Interreg V B Atlantic Area Joint Secretariat Director Recruitment

Transcription

1 Interreg V B Atlantic Area Joint Secretariat Director Recruitment Vacancy: Director, Atlantic Area Programme Joint Secretariat Gross Salary: 5000/month x 14 months Location of post: Porto, Portugal Type of opportunity: Duration of the programme This post requires frequent travel within the programme area and therefore a flexible approach is essential. Background The Atlantic Area Transnational Cooperation Programme (INTERREG VB Atlantic Area) is part of European Territorial Cooperation , a policy framework that supports cooperation between regions in the European Union, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. The Programme should contribute to strengthen cooperation by means of actions conducive to integrated territorial development linked to the Union s cohesion policy priorities and the Union strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and to the achievement of economic, social and territorial cohesion. The programme serves the Atlantic regions from France, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and United Kingdom. For more details, please see also The Joint Secretariat (JS) team is responsible for the daily management of the Programme, assisting the Managing Authority, Member States and other Programme bodies with the overall management of the Programme. It is also responsible for ensuring that it provides the technical support to potential beneficiaries, help manage the project application and selection procedures, ensuring that the programme management and control operations are effectively managed to minimise potential risks and liabilities. In order to achieve its goals the programme is seeking to recruit a Director who has key strategic experience to lead, motivate and manage the Joint Secretariat team responsible for the day to day management and delivery of the programme. The ideal candidate will have excellent skills in communication, a sound understanding of financial management and demonstrate the leadership, management and interpersonal skills necessary for the role of the Director. Key Responsibilities Manage a team of 7 within the programme s Joint Secretariat, leading, motivating and inspiring them to deliver the programme successfully; 1

2 Manage the team s management and control activities in relation to the smooth running of the programme, monitoring and improving activities and reporting to the Monitoring Committee of progress being made including any potential issues/risks to delivery; Act as the main point of contact with the Managing Authority and programme Member States, as well as programme stakeholders and other ETC programmes; Manage the relationship management between the JS team, Member States and National Correspondents so that the JS team are communicating and engaging with key stakeholders across the programme to improve knowledge and skills needed to improve the management and delivery of the programme; Communicate confidently and clearly to disseminate key programme information through different channels, including at public events, with the aim of increasing overall participation and promotion of the Atlantic Area Programme; Seek innovative solutions to issues, identify good practice and use own initiative to develop new ways of working to improve existing management procedures. Job Specific Tasks 1. Staff Management Recruitment and selection of the JS team; Management of the Joint Secretariat, its staff and budgets, including organising appropriate training events and documents for internal and external use; Implementation and management of the teams training and development plan to increase skills and expertise within the JS team; Management and delivery of the annual JS individual performance reviews; Management of underperformance. 2. Programme Management Coordinate and supervise all JS tasks relating to the technical implementation and delivery of the programme, including calls for projects, project generation, assessment of applications, contracting, support, monitoring and assessment of project implementation, project amendments, audits and closure process; Oversee the tight control of resources to meet the programme s and EU objectives; Implement effective project and programme management strategies and plans to deliver: o A more robust approach to business planning, resource management and control of the expenditure in the programme; o Mitigation of risks to minimise financial risks and liabilities to the programme; o Full compliance to Programme Rules and EU regulations; 2

3 Oversee the monitoring of approved operations and any financial issues, including looking for solutions to any issues which may occur; Coordinate and contribute to Programme relevant documents, including annual programmes of activities and TA budget, reports, monthly dashboards, calls for proposals strategies, project databases, Annual Action Plan, Annual Implementation Report etc.; Represent the JS at Monitoring Committee meetings and ensure that all documents are prepared and circulated in advance of Monitoring Committee meetings and that any followup of Monitoring Committee decisions are accurately noted and delivered within agreed timescales; Monitor and coordinate programme audits; Coordinate JS support to programme closure and new programme preparation; Seek opportunities for continuous improvement of the programme and the management of the JS team. 3. Liaison With the Managing Authority, Certifying Authority, Audit Authority, Member States/National Correspondents and the European Commission; With INTERACT, ESPON, other INTERREG programmes and relevant bodies and networks to build synergies and relations; With Atlantic Networks: Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) Atlantic Transnational Network, (RTA-ATN), Conference of Atlantic Arc Cities (CAAC), towards a coordinated involvement in the Atlantic Area territory. 4. Communication Lead and present to communicate the Atlantic Area Programme to stakeholders through public events, seminars and presentations; Coordinate internal and external dissemination of messages and communication procedures; Coordinate the preparation and implementation of a communication strategy/plan to collect, synthesize, disseminate and communicate project and programme achievements; Stimulate the exchange and dissemination of good practice in cooperation, involving the relevant stakeholders and actors; Coordinate and supervise the development of forward studies and strategic guidelines. The Candidate Person Specification: Essential Criteria Excellent command of spoken and written English and a good knowledge of another AA official language (French, Spanish, Portuguese); University degree in relevant discipline(s) (e.g.: economics, regional planning, public administration, business sciences) or professional equivalent experience; 3

4 Excellent knowledge of transnational cooperation and a strong knowledge of the EU cohesion policy framework; Proven economic and thematic knowledge of administrative, technical and financial management of European Programmes; Demonstrable leadership, management and networking skills; An effective communicator at all levels, with the ability to translate ideas and strategies into actions. Person Specification: Desirable Criteria Working command of all AA official languages (English, French, Spanish and Portuguese); At least 5 years experience in international affairs and/or EU-funded projects, preferably in the field of transnational cooperation; Good knowledge of EU territorial development planning systems and policies, particularly those aligned to the Atlantic Area Programme; At least 5 years experience in people management, in particular the management of an international team; Knowledge of European Union legislation, in particular structural funds and financial regulations; Experience of working in a political context. Essential Competencies needed for the post Setting Direction Ability to seek and encourage ideas, improvements and measured risk taking within own area to deliver better approaches and services Engaging People Ability to communicate with conviction and clarity in the face of tough negotiations or challenges Ability to build a high performing team, aligned around common goals Delivering Results Ability to maintain and improve service by managing risks to ensure own team and partners deliver against defined outcomes Ability to translate strategic priorities into clear outcome-focused objectives for the team and provide the energy and drive in achievement of these objectives How to Apply Interested applicants should submit the following documents: Curriculum Vitae in standardised Europass format in English: Copies of certificates and other relevant documents proving qualifications; 4

5 At least two reference letters, one supporting experience of team leadership and the other supporting experience of European programme management. These documents will constitute the basis for the first stage of candidate selection. Please submit the application by to: Applications must arrive no later than 4 December 2015, 17H00 GMT All candidates successful at this first stage will be notified and requested to attend a second stage interview in Porto, Portugal (date to be announced). All costs of travel & accommodation required to attend the interview will be met by the Programme. For detailed terms and conditions of employment, please see the document with information for candidates. 5