Executive Director [interim] Fixed-term contract 8 months

Transcription

1 Executive Director [interim] Fixed-term contract 8 months Job Profile We are looking for an outstanding individual to help lead our organisation through the next phase of our journey. The Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR) was established in 2007 as a voluntary network of civil society organisations who are committed to working together and engaging with partners and other stakeholders to increase societal resilience and reduce disaster risk around the world. The network is growing and currently has approximately 850 member organisations in over 145 countries across every geographical region of the world. Our Vision A vibrant, active, collaborative civil society supporting people and their communities, particularly poor and vulnerable groups, to prepare for, mitigate, respond to and recover from extreme hazards, shocks and disturbances in a changing climate. Strategic Objectives GNDR has three mutually reinforcing objectives: 1. Increase the impact of civil society in influencing policies and practices at all levels 2. Enhance the collaboration capabilities of civil society and cooperation with other stakeholders 3. Strengthen the creation, sharing and uptake of knowledge and practice GNDR Secretariat The GNDR membership is supported by a small but effective international secretariat team operating through a global hub office in London and regional hub offices in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The GNDR Secretariat is legally constituted as a UK charity with the main responsibilities of facilitating the development, coordination and implementation of strategy, work plans and budgets, including membership services and mobilisation of adequate resources for the delivery of GNDR s strategic objectives. Main purpose of the role The Executive Director (Interim) is responsible for the overall development, leadership and management of GNDR under the guidance and direction of the Global Board, who function as the executive decision-making body mandated to act on behalf of the broader membership. The Executive Director serves as the head of GNDR s International Secretariat. 17 October

2 As GNDR s work grows in scale and impact, we are looking for an entrepreneurial manager and a proven leader to join the Secretariat and lead the implementation and continuous development of GNDR s strategy, in close consultation with the Board, Secretariat staff, members, partners and supporters. There is a unique opportunity to make a substantive contribution to the development and leadership of an innovative and rapidly growing civil society network. Position in the organisation Responsible to the Global Board / Trustees Reports to the Chair of GNDR s Global Board (currently Ms Farah Kabir) Head of the international Secretariat team Works in close collaboration with all GNDR members, partners, donors, supporters, advisors and volunteers Key Duties and Responsibilities The remit of this post will cover the following core responsibilities: 1. Strategic Leadership and Planning 2. Corporate Governance 3. Organisational Development and Management 4. Programme Development and Implementation 5. Resource Mobilisation and Management 6. Representation and Communications 7. Strategic Partnerships and Alliances 8. Knowledge Management / Organisational Learning 1. Strategic Leadership and Planning In close consultation with the Global Board and wider membership, lead an inclusive process to define, develop, outwork and review GNDR s vision, mission and strategy. Lead and support the Board and Secretariat team in the development of annualised work plans and budgets to support the implementation of the adopted strategy. 2. Corporate Governance Ongoing support to GNDR s global governance arrangements including ensuring an effective regionally-representative Global Board, a group of Trustees and associated regional advisory groups. Assist in the ongoing development of governance arrangements and procedures to ensure board members can adequately fulfil their tasks and responsibilities. Regularly review and enhance governance arrangements to ensure compliance with prevailing legal and statutory obligations for charitable organisations. 17 October

3 Maintain regular formal and informal communications with the Global Board / Trustees, ensuring the timely preparation and presentation of progress reports, briefings and conference calls, face-to-face meetings and other activities. Promote positive working relationships between GNDR s Global Board / Trustees, Secretariat staff, members, donors, partners and other stakeholders. 3. Organisational Development and Secretariat Management Lead the on-going development, day-to-day management and support to an expanding GNDR Secretariat team and associated consultants, advisors, volunteers and service providers, in order to ensure a high performing and motivated Secretariat team, at times during periods of intense operational activities and rapid organisational change. Oversee the timely recruitment, induction, management, training and development of both regional and UK-based Secretariat staff, including ensuring regular performance appraisals and personal development plans. Oversee the establishment, implementation and continuous enhancement of organisational infrastructure and office facilities, ICT infrastructure and communication channels. Oversee the development and enhancement of internal administration, finance and management policies and procedures, including internal communications, logistics and human resources policies and practices. Oversee the growth, development and management of GNDR s membership, including provision of appropriate membership support services including membership directory, registration and subscription processes, as appropriate. Ensure robust processes are in place to manage organisational risks and ensure compliance with prevailing legal and statutory requirements. Ensure communications and interaction between members are guided by shared values of trust; mutual accountability; gender equity; respect for diversity; openness to listen and learn from one another; and to work together in a caring, inclusive and collaborative way. 4. Programme Development and Implementation Oversight of the development and delivery of high quality programmes, projects and events coordinated and implemented by the GNDR secretariat and/ or our wider membership, in support of GNDR s strategic objectives. Support Secretariat staff in developing and coordinating key advocacy and campaign activities to influence policy discourse and raise critical awareness and engagement. 5. Resource Mobilisation and Management Identify, develop and maintain successful relationships with key donors, clients and partners, including commercial awareness of future funding opportunities. Oversee the development of GNDR funding strategy to ensure adequate, timely and sustainable resources to implement strategic objectives. Support the preparation and submission of high quality funding proposals to government donors and charitable trusts / foundations. 17 October

