Regional Director, Asia Pacific and the Americas

Job Description

WFD is currently seeking a skilled development professional to lead our
work in Asia Pacific and the Americas (APA) as Regional Director.

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 with this position. 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: Yearly performance pay, 4 wellbeing days per calendar year, annual
leave and public holidays entitlement. Plus, eligible for the Civil Service pension
scheme option with employer contribution up to 28.97%.

Our new 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, greatest diversity of donors and delivery agreements
and the organisation’s largest regional team.

The Regional Director will be responsible for WFD’s
programme portfolio, setting the direction and establishing priorities for the
region. Based in the UK the RD will guide and inspire a brilliant diverse team
based in London and regionally, overseeing day-to-day programme implementation,
reporting, and financial oversight of programmes and projects.

This substantial and significant role will, represent WFD at high profile events,
promoting and raising awareness of regional activities, build strong
relationships through professional collaboration and funding. Maintain a solid
understanding of current and emerging dynamics in the region, ensuring WFD
initiatives are positioned to respond effectively to these. And as a senior
member of WFD’s leadership team contribute to executive-level decisions working
closely with all directorate heads.

About You - We are looking for the following ​

• Substantial documented experience in a similar role, with experience in the Asia Pacific region preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of the political environment and institutions in Asia, including ASEAN institutions. 
• Thorough knowledge of key aspects of democratic governance and current contextual challenges. 
• Demonstrated competence leading, managing, and developing large teams, including staff working at a distance.
• Proven project and/or programme management experience, including familiarity with systems for managing 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 efforts  
• Experience managing significant financial resources and budgets. 
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills in English. 
• Verified proficiency managing multiple work streams and to coordinate across teams/functions.
• Excellent relationship-management skills with colleagues across diverse teams and geographic areas.

Application Submission: Applications are via CV and Cover
Letter, which are received via our online application system. To apply visit
our website https://www.wfd.org/careers.

Please only apply if you have a work permit to work in the
UK.

This vacancy will close on 14th September 2025

About the Organization

WFD is the UK public body dedicated to supporting democracy and governance around
the world. We collaborate with partners in over 50 countries and territories,
supporting democracies to evolve, become more resilient and address the most
urgent challenges societies face. Recognised as an expert, trusted partner and
an influential voice, we are an organisation that shows how strong democracies
are critical for sustainable outcomes for people and our planet. Our work with
parliaments, political parties, electoral institutions, civil society and
others helps encourage growth, respond to climate change, end corruption,
protect elections, tackle disinformation, challenge barriers to women's
participation, and protect and uphold the rights young people, people with
disabilities, and LGBT+ people.