Executive Director, Canopy

About the role

The Executive Director will lead Canopy, an Africa‑led platform dedicated to children’s digital safety, from its Nairobi headquarters. Reporting initially to the Vice President of External Affairs & Partnerships at ChildFund International and later to Canopy’s governing Board, the role combines strategic leadership with extensive stakeholder engagement across Africa and globally.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute Canopy’s strategic vision to make digital access safe for every child.
• Build and nurture partnerships with the African Union, governments, civil society, technology and telecom companies, researchers and philanthropy.
• Lead the development of standards, policies and accountability frameworks for children’s online safety.
• Mobilise political and public will, shape policy discourse and align ecosystem actors around shared actions.
• Oversee operational planning, budgeting and resource mobilisation for the organization.
• Represent Canopy in regional and international forums, travelling extensively across Africa and worldwide.
• Ensure governance compliance, reporting to the Board and maintaining high standards of child protection and organizational integrity.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience in nonprofit, policy advocacy or digital safety sectors.
• Demonstrated track record of influencing public policy and building multi‑stakeholder coalitions, preferably in African contexts.
• Strong understanding of child protection, digital rights and technology ecosystems.
• Ability to travel frequently and work in a hybrid environment.
• Excellent communication and diplomatic skills, with fluency in English.

Required skills