21/04/2026
Terms of Reference (ToR)
Position: Executive Director
Organization: AOO
Duty Station: Erbil-Iraq
Reports to: Board of Directors
Deadline for submission ( 29 April 2026)
1. Position Overview
The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer of the organization and is responsible for providing strategic, operational, and financial leadership. The ED ensures the effective delivery of programs, organizational sustainability, and compliance with governance and regulatory frameworks, while positioning the organization as a credible and influential actor within the sector.
2. Key Responsibilities
2.1 Strategic Leadership and Direction
The Executive Director provides overall strategic vision and leadership to the organization, ensuring alignment with long-term priorities and evolving contextual dynamics. The role leads the development and implementation of organizational strategies, annual plans, and performance frameworks, ensuring the organization remains adaptive, innovative, and impact-driven.
2.2 Governance and Board Relations
The Executive Director serves as the primary liaison between management and the Board of Directors, supporting the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities through the provision of timely, accurate, and strategic information. The role ensures the implementation of Board decisions and adherence to organizational policies and bylaws, while maintaining full compliance with national laws, donor regulations, and international standards.
2.3 Program Leadership and Oversight
The Executive Director provides strategic oversight of program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The role ensures that programs are high-quality, evidence-based, and aligned with organizational priorities and donor requirements, while promoting integration, coherence, and measurable impact across all program portfolios. Accountability to beneficiaries and stakeholders is maintained at all times.
2.4 External Representation and Partnerships
The Executive Director acts as the principal representative of the organization to donors, government entities, partners, and external stakeholders. The role develops and maintains strategic partnerships to enhance organizational positioning and influence, while leading high-level engagement, advocacy, and visibility efforts.
2.5 Financial Leadership and Stewardship
The Executive Director provides oversight of financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation, ensuring strong financial management systems, transparency, and accountability. The role safeguards organizational assets, ensures compliance with donor and statutory financial requirements, and drives financial sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
2.6 Leadership and Human Resource Management
The Executive Director leads, manages, and develops the senior management team, fostering a culture of performance, accountability, inclusion, and professional growth. The role ensures an effective organizational structure aligned with strategic priorities and promotes staff well-being, retention, and capacity development.
2.7 Resource Mobilization and Fundraising
The Executive Director leads the development and implementation of resource mobilization strategies, identifying and securing funding opportunities from diverse sources, including institutional donors and partners. The role strengthens donor relationships and ensures the development of high-quality proposals.
2.8 Organizational Development and Systems Strengthening
The Executive Director strengthens institutional systems, policies, and procedures to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. The role promotes continuous improvement, innovation, and organizational learning, while ensuring safeguarding, accountability, and ethical standards are embedded across all operations.
2.9 Risk Management and Compliance
The Executive Director identifies, assesses, and mitigates organizational risks, including operational, financial, legal, and reputational risks. The role ensures strong internal controls and compliance mechanisms are in place, maintaining organizational integrity and safeguarding its reputation.
2.10 Monitoring, Reporting, and Accountability
The Executive Director ensures timely and high-quality reporting to the Board, donors, and relevant stakeholders. The role oversees performance monitoring and evaluation systems and uses data and evidence to inform strategic decision-making and improve organizational impact.
3. Key Competencies and Qualifications
The Executive Director is expected to demonstrate proven senior leadership experience within NGOs, INGOs, or similar environments. The role requires strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills, as well as demonstrated experience in program management and institutional development. Financial management and resource mobilization experience are essential. The position requires excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and representation skills, alongside a high level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism. A strong understanding of governance, compliance, and risk management is also required.
4. Duration and Contract Terms
This is a full-time position. The contract duration will be one year with the possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational needs. Performance will be reviewed periodically by the Board of Directors.
5. Core Values
The Executive Director is expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability, transparency, and professionalism. The role requires a strong commitment to inclusion, respect, and organizational excellence, ensuring all actions contribute to meaningful and sustainable impact.
Email: [email protected]
