Executive Director

FCS is looking for a bold, ethical, and talented leader to shepherd the organization into this new era, able to develop on its vision, mission, and long-term systems-change strategic objectives. The Executive Director (ED) provides direction to the leadership team and staff, fostering a high-performing, accountable, and values-driven culture aligned to FCS’s strategic priorities. The ED drives organizational performance through effective strategy execution, strong financial stewardship, and disciplined performance management. The ED represents FCS externally and serves as its principal spokesperson, advancing resource mobilisation and sustainability through the cultivation of meaningful relationships with key global, regional and national partners.

The ED engages stakeholders in ways that strengthen the organisation’s credibility, influence, and impact, and expand FCS’s reach. Working in close partnership with the Board and Members, the ED aligns governance, strategy, and execution, and safeguards the organisation’s long-term vision, effectiveness, and sustainability. The authority to lead FCS and serve its mission is grounded in the ED’s personal integrity, professional credibility, and trusted standing with all partners in development, including the civil society, government, and funding partners.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership and Execution

• Works with the Board and Members to finalize its new systems change strategic direction and provide governance oversight of organizational priorities

• Translates strategic direction into organizational plans, systems, and execution frameworks

• Aligns structures, resources, and operations with strategic priorities

• Leads delivery of organizational strategy and citizen-centered development priorities

• Strengthens organizational coherence and execution discipline across leadership teams

• Enables systems that support scalable and sustainable impact

2. Organisational Performance and Accountability

• Oversees planning, budgeting, and resource allocation aligned to strategy

• Strengthens robust financial management, compliance, and risk governance systems

• Safeguards fiduciary and contractual obligations

• Strengthens learning, monitoring, and evaluation, in ways that actually improve adaptation and impact

• Drives performance management and continuous improvement across operations    

3. External Engagement and Resource Mobilisation

• Represents FCS nationally, regionally, and internationally, strengthening its visibility, credibility, and influence

• Builds and sustains strategic relationships across government, civil society, and the private sector at all levels

• Positions FCS as a trusted and influential partner in the civil society and development ecosystem

• Provides thought leadership and amplifies voices of civil society and citizens through strategic platforms and engagement

• Fosters collaboration, coalition-building, and co-creation for collective impact

• Develops and implements a diversified resource mobilization strategy aligned with context, organizational principles and priorities

• Secures and sustains funding partnerships that are responsive to FCS priorities, and supportive of the organisation’s long-term impact and independence  

4. Governance and Board Relations

• Enables effective governance by supporting the Board in its oversight, strategic decision-making, and fiduciary responsibilities

• Provides timely and accurate reports on organizational performance, risk, and opportunities

• Coordinates Board, committee, and Annual General Meeting processes, ensuring well-functioning governance structures and clear decision-making  

• Serves as Secretary to the Board and ex-officio member of its committees, supporting statutory governance requirements and ensuring effective Board administration  

5. Leadership and Organisational Culture

• Provides visible leadership aligned to purpose and results

• Builds a high-performing, accountable, and values-driven organisation

• Develops leadership capability across the organisation

• Strengthens teamwork, collaboration, and shared ownership

• Fosters a culture of learning, adaptability, and continuous improvement

Qualifications and Experience

• Tanzanian national

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree or higher preferred

• At least 10 years of progressive senior management or executive leadership experience in civil society, development, philanthropy, or comparable sectors

• Proven experience leading organizational transformation, strategy execution, or institutional strengthening

• Strong track record in resource mobilization and funding diversification

• Proven ability to build partnerships and influence stakeholders at the national, and sector level

• Experience leading high-performing, diverse teams

• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate strategy into results and lead change effectively

• High integrity, sound judgment, and strong contextual awareness

• Excellent communication skills in both Swahili and English

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How to Apply  

If you believe you meet the criteria outlined above, please submit your application by email to fcsedrecruit@gmail.com, enclosing the following documents:

• A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages outlining your motivation for leading FCS and why you are well-suited for the role.

• A CV of no more than four (4) pages, highlighting relevant position held, responsibilities and key achievements.

• Two writing samples intended for public consumption in either Kiswahili or English.  

• Links to one (1) or two (2) audio or video clips of presentations, interviews, or public engagements you have delivered in the past.

• Names and contact details of three (3) professional referees (who will not be contacted without your prior consent).