belonging, Dignity, and Justice

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Required
10+ years' senior leadership experience in complex, international organisational settings, ideally within non-profit, association, or mission-driven environments
Proven track record of leading and delivering large, multi-country programme portfolios, including direct line management of senior programme leaders and geographically dispersed teams
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, organisational leadership, and executive decision-making, with the ability to translate strategy into coherent global programmes and operational priorities
Strong governance, financial oversight and management experience, including budgeting, compliance, risk management, and working effectively with boards and formal governance structures
Substantial experience working with European institutional donors and private philanthropic funders, with a strong understanding of public donor rules, regulations, compliance, and monitoring requirements
Successful programme fundraising experience, including donor representation, relationship management, and contribution to proposal development
Solid understanding of French non-profit governance frameworks, legal requirements, compliance obligations, and HR regulations
Deep understanding of media development, freedom of expression, information integrity, and/or closely related fields, with the ability to apply this expertise across diverse global contexts
Strong understanding of global geopolitical dynamics, with the capacity to interpret regional and global trends and apply these insights to strategic planning, programme oversight, and external engagement
Excellent communication and representational skills, including the ability to engage effectively with governance bodies, donors, institutional partners, and external stakeholders
Fluency in French and English, with exceptional written, verbal, and representational communication skills in both languages
Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including the ability to motivate and inspire diverse, multicultural teams across time zones; diplomatically manage complex relationships; and negotiate effectively
Results-oriented and highly organised, with the ability to set priorities, manage competing demands, work under pressure, and deliver against strategic and operational objectives
Commitment to Internews' mission and values, including editorial independence, partner-first approaches, collaboration, inclusion, and integrity
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use evidence, data, and insight to inform decision-making
Proficiency in relevant technology tools and processes, including the MS Office suite
Legal right to live and work in France, with the ability and willingness to travel frequently

Preferred
Direct experience managing development assistance projects at regional or country level
Technical expertise in journalism, media, freedom of expression, civic technology, digital rights, and/or human rights programming
Experience embedding data-informed programme design and impact measurement, including the use of audience insights, analytics, or learning frameworks
Advanced expertise in data management, analytics, media technologies, and/or digital ecosystems as they relate to programme effectiveness and impact
Experience working in or closely with international alliances or federated organisational models.
Proficiency in additional languages beyond French and English

Timeline:
Deadline for applications: 12 February 2026

This position will be located in the France and therefore a successful applicant must both be present in the France for the duration of the assignment and be able to demonstrate their Right to Work in France in order to commence employment.
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