• Lead a high-impact philanthropic accelerator; scale solutions to end poverty
• Drive strategy to evolve an established nonprofit across Australia & SE Asia
• Suits NSW-based international development leaders with philanthropy expertise

The Organisation

Established in 1968, Action on Poverty (AOP) is an Australian venture philanthropy specialist and high-impact accelerator dedicated to maximising philanthropy through effective, scalable, and measurable solutions to global poverty. AOP’s goal is to impact one million people globally per year by 2030. To date, AOP has reached 3 million people in 42 countries with an average 4.4:1 return on investment.

AOP partners with changemakers in local communities to convert new or innovative ideas into scalable, evidence-based and cost-effective solutions that address the root causes of poverty. AOP focuses on identifying, strengthening, and scaling the 'big bet' high-potential, locally led initiatives that, with the right support, can catalyse systemic change.

AOP’s international work is grounded in integrity and accountability. They are fully accredited with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), a signatory to the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) Code of Conduct and registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) with a DGR 1 status.


Benefits & Culture

• A values-led, human-centred, supportive, and flexible work culture and board.
• Huge scope and autonomy to evolve and shape a 60-year established nonprofit.
• Hybrid working with three days per week in the Sydney CBD office.
• An attractive nonprofit salary and salary packaging are offered.
• Up to approximately 20 days per year of international and domestic travel required.

The Role

Reporting to the board of directors, the Chief Executive Officer provides leadership and management of AOP, overseeing a senior team of development professionals based in Sydney and Southeast Asia.

You will ensure financial sustainability and programmatic impact through effective resource management and service delivery, function as the primary external representative to advocate and build partnerships, and foster a strong organisational culture, empowering staff and volunteers to achieve the organisation’s mission.

You’ll work closely with the board and staff to implement and develop AOP's existing strategic objectives while developing new opportunities and relationships to leverage its impact. Other key responsibilities include:

• Developing the strategic direction and impact model in line with AOP’s vision and mission.
• Ensuring sound financial management, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance.
• Leading, coaching, and mentoring, staff across Sydney and Vietnam, supporting AOP’s values-aligned culture.
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders including DFAT officials, donors, partners and other organisations.
• Overseeing program design and implementation; ensuring robust monitoring and evaluation and quality control.

Skills Required

You are an entrepreneurial executive leader with a strong people focus and experience in the international development sector. You demonstrate a deep understanding of international development programs and their requirements and relevant donor relationships including large philanthropic foundations and DFAT. Experience innovating philanthropic investment solutions and leading DFAT accreditations would be highly regarded. You also bring:

• Knowledge of key stakeholders and funding partners and their requirements.
• Successful experience negotiating large philanthropic donations and investments.
• Leadership of a senior cross functional team including programs and finance.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement innovative strategies to meet organisational and financial objectives.
• Postgraduate qualifications in finance, accounting, business administration, or equivalent business experience.

If you want to bring your executive leadership, international development, and philanthropy and impact investing innovation expertise to lead AOP’s mission of mobilising changemakers to end poverty, please submit your CV and cover letter addressing the skills required above quoting # 1480034 To request a full information package please email: officeadministrator@ngorecruitment.com (no applications here please).

Please note there is no formal closing date for this role, if you are interested, we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

NGO Recruitment values equitable recruitment practices and is committed to representing candidates reflective of the diverse organisations and communities we work with. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds, ages, and identities, and are happy to adjust our recruitment process to support accessibility needs. If you are interested in this position and have most of the skills or experience we are looking for, please go ahead and apply.