Executive Director at GFD

This is a strategic, high-impact role at the forefront of disability rights, governance, and inclusive development in Ghana. The Executive Director will be entrusted with advancing GFD’s mission of promoting the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities through their organisations, ensuring the Federation remains a credible, vibrant, and influential force in shaping national and global agendas. The following are the responsibilities and qualifications for the position of an Executive Director;

The Opportunity

       i.          GFD stands as a key force:

     ii.          Driving advocacy for disability inclusion in Ghana’s governance, economic, and social systems.

    iii.          Strengthening institutional growth, sustainability, and accountability.

   iv.          Leading evidence-based engagement with government, private sector, and development partners.

     v.          Building a movement that addresses systemic barriers, while positioning GFD as a leading voice for persons with disabilities in Ghana, Africa, and global disability platforms.

   vi.          The new Executive Director must raise the bar, consolidating GFD’s gains and positioning the Federation for excellence, sustainability, and global leadership.

Key Responsibilities

       i.          Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Federation, ensuring alignment with its vision, mission, and new Strategic Plan.

     ii.          Lead policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement at the national level and contribute to the regional and global levels.

    iii.          Strengthen institutional systems for governance, monitoring & evaluation, financial management, and reporting.

   iv.          Drive resource mobilization and cultivate partnerships with government, private sector, civil society, donors, and international organisations that strengthen the work of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities in Ghana.

     v.          Ensure meaningful inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities across all levels of programming and decision-making.

   vi.          Supervise, mentor, and inspire staff and member organisations, fostering a high-performance culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.

Required Profile

We are looking for an exceptional leader who embodies these:

Education & Professional Background

       i.          At least a First Degree in Development Studies, Social Policy, Disability Studies, Public Administration, Law, Governance, or related field. A master’s degree or higher will be an advantage.

     ii.          Minimum 10 years of progressive experience, with at least 5 years in senior management and executive roles in an Organisation of Persons with Disability, civil society, development, or governance institutions, with experience working in a high-level governance structure (eg, Board).

    iii.          Commanding networks and alliances across government, policy circles, international organisations, and development partners, positioning GFD as a trusted voice in national and global decision-making spaces.

   iv.          Proven capacity to mobilise substantial financial and technical resources, evidenced by success in securing large-scale, diversified funding in diverse donor, private sector, and partner funding streams to drive transformative programmes.

     v.          A strong champion of culture and values, with a proven ability to build an organisation grounded in competence, integrity, transparency, and accountability- earning the trust of diverse stakeholders and supporting long-term success.

   vi.          A driver of change and strong team-builder, with a proven ability to bring together grassroots groups, unite different disability organisations, and rally support from civil society, government, media, and the private sector to build a powerful and united national movement for change.

Skills & Competencies

       i.          Proven record of advocacy and policy influence at national and international levels.

     ii.          Strong strategic management and organisational development skills.

    iii.          Demonstrated ability in fundraising and partnership building.

   iv.          Excellent communication and diplomacy.

     v.          Commitment to disability rights, equity, and inclusion with knowledge of disability rights frameworks, including the UNCRPD, the African Disability Protocol, and Ghana’s Persons with Disability Act (Act 715).

Personal Attributes

       i.          Commitment to disability rights, inclusion, and equality.

     ii.          Ability to work inclusively with persons with diverse disabilities and respect organizational values of inclusion and accessibility.

    iii.          Results-driven, adaptable, and resilient.

   iv.          High ethical standards, transparency, and accountability.

     v.          Ability to work under pressure, with flexibility and resilience.

Additional Assets

       i.          Familiarity with Ghana’s disability movement and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs).

     ii.          Skills in digital communication and accessibility tools