NGO Recruitment
We support INGOs and charities to recruit inclusive, visionary leaders who drive change across sectors, from health and education to climate action and human rights.
Speak to us about recruiting senior leaders and board members for your non-government or international development organisation.
Contact us to learn moreSpecialist NGO recruitment for international development
We support non-government and international development organisations in recruiting senior leaders who can make a difference in the world’s most urgent challenges. From healthcare and human rights to education and climate justice, we help you find people who lead with purpose.
Many organisations we work with are navigating political pressure, shifting funding, or urgent delivery demands. Recruiting the right leaders brings focus, stability, and renewed ambition when it’s needed most.
Our approach is grounded in creating deep-rooted relationships. We get to know your culture, context, and challenges, then find leaders with the skills, perspective, and values to match.
We stay close to what’s changing across global civil society. We have a strong network of NGO and INGO leaders, funders, and activists, giving us a clear view of the challenges ahead and the leadership needed to meet them.
We believe inclusive leadership drives better decisions, better governance and better outcomes, and it’s embedded in how we work.
Inclusive leadership recruitment for NGOs and INGOs
Outstanding leadership is about values, accountability, and leading with empathy and purpose.
We support organisations in building inclusive leadership teams and boards that reflect the societies they serve. That means recruiting people with the adaptability, cultural awareness, and strategic focus to navigate complex global systems.
We take inclusion seriously. It’s embedded in how we work, from candidate sourcing to final appointment, and it’s central to how we define success.
Good leaders empower teams, understand the line between governance and delivery, and create environments where people thrive. We help you find those leaders and support you in retaining them.
Since 2009, we’ve recruited thousands of board members and senior leaders. We understand the realities of leadership and governance in today’s international development sector and bring that experience to every search.
“I have never worked with Peridot before, and I’ve been extremely impressed with the professionalism and hard work performed by the team. Jennifer Horan is an absolute star, very responsive with an intelligent approach to hiring us the right person and adding lots of value throughout the process. Thank you and your team for all your hard work.”
Leadership Support Manager, Womankind Worldwide
Board recruitment for NGOs and INGOs
Your board sets the tone for your organisation. It should bring challenge, support, lived experience, and strategic focus. But too often, boards lack diversity, confidence, or role clarity.
We help you recruit trustees and board members who understand the difference between governance and operations. People who bring insight, ask the right questions, and support bold decisions.
Since 2020, we’ve appointed over 1,000 board members. We understand the nuances of governance and know that building an inclusive board isn’t just about who’s in the room; it’s about how that room works.
We go beyond the usual suspects to focus on values, behaviours, and what your board needs to be effective.
We can help you recruit:
- Chairs, vice-chairs and committee chairs
- Trustees, committee members and non-executive directors
- Specialist trustees, such as finance, philanthropy, marketing or operations
Executive recruitment for international development and NGO leaders
Hiring a senior leader is one of your organisation’s most significant decisions. The right person can bring clarity, build trust, and confidently lead your team through complexity.
We work with INGOs and NGOs to recruit CEOs, executive directors, and senior leaders who drive strategy, build strong cultures, and deliver real impact.
We take the time to understand what your organisation needs today, and what leadership will need to look like tomorrow. We challenge your assumptions and look beyond technical skills to values, behaviours and potential.
We recruit a wide range of senior leadership roles across the international development and NGO sector, including:
- Chief and executive roles
- Director-level roles
- Specialist functional roles, such as policy, advocacy, campaigning, programmes, development, fundraising and more
- Senior management and leadership roles
“Appointing a Global Director was an important hiring decision, it was therefore important to find an established agency with a good reputation. James provided us with the necessary breadth of expertise, market research and reach to ensure a customised, rigorous, and professional recruitment process, leading to a diverse set of candidates. We are delighted that we appointed a perfect match for our organisation. I will definitely use Peridot again and highly recommend James and Peridot for their all-round professional service.”
Global Head of HR, Compassion in World Farming International
Our selected track record
Board appointments
AMREF | Chair of Finance and Trustee
Anti-Slavery International | Chair
BRAC International | Trustee
Born Free Foundation | 2x Trustees
Care International | 6x Trustees
Christian Aid | 4x Trustees
Emmaus UK | Chair and Treasurer
Galapagos Conservation Trust | Chair and 6x Trustees
Health Care Without Harm Europe | Chair, Vice Chair and 7x Board Members
Hope and Homes for Children | 3x Trustees
Refugee Employment Network | Treasurer and Trustees
Smile Train UK | Chair and 2x Trustees
The Jane Goodall Institute UK | 9x Trustees
UK Collaborative on Development Research (UKCDR) | Chair and 2x Independent Non-Executive Directors
VSO International | Chair, Chair of Finance and Trustees
Leadership, and fundraising appointments
Amref Health Africa UK | Director of Fundraising
BMS World Mission | Director of Fundraising and Communications
Build It International | Chief Executive Officer
Care International UK | Chief Operating Officer
CISV International | Chief Executive Officer
Costa Foundation | Executive Director
Development Media International | Director of Business Development and Director of Operations
Health Care Without Harm Europe | Executive Director
International Rescue Committee | European CFO and 15+ Fundraising Roles including Head of Corporate Partnerships
Kaleidoscope Trust | Chief Executive Officer
Malaria No More | Director of Philanthropy & Programme Partnerships
mothers2mothers | Global Philanthropy Director, Director of Strategic Partnerships, and Head of Philanthropy
Orchid Project | Chief Operating Officer and Head of Fundraising
Save the Children UK | Head of Country, Head of Innovation, and Head of Local Systems Change
WWF | Head of Partnership Development
