GENERAL FUNCTION
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 forty years, Internews has been helping 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 design and 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). Internews International is an independent legal entity, with Internews Europe and Internews Network as its core founding members. II acts as a key vehicle for Internews in accessing European Commission funding.
About the Role
Reporting to the Président d'Internews International, this role also combines high-level organisational leadership with technical oversight of programme design and delivery. You will lead regional programme managers and global project directors, driving innovation, coherence, and measurable impact across 40+ projects in 30 countries. You’ll 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 & Senior Director of Programmes is a key Executive role within Internews’ European Alliance, combining two distinct but complementary functions.
As Director of Internews International (II), you will provide strategic leadership and global oversight of II, ensuring the organisation is governed effectively, managed efficiently, and positioned for impact. In addition, you will ensure that II is in full compliance with French non-profit laws and standards. You will act as the strategic and operational leader, ensuring the effective implementation of II’s mission and projects. This role requires balancing strategic management with proximity leadership, serving as the link between governance and operational teams.
The Senior Director of Programmes component will occupy the majority of your time. You will be responsible and accountable for the delivery of a wide portfolio of approximately 40 projects across 30 countries globally. This includes direct oversight and line management of Internews’ regional programme managers and key global programme leads. A central focus of the role is to drive greater coherence across programmes that have historically operated in relative isolation. This includes embedding a more standardised, global approach to programme design, delivery and impact measurement, leveraging audience insights and data to better support media and information partners, and to articulate Internews’ global impact to donors and stakeholders.
The role also carries significant external representation responsibilities. You will act as a senior ambassador for Internews at European institutions in Brussels, UNESCO in Paris, and other global media and information forums, reinforcing Internews’ position as a trusted leader in strengthening independent information ecosystems worldwide.
The successful candidate will be accustomed to managing complex global programmes, working with European and private donors, and operating within an international organisation.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include the following, with other duties upon request:
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.
