The Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization into its next phase, with a newly approved three-year strategy for 2026–2028. SIWI is an independent nonprofit based in Stockholm and working globally, with a team of around 35 people, best known for World Water Week and the Water for Climate Pavilion at UN Climate Change Conferences.
The Executive Director is responsible for continuing the implementation of the strategy, strengthening organizational stability, and ensuring SIWI delivers relevant, high-quality work at the intersection of water, climate, development and cooperation. The role combines strategic leadership with operational follow-through and external representation, with close collaboration with the Board, management team, employees, partners and stakeholders. A central part of the role is developing SIWI's partnerships and creating long-term conditions for sustainable financing, including building trust-based relationships with donors, public institutions, multilateral organizations, foundations and the private sector. The Executive Director reports to the Board and represents SIWI in national, regional and international settings. Board priorities for the first years are to strengthen organizational stability, secure sustainable long-term financing and bring renewed energy to World Water Week.
Essential requirements: a strong track record in senior leadership, including working strategically with a board and building high-performing management teams; a holistic understanding of global sustainability challenges and international policy, including UN and EU water and climate processes; financial and business acumen gained in nonprofit or similar organizations; experience of fundraising and resource mobilization from bilateral and multilateral donors, philanthropy, the private sector and research funders; strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills and an established national and/or international network; experience attracting, developing and managing talented staff; excellent communication and presentation skills; a university degree in a relevant field and excellent spoken and written English.
Desirable: a master's degree; experience with knowledge-based organizations such as universities, policy institutes or think tanks; an understanding of the Swedish, Nordic and European institutional context; good spoken and written Swedish.
The Executive Director is expected to be based in Stockholm, Sweden. Candidates must have the right to work in Sweden or the EU; no dedicated relocation or housing support is offered. SIWI offers a market-competitive salary in line with other leading Swedish nonprofit organizations.
The application consists of a CV and a cover letter. The application deadline is 27 October 2026. Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply via the Novare Executive Search application form on the posting page. The application consists of a CV and a cover letter. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. For questions about the role, contact Ebba Levin (ebba.levin@novare.se) or Olivia Westh (olivia.westh@novare.se).
https://novare.se/executive-search/jobb/executive-director-14786/