The Aga Khan Foundation is a leading global development organisation working to tackle the root causes of poverty. For more than 50 years, we have helped create strong community institutions that support sustainable, locally driven initiatives to improve the lives of millions of people. By combining local knowledge with global best practices, we strive to bring about transformative and long-lasting improvements to quality of life.

Working alongside the agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network and through partnerships with local communities, civil society and business as well as governments and international aid agencies, we are building a future where we all thrive together.

Profile and Qualifications A seasoned executive with strong experience and interest in external relations, fundraising, communications, institutional partnerships, and organizational leadership; at least 5–7 years of senior leadership experience; and familiarity with the AKDN context and/or global development issues. Specifically,

1. Experience in executive management, preferably in roles with significant external engagement, fundraising, partnership, and/or communications responsibilities, including financial oversight, budget management, people leadership, and board relations. Completion of a graduate degree in a relevant field is required, reflecting the leadership and expertise expected of this role.
2. Track record in mobilizing funding and strategic partnerships with a wide variety of actors to drive results.
3. Track record in leading medium-sized teams to develop strategy, set priorities, build business plans, and drive results.

Experience working effectively with volunteer leaders, committees, and community-based networks is a strong asset. Interest and track record in understanding and deploying new technologies in creative and impactful ways to improve operations and program impact.

4. Collaboration and interpersonal skills to operate effectively within a multi-level governance framework, regional and global management structures, and an expansive network of staff, volunteers, donors, institutional partners, and AKDN colleagues. Successful experience in a matrix structure is an asset.

Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships across diverse groups in a pluralistic, diplomatic, and respectful way will be critical.

5.



Ability to represent AKFC and AKDN entities effectively across a wide variety of Canadian and international contexts and audiences, including government, philanthropy, civil society, community, academic, and public-facing settings. Proficiency in both English and French is considered a robust asset.
6. Knowledge of AKDN and familiarity with, and enthusiasm for, global development, public policy, international cooperation, pluralism, and Canada’s role in global affairs are strong assets. Drive to make a difference and contribute to improved quality of life.

Apply

Qualified applicants who are authorized to live and work in Canada are invited to submit a cover letter and resume.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Short-listed candidates will be invited to participate in the next stages of the selection process.

Deadline for submissions: Tuesday October 13, 2026

Please note that applicants must be currently eligible to live and work in Canada. The position is based in Ottawa.

AKFC is committed to advancing gender equality and inclusion through our programming and operations in Canada and overseas. AKFC requires all employees to review and abide by the AKFC Gender Equality Policy.

AKFC recognizes the importance of safeguarding and is committed to ensuring it manages a wide range of risks such that beneficiaries, staff, other associates, and the organization as a whole are kept safe from harm.

AKFC welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Leadership Opportunity

This is a significant leadership opportunity to guide one of Canada’s leading global development organizations at a time of important institutional transition and opportunity. The next CEO of Aga Khan Foundation Canada will be expected to build on AKFC’s robust reputation, deepen its Canadian partnerships, broaden and diversify its resource base,



and help position the organization for its next phase of impact within Canada and across the Aga Khan Development Network.

The successful candidate will combine strategic judgment, external presence, operational discipline, and a strong commitment to AKFC’s mission. They will bring the ability to work effectively across Canadian public, philanthropic, community, and institutional contexts while also contributing constructively to the global priorities and operating culture of AKF and the broader AKDN.

Overview

Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) is a leading Canadian global development organization and a member of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of private, non-denominational agencies working to improve quality of life in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions. AKFC works with Canadian and international partners to advance inclusive and sustainable development, mobilize resources, deepen public understanding of global development, and strengthen Canada’s engagement with the AKDN’s work across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Based in Ottawa, the CEO is charged with the overall leadership and management of AKFC, developing and executing an ambitious strategic vision that responds to Canadian opportunities and priorities while remaining closely aligned with AKF and AKDN global directions. The CEO ensures that AKFC operates with clear strategic focus, a healthy and high-performing organizational culture, strong governance, and rigorous management across its programmatic, partnership, resource development, communications, and corporate functions.

The CEO will position AKFC as a trusted partner of choice for Canadian institutions, donors, communities, and public audiences relevant to AKDN priorities. The role requires sustained focus on strengthening AKFC’s public profile, expanding and diversifying resource mobilization, advancing strategic partnerships with government and institutional actors, and building broad-based support for the AKDN’s global quality of life mission. The CEO will lead AKFC’s external relations across Canada and work closely with AKF, AKDN agencies, Community leaders, the Board, volunteers, and other partners to contribute to coherent outreach, partnership, and fundraising efforts.

For more information on the organization and the position, please visit :

https://www.akfc.ca and https://www.akfc.ca/career-opportunities/ceo-akfc/

📌 Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Aga Khan Foundation Canada
🏢 AKDN
📍 Canada