Executive Director

The International Centre for Research on Women (ICRW) is the world's premier institution dedicated to advancing gender equity through rigorous research, evidence-based programming, and strategic advocacy. For nearly five decades, we've influenced how governments, multilateral institutions, foundations, and corporations address one of the most urgent challenges of our time.

ICRW Asia operates at the intersection of research excellence and practical implementation - generating evidence that drives policy, designing interventions that create measurable change, and building partnerships that scale impact across communities, countries, and continents.

The Strategic Imperative

Educational gains for women are clear, yet without decisive action, gender parity will remain elusive for decades. The next Executive Director of ICRW Asia will drive the shift with bold strategic leadership , deepening our policy influence, expanding our voice, and leading ambitious, evidence-backed programs that affect millions.

This is more than a leadership role. It is an invitation to shape the trajectory of gender equity across one of the world's most dynamic regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership, strategic direction, and oversight to all ICRW Asia verticals - research and programmes, operations, finance, human resources, communications, and related management functions ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Lead and diversify fundraising activities as the chief fundraiser; develop and execute a strategy to expand the donor base across bilateral, philanthropic, multilateral, and private sector partners, securing long-term financial sustainability.
• Oversee planning, budgeting, and financial management to meet short- and long-term needs; ensure robust fiscal health, accountability, and compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements across countries of operation and fundraising.
• Recruit, lead, and develop a diverse, high-performing team; set and monitor transparent performance and development goals; foster a performance-oriented, inclusive, and equity-driven work culture.
• Strengthen ICRW's role as a thought leader in gender-based research and advocacy; expand programme implementation to engage new audiences; and cultivate high-value partnerships and coalitions to position ICRW as the "go-to" organization for gender research and policy influence.
• Serve as chief spokesperson for ICRW Asia, representing the organization in high-profile regional and global fora; lead a consistent, impactful communications strategy across platforms and stakeholders.
• Execute and sign all deeds, agreements, contracts, and official documents on behalf of ICRW Asia; maintain a transparent and productive relationship with the ICRW Asia Board to guide strategic direction and ensure adaptability in a changing environment.

Professional Experience and Qualifications Required

• Master's degree or PhD in Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Public Administration, or related field.
• 15-20 years' professional leadership experience in Asia or globally, in the non-profit, public, or private sectors preferably in public health, international development, or gender-related issues with a demonstrated commitment to gender equity and social justice.
• Proven track record in fundraising and resource mobilization from diverse sources; strong ability to build and sustain strategic partnerships with donors, civil society, stakeholders, and the private sector.
• Experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary teams in dynamic environments; prior leadership of an organization, entity, or business unit of comparable scale and complexity preferred.
• Expertise in leveraging or conducting research, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into accessible messaging for varied audiences.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with experience fostering a culture grounded in diversity, equity, social justice, ethics, transparency, and accountability.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to deliver measurable impact while ensuring financial health; skilled in budgeting, financial analysis, and scenario planning.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Evidence & Impact

Explore all research and insights :

The Culture We Offer

At ICRW Asia, we strive to create an environment that reflects our commitment to gender equity and social inclusion. The team is multidisciplinary, comprising researchers, economists, anthropologists, and advocates who work together to generate evidence-based insights and actionable policy recommendations.

We value:

• Academic rigor with contextual relevance
  
• Collaborative inquiry and thought leadership
  
• A commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and equitable workplace practices
  

As a regional hub within a globally respected organization, ICRW Asia combines:

• The credibility and reach of a global institution
  
• The adaptability and local responsiveness of a regional entity

Read more about our approach and values:

Why Exceptional Leaders Choose ICRW

These reflections are drawn from feedback shared by former policy advisors, multilateral agency partners, bilateral donors, funders, and internal staff on public platforms such as Glassdoor and LinkedIn:

• ICRW stands at the intersection of rigorous research and strategic advocacy - a place where data drives action and change are shaped by evidence.
  
• When global donors and governments need more than just frameworks - when they need grounded insights and policy-aligned strategies - ICRW becomes their go-to partner.
  
• More than an institution, ICRW Asia is a space for mission-driven inquiry. Researchers are encouraged to question, challenge, and engage deeply with systems of power and justice.

Application End Date : Sept 15th 2025