Job Details

Save the Children International has an exciting opportunity for a Regional Director, Asia to join our global team. 
The Regional Director, Asia will lead Country Offices in the Asia region in delivering Save the Children’s Global strategy through high-quality programmes and advocacy for children's rights, ensuring compliance with member and donor expectations and applicable frameworks. This role exists to build capacity, mentor, and hold Country Directors accountable for impactful and efficient operations while fostering a safe and inclusive environment. The Director will also drive innovation and knowledge sharing to support Save the Children’s mission and goals across the region. 
 
Job Title: Regional Director, Asia 
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer 
Work Pattern: Hybrid  
Contract Length: Permanent
Grade: M6, Executive
Location: Bangkok 
Time Zone (that the role holder must be available to work in): Asia
Language Requirements: English 
International Travel Requirements: up to 20% 
Budget Responsibility: $280 million regional portfolio 
People Management Responsibility: Manager of multiple teams; 12 direct reports (10 Country Directors and 2 regional staff)
 
Principal Accountabilities 

• Provide strategic leadership towards Save the Children’s Global Strategy and delivery of transformative programming in Asia, ensuring alignment with Save the Children's mandate, strategy, and theory of change  
• Support Country Directors in converting their Country Visioning work into a roadmap that looks to develop a sustainable operating model that articulates our localization agenda  
• Manage the performance of Country Directors, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement to achieve impactful results 
• Drive a culture of evidence and impact, risk management, and compliance across country offices in the region, ensuring accountability and support for Save the Children's values 
• Represent the voice of the region in Global Teams and Senior Leadership Team meetings, advocating for the unique needs and priorities of the Asia region. Foster effective collaboration between country & national offices and members 
• Act as a spokesperson and proactively advocate on children's rights in all contexts at regional engagements and forums, actively promoting Save the Children's mission and values 
• Actively cultivate strategic partnerships and relationships (alliances, partnerships, donors) in support of our Impact and Evidence agenda and that strengthen Save the Children’s vision and mission 
• Support crisis management efforts within the region, chairing CMTs when required and leading efforts between country offices and global teams to ensure effective and timely responses 
• Manage and support regional programmes (as required), ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and in full compliance with organisational standards and policies. 

Experience and Skills 
Essential 

1. Senior Leadership in Complex Programmes: Considerable experience in senior leadership roles within large and complex country or regional programs, including significant senior field experience in both development and humanitarian response in highly insecure environments. 
2. Leading Crisis Management Teams related to staff safety and security, safeguarding of children and communities, volatility and business continuity. Substantial experience operating within rapidly changing political environments or other unstable settings. Demonstrates resilience and adaptability in challenging contexts.
3. Leadership, Team Management and Mentoring: Proven background in building, leading, inspiring and developing large teams of senior staff with diverse backgrounds, fostering an environment conducive to professional growth and high performance. Proficient in building and developing relationships within a team and advocating for an inclusive workplace that values each member's unique contribution. 
4. Networking and Opportunity Acquisition: Proven ability to build personal networks at senior levels, resulting in securing significant new opportunities for the organization. 
5. Policy Influence, Partnerships and Advocacy: Extensive expertise in representation, advocacy and negotiation with governments in the region, donors, and international bodies, aimed at influencing children’s policies and establishing robust partnerships with Save the Children.  
6. Commitment and Values: Demonstrates a strong commitment to the values of Save the Children, including accountability, ambition, collaboration, creativity, and integrity. 
7. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to cultural diversity, ensuring actions and language are respectful and inclusive. Committed to ongoing learning and development in this area. Experience in promoting and integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, ensuring a supportive and respectful environment for all team members. 
8. Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving: Ability to set ambitious and challenging goals, coupled with a future-oriented, strategic, and global perspective. Expertise in solving complex issues through detailed analysis, defining a clear path forward, and ensuring commitment from stakeholders. 
9. Operational and Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of program, financial, and operational management processes. Proven capacity to oversee large and complex budgets and ensure financial sustainability. 
10. Exceptional oral and written communication skills in English.  
11. Knowledge of the region is essential.  

Desirable 

• Proficiency in other languages is a significant advantage

 
Education and Qualifications 
Essential 

• Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Social Sciences, Public Health, Public Policy, Business Administration, or related field 

Desirable 

• Master’s degree or higher in relevant fields. 

 
Working at Save the Children International 
Save the Children is the world's leading organisation for children, employing ~25,000 staff. We save children's lives. We fight for their rights. We help them fulfil their potential. Through our work in 116 countries, we put the most deprived and marginalised children first. 
We know that great people make a great organisation, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued. 
The work here is challenging but is also immensely rewarding. At Save the Children, you will be in good company, working with talented, like-minded individuals who are determined to ensure that all children survive, learn, and are protected. Your contribution will help ensure children's voices are heard at the highest levels, and that we achieve our global strategy, Ambition for Children 2030, and reach every last child. 
 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Equal Opportunities 
DEI is core to our vision, values and global strategy. Save the Children is committed to creating a truly diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation, and one which will support us in our vision to ensure every child attains the right to survival, protection, development, and participation. 
We are committed to equal employment opportunities, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality, disability, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, caring or parental responsibilities, age, or beliefs and religion. We are committed to diversifying our staff to better represent the communities we serve and actively welcome underrepresented groups to apply. 
Reasonable adjustments will be made should any candidate invited to interview require this. 
 
Application Information 
Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application. A full copy of the role profile can be found here via the job listing. It is recommended that you save a copy of the role profile as it will no longer be available after the advert closes. 
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the job advert may be closed earlier than advertised subject to the volume of suitable applicants. Please submit your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment. 
 
Our recruitment process: 

1. Application review by our recruiting team based on your CV and cover letter 
2. Two-stage competency-based interviews with the hiring team 
3. Some recruitment may include an additional assessment or case study stage, or a third stage interview 
4. If successful, you will receive a conditional offer of employment, followed by your contract subject to passing background checks 

We need to keep children and adults safe so our selection process includes rigorous background checks and reflects our commitment to the protection of children and adults from abuse. All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our Code of Conduct and all policies and procedures relating to Anti-harassment, Health and Safety, Safeguarding, and DEI and Equal Opportunities. 
 
Save the Children does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.