Chief Executive Officer

Working Animals International (formerly SPANA) is a global animal welfare charity dedicated to transforming the lives of working animals in greatest need. For over a century, we have provided life-saving veterinary care and owner education for horses, donkeys, mules, camels and other working animals that underpin the livelihoods of millions of people, while campaigning so that their welfare is recognised in local policy, national legislation and global development agendas. Today, through a network of partners around the world, we are increasing access to skills, knowledge and resources and campaigning for policy change so that working animals are healthy and valued, communities are stronger and livelihoods are more secure.

Read on to find out what you will need to succeed in this position, including skills, qualifications, and experience.

We are now seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead the charity into its next chapter, building on a major modernisation programme and recent global rebrand. The CEO will work closely with the Board and senior team to develop and deliver our long-term strategy, consolidate and embed recent organisational change, and increase our reach, profile and impact across veterinary care, education, advocacy and disaster response, for the benefit of the animals we support and the communities we work with. The CEO will set the strategic direction and position the organisation as a confident, global animal welfare leader at the intersection of animal welfare and community resilience, translating a powerful mission and evolving international partnership model into greater depth and scale of impact for working animals and the people who rely on them.

We are looking for a dynamic, values-led leader with a deep commitment to and understanding of animal welfare and how they contribute to their communities, with substantial experience in international, mission-driven contexts. You will bring strong strategic and operational leadership, sophisticated influencing skills across complex stakeholders, and a track record of delivering results at pace, while building and developing high-performing teams. Resilient, culturally aware and an outstanding communicator, you will be able to convene and inspire others, act as a compelling champion for working animals on the global stage, and guide Working Animals International confidently through its next phase of growth and impact.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Working Animals International on this appointment. xwzovoh For further information about the role, including about how to apply, please visit using reference RBZQA. Alternatively email Applications should be received by noon on Tuesday 26th May 2026.