Paralympic Games Director

PARALYMPIC GAMES DIRECTOR (F/M/X)

Location: IPC Headquarters, Bonn, Germany

Start Date: Mid-2026 or as otherwise agreed with the successful applicant

Type: Full-time

ABOUT THE IPC

At the IPC, we work as one team, aligned and focused on fulfilling our vision and mission.

The IPC’s vision is for an inclusive world through Para sport. We believe that Change Starts With Sport, and that the work of the Paralympic Movement is a catalyst for driving social inclusion and advancing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The IPC, a purpose-driven non-profit association, is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. We oversee the delivery of the Paralympic Games and Paralympic Winter Games and serve as International Federation for five Para sports. We enjoy a positive working relationship with the IPC Governing Board, members of which are democratically elected every four years by the IPC General Assembly. Since 1989, we have been creating change through sport with the Paralympic Games and Paralympic athletes at our core.

The IPC seeks to use the influential global position of the Paralympic Movement and the growing profile of Para athletes to challenge the stigma attached to disability and empower social transformation.

ROLE

The Paralympic Games Director (f/m/x) is accountable to the Executive Director Paralympic Games (EDPG) and will work within a dynamic and growing department. The role directly supports the EDPG in the planning and operations of the IPC’s Games and Events Division (G&E) — which includes four departments: Games Sport, Games Operations, Games Delivery, and Events — as well as the successful overall delivery of each Games edition (winter and summer) in collaboration with the wider IPC Games Management Team and external partners.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to the leadership of the G&E Division and work with all G&E team members to support their contribution to advancing the IPC’s strategic plan, including organisational planning, prioritisation and budgeting; decision-making; and cross-departmental initiatives.
• Collaborate with members of the wider IPC Games Management Team to develop resilient and integrated cross-functional operational planning and delivery, in particular for the upcoming edition of the Games, effectively identifying risks and issues, proposing solutions and escalating for decision-making as required.
• Liaise with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the executive leadership of Organising Committee(s) for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (OCOG) to advance planning and delivery for the upcoming edition of the Paralympic Games and resolve issues or escalate for resolution as required.
• Contribute to the successful deployment of the IPC Delegation at each edition of the Paralympic Games, including the internal onboarding and readiness programme.
• Build positive relationships with stakeholders across the Paralympic Movement, represent the G&E division and wider IPC in meetings and forums, including with the IPC Governing Board and external stakeholders, including the IOC, OCOGs and their delivery partners.
• Engage with and facilitate collaboration amongst the G&E division and wider IPC Games Management Team in the continuous evaluation of the IPC’s Games Delivery Model and ways of working; proactively identify opportunities for improvement to advance the IPC’s goal of rigorously pursuing excellence in service of the Paralympic Movement.

CORE REQUIREMENTS

• A deep passion to work within the Paralympic Movement and shares the IPC’s vision, mission and values
• At least 8-10 years of professional experience in the planning and management of the Olympic and Paralympic Games or other mega sporting event(s)
• Demonstrated experience leading, facilitating collaboration amongst and motivating an international, multi-cultural team, under pressure
• Proven ability to adapt and maintain a positive, solution-oriented attitude while adjusting plans and processes in complex and evolving situations, including using diplomacy and sound judgement to propose solutions, participate in decision-making, maintain confidentiality, and navigate change
• Excellent English language skills and adept at presenting complex information to varied audiences, both verbally and written, in an inclusive and understandable way
• High attention to detail while being able to identify underlying strategic themes and concepts and formulate strategic priorities
• Demonstrated experience in leading international teams with diverse responsibilities and orchestrating their success, particularly with well-established teams
• Flexibility in working hours and the ability to travel frequently

DESIRED REQUIREMENTS

• Experience in planning and delivery of areas related to Games operations and services
• Experience working and/or reporting at Executive or Board level
• Proficiency in other languages such as French considered as asset

The IPC is an equal opportunity employer, and we especially encourage individuals with a disability and members of minority groups to apply; we support the relocation process and provide transitional accessible accommodation.

For this position, we will review applications and interview candidates on a rolling basis.

To apply, click on the 'Apply' button to the right of this page.

We look forward to your application!