1. Terms of Reference (ToR)
Role summary
The Executive Director leads ESWA’s strategic, programmatic and organisational work. The role carries significant responsibility within a regional sex workers’ rights network that works on issues of safety, dignity and human rights across Europe and Central Asia. The Executive Director guides staff, manages resources, strengthens partnerships and represents the organisation in high-level spaces. They ensure ESWA operates transparently and effectively, and they report to the Board of Directors.
ESWA is looking for someone who brings passion, determination and political clarity, and who understands the impact their leadership will have on the lives of sex workers in the region. They support a movement facing criminalisation, discrimination and structural injustice, and must approach the work with seriousness, integrity and a clear commitment to change. The Executive Director safeguards organisational values and drives ESWA’s efforts to secure human rights, labour rights and meaningful participation for sex workers.
About ESWA
The European Sex Workers’ Rights Alliance (ESWA) is a regional network representing more than 100+ organisations in 30 countries in Europe and Central Asia. ESWA promotes and defends the human, civil, social and labour rights of sex workers. We work to ensure meaningful participation of sex workers in policy‑making, strengthen community‑led responses, and advocate for rights‑based laws and practices. ESWA’s work is grounded in the leadership of sex workers. We aim to strengthen community networks, influence policy, build partnerships and promote evidence‑based advocacy. Our activities include:
* Policy development and advocacy
* Campaigns and public education
* Capacity building and training
* Research and community‑led documentation
* Regional convenings and member support
ESWA operates through a remote team based across Europe and Central Asia. We maintain a strong democratic governance structure led by our Board and informed by our membership. Collaboration, transparency and accountability guide our organisational culture.
We strongly encourage migrant, racialised, women and trans sex workers to apply.
Responsibilities of the Executive Director
A. Organisational leadership and strategy:
* Lead the implementation of ESWA’s Strategic Plan.
* Prepare and oversee application of annual work plan with input from staff.
* Develop and maintain strong internal policies and processes (HR, procurement, administration, accountability).
* Be the key connection between Board and staff through regular communication, participation in meetings and preparation of relevant documents.
* Carry out additional responsibilities identified by the Board that fall within the scope of the role.
B. Representation and advocacy:
* Represent ESWA in national, regional and international spaces.
* Maintain strong relationships with ESWA’s membership, partners, donors and allies.
* Identify strategic opportunities for external engagement.
* Act as a spokesperson and ensure consistent, accurate public communication.
C. Staff and team management:
* Provide daily leadership to the ESWA team with the Deputy Director.
* Supervise staff and ensure responsibilities are clearly defined and delegated.
* Coordinate weekly staff meetings and the annual in‑person meetings.
* Conduct biannual staff development and feedback sessions.
* Review team structure and lead recruitment processes.
D. Financial oversight and administration:
* Identify funding opportunities and guide fundraising work.
* Prepare funding applications with management staff and the Operations Officer.
* Oversee project plans, timelines and budgets to ensure contractual, legal and policy fulfilment.
* Lead annual Audit, budgets and financial review with the support of Operations Officer and Financial Controller.
* Approve annual budgets with the Operations Officer.
E. Programme and policy management:
* Guide ESWA’s campaigns, programme activities and advocacy work.
* Review and approve policy documents, publications and organisational resources.
* Coordinate work with translators, editors and designers with the Operations Officer and relevant staff.
* Ensure programme outputs reflect ESWA’s aims and meet organisational quality standards.
F. Event coordination:
* Oversee the planning and delivery of ESWA events, including ESWA Board meetings, convenings, trainings and other events.
* Allocate responsibilities across staff to support effective event delivery.
2. Role Profile: Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Professional experience required
* Leadership experience in NGOs, networks or community‑led organisations.
* A strategy oriented mind and the ability to translate strategy into practical plans.
* Experience managing diverse teams, including remote staff.
* Strong record in organisational management, including budgeting, compliance and planning.
* Experience delivering programmes and advocacy initiatives.
* Understanding of the rights, realities and priorities of sex workers in Europe and Central Asia.
* Experience working with marginalised communities through rights‑based approaches.
* Proven experience securing funding from foundations, governments or major donors.
* Strong financial oversight and grant management skills.
* Ability to develop staff, support their growth and maintain a collaborative culture.
* Confidence in representing ESWA publicly and politically.
* Clear, confident communication with a range of audiences.
* Ability to maintain trust and support across a diverse membership.
* Applicants must be able to read, write, speak and understand English fluently. An ability to communicate in French, Spanish or Russian is desirable but not essential.
Desirable experience
* Work within membership‑based or movement‑led networks.
* Knowledge of the EU structures, frameworks or regional human rights mechanisms.
* Experience managing virtual teams or distributed structures.
3. Fees
The ESWA team is composed of 6 people working remotely from various European countries. The post holder will be hired as a self‑employed consultant and can work remotely from any country in Europe and Central Asia within a reasonable time difference (-/+4 hours from CET). The monthly consultancy fee for this position is 4,500 euros/month for 5 days/week.
Important: As a self‑employed consultant, you will be responsible for paying your income tax in your country of residence.
4. How to apply
Please download and fill in the application form if you are interested in this post. You can then send it to with ‘RECRUITMENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’ in the subject line. The deadline to apply is December 19th, 2025. Interviews with the shortlisted applicants will take place in the third week of January 2026.
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