Overview

Regional Director, Asia Pacific and the Americas at Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD). Location: UK-based with the option for remote working. Occasional overseas travel to support programme implementation, team development and to strengthen strategic relationships is required. Occasional travel within the UK also may be required. This is a UK based role. Applicants should only apply if they are eligible to work in the UK.

Salary: 67,000 - £77,000 per annum. Benefits include yearly performance pay, 4 wellbeing days per calendar year, annual leave and public holidays entitlement, and eligibility for the Civil Service pension scheme with employer contribution up to 28.97%.

Our Regional Director for Asia Pacific and the Americas will provide strategic and technical leadership for WFD’s largest and busiest region, with the highest number of programmes and research initiatives, multiple pilot projects, a broad donor base, and the organisation’s largest regional team. The RD will lead WFD’s programme portfolio, set direction, and establish priorities for the region. Based in the UK, the RD will guide and inspire a diverse team based in London and regionally, overseeing day-to-day programme implementation, reporting, and financial oversight of programmes and projects. The role involves representing WFD at high-profile events, promoting regional activities, building relationships through collaboration and funding, and ensuring initiatives respond to current and emerging regional dynamics. As a senior member of WFD’s leadership team, the RD will contribute to executive-level decisions working closely with all directorate heads.

Responsibilities

• Lead WFD’s regional portfolio for Asia Pacific and the Americas, including oversight of programmes, research initiatives, pilots, and donor relationships.
• Set direction and establish regional priorities; oversee day-to-day programme implementation, reporting, and financial management.
• Represent WFD at high-profile events and build strategic relationships to secure funding and collaboration.
• Maintain understanding of current and emerging regional dynamics and ensure initiatives respond effectively.
• Collaborate as a senior member of the leadership team, contributing to executive-level decisions with directorate heads.
• Manage and develop a large, diverse team based in London and regional locations, including staff working remotely.

Qualifications

• Substantial documented experience in a similar regional leadership role, with experience in the Asia Pacific region preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of the political environment and institutions in Asia, including ASEAN institutions.
• Strong understanding of democratic governance and current contextual challenges.
• Experience leading, managing, and developing large, geographically dispersed teams.
• Proven project/programme management experience with timelines, resources, and budgets.
• Professional experience and/or networks with FCDO and other key diplomatic actors and donors in the APA regions.
• Experience in thematic areas relevant to WFD’s political and parliamentary development interests.
• Successful track record in business development and securing funding.
• Experience managing significant financial resources and budgets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to coordinate across multiple work streams and across teams/functions.
• Strong relationship-management skills with colleagues across diverse teams and geographic areas.

Employment details

• Seniority level: Executive
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Business Development and Sales
• Industries: International Affairs

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