4 Oversee budget management and oversight of all financial aspects of GNDR operations, working closely with finance and other secretariat staff, ensuring compliance with donor / partner contractual obligations. Ensure provision to timely and high quality periodic and annual financial reports to Global Board, donors and statutory bodies ensuring compliance with donor policies and required reporting and audit regulations. 6. Representation and Communications Represent GNDR at a senior level amongst relevant stakeholders including local / national governments, inter-governmental agencies, institutional donors, private sector, civil society, academia, media and interested public. Actively network, build and sustain strong working relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders to promote GNDR relevancy and increase support from broad-based constituencies. Participate in expert panels and serve on relevant governance and risk / resilience advisory groups e.g. World Bank; UN; OECD; Concord / Voice / Bond. Ensure regular formal and informal communications, briefings and updates to keep GNDR members, board, partners and supporters informed of progress, needs and priorities, successes and challenges. Ensure internal and external reporting requirements are carried out in a timely manner and are of a high quality and compliant with GNDR branding. 7. Strategic Partnerships and Alliances Develop relationships (including developing MoUs) with other civil society networks and cross-disciplinary organisations and associations (i.e. sustainable development; climate change; social justice; environment; poverty etc.) to increase coherence and collaboration across traditional boundaries to strengthen resilience and reduce risk. Identify and develop strategic relationships and joint actions with relevant state and nonstate partners including local authorities networks, UN agencies, development banks, academia and research institutions, media, etc. 8. Knowledge Management / Organisational Learning Support the development of a monitoring and evaluation framework to measure the effectiveness of GNDR s work and progress towards strategic objectives. Work closely with the Programmes Manager and the Advocacy & Learning Coordinator to ensure that GNDR is a learning organisation that captures, co-creates, exchanges and facilitates the uptake of knowledge, experience and practices between members and partners. Ensure appropriate learning and knowledge management mechanisms and processes are in place, including an on-line learning portal, to capture lessons learnt and embed knowledge and learning in GNDR and members policies, plans, programmes and projects. Encourage and support the development of case studies, reports and other learning materials in conjunction with the wider GNDR membership. 17 October

5 Person Specification Title: Executive Director (Interim) ATTRIBUTE / SKILL ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS EXPERIENCE Masters level degree or higher Proficiency in written and spoken English and fluent in either Spanish and/or French Substantial and demonstrable experience and knowledge of international aid and development at a senior management and leadership level, both at headquarters and country-based positions. Familiar with current debates and policy / practice discourse on humanitarian action, disaster risk management, resilience, climate change adaptation and sustainable development Well-developed understanding of the Sendai Framework for DRR and other Agenda 2030 frameworks, including SDG/ WHS / Climate Change Experience of developing and implementing organisational strategy, operational plans and annual budgets Experience of managing country programmes in multiple locations with a flexible and pragmatic approach to managing and prioritising a high workload and multiple tasks within tight deadlines Understanding of corporate governance issues and working with a board of governors / trustees Experience of leading and managing civil society consortia and networks Strong track record of successfully managing multidisciplinary teams during periods of rapid organisational change and / or growth Experience in the design, management and implementation of development projects including financial planning and preparation of funding proposals and budgets Experience of securing financial and political support from bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors and strategic partners Proven results in securing multi-million grants and ability to maintain effective relationships with donors, national governments, development bank and UN agencies Academic qualification in international development Launching of new innovative initiatives and bringing them to full impact Senior level experience of public policy design or advocacy 17 October

6 SKILLS / ABILITIES PERSONAL QUALITIES An innovative and strategic thinker and planner who can guide the future vision and strategy of GNDR within the international resilience / sustainable development arena An influencer and critical analyst with ability to negotiate and advocate on issues of international public policy An entrepreneurial manager who can identify strategic opportunities and develop creative solutions in different contexts Excellent programme management skills, including the ability to plan and prioritise multiple projects under tight timelines and resource constraints Strong organisational development and management skills including ability to manage change and rapid growth Strong team building and people management skills, including remote management of multi-cultural teams, An ability to develop and maintain successful relationships with governments, donors, partners and foster effective collaboration and cooperation Diplomacy and gravitas to engage and influence effectively with senior level government officials and heads of UN agencies and international organisations A facilitative approach to decision-making and the ability to lead and inspire a small, dynamic and highly performing Secretariat team, including distance management skills Ability to work collaboratively with diverse coalitions and alliances, as well as independently Excellent communications, representation and presentation skills, with fluent written and spoken skills, complemented by proficiency in other international languages Good ICT and computer skills Comfortable in cross cultural communication with people from different backgrounds Flexibility and problem solving ability to work in a flexible, dynamic environment Willingness to learn and open to new ways of working A calm, confident and welcoming manner Good organisational and effective time management skills Able to take initiative, work under minimal supervision and be flexible / adaptable An ability to travel overseas, at short notice if required, including to insecure and remote environments Appreciation of project management tools and frameworks Fluency in other languages, preferably French or Spanish Commitment to GNDR s values and principles Strong ICT and multi-media skills 17 October

7 INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS Only candidates who are currently eligible to reside and work within the UK should apply Fixed-term full-time contract The contract will be offered on a fixed-term basis for up to 8 months and satisfactory completion of 3-month probationary period. Ideal start date: Expected November/December 2017 Based in: London, Teddington Office, with regular international travel Office hours: Five days per week: Monday - Friday 35 hour working week between 9.00am 5.00pm with 1 hour for lunch Flexible working hour options will be considered with core hours 10-4pm Annual leave: 25 days per year pro rata + statutory bank hols Sick leave scheme: Based on length of service - See GNDR HR Policies Life Assurance Scheme Non-contributory pension scheme: For permanent staff members over 18 years old as follows 18 years old % of salary 50 years old % of salary 60 years old % of salary New staff service: 3-month probationary period with mid-term review. Notice period 3 months Salary: 70,000 P.A. Apply: To apply for this position all applicants must send a covering letter and resume (CV) to info@gndr.org with subject Executive Director - interim. Phone / Skype and/or Face-to-Face interviews will be arranged for short-listed candidates. Only candidates chosen for interviews will be contacted. Closing date for applications is 31 October October