Global Knowledge For Global Change Appointment of Director
Contents Introduction p. 3 About IDS p. 5 Governance and Management p. 7 Funding p. 11 The Role p. 13 Person Specification p. 15 Terms of Appointment p. 17 How to Apply p. 18
Introduction from the Chair In mid-2014, Lawrence Haddad steps down after 10 successful years as Director of the Institute of Development Studies, a period of great change in the world, and in the work of the Institute, as it responds to these changes while building on its core strengths around research, teaching and professional development, and knowledge services. It s a post that gives an unusual opportunity to be creative and to be heard in areas that matter enormously for the poor and disadvantaged around the world. You could be the ideal candidate. As the new Director, you will inherit an organisation with an international reputation, based on many years of innovative research and related activities on development, and its deep-seated willingness to challenge orthodoxy. The Board highly diverse and international is very supportive and our worldwide network of alumni is a strength to build on. The Institute has some 240 staff, including approximately 65 fellows, a turnover of 20million a year, a strong pipeline of work, and a wide range of partnerships across the world. A recently-signed Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Sussex has helped to clarify and codify important aspects of this key relationship. An academic title may be available from the University if applicable. From my perspective as Board Chair, there are three broad areas of activity where you will have particular scope for creative action. The first is positioning IDS in the changing environment as it approaches the 50th anniversary of its establishment in the very different world of 1966 and comes to the end of the period covered by the existing strategy. This is a significant moment for IDS to determine its ambitions for impact, as the world looks forward to the changing patterns of development, which form the context in which IDS can carry forward its vision of a world in which poverty does not exist, social justice prevails, and economic growth is focused on improving human wellbeing. You have a real opportunity to help shape what the Institute will do over the rest of the decade. 3
The second is building and diversifying IDS s funding base, not least when a multi-year Accountable Grant from DFID reaches its term in 2016, and to ensure the financial viability and sustainability of the Institute over the medium term. Your ideas, your contacts and your ability to demonstrate the relevance of what IDS does will be very important to taking this forward. The third is supporting, motivating and managing a diverse and lively group of staff to deliver excellence in all their work, whether in research, in teaching and professional development, in knowledge services or in the support functions. Your management style, communication skills, and ability to balance collegiality and consensusbuilding with the need to take decisions will be hugely important to the Institute s overall culture, to its ability to attract and retain high-quality staff and to its overall effectiveness and credibility. These areas, central as they are, by no means define the whole range of activities which will engage your attention, and you will also have scope to shape the content of the job yourself there should, for example, be an opportunity to continue and develop your own research and policy interests if you wish. This adds up to a great opportunity for you to work with a unique team in an influential institution to help shape the future of thinking and practice in tackling some of the world s most complex and significant challenges. The pack sets out the qualities we are seeking for this post, but I want also to emphasise that no-one will have equal strengths in all areas, and that we are open to candidates with a wide range of skills, background and experience so long as you have real enthusiasm for making a difference. Richard Manning Chair 4
About the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) IDS works to improve people s lives worldwide through cutting-edge research, teaching and knowledge services. Our vision is a world in which poverty does not exist, social justice prevails and economic growth is focused on improving human wellbeing. We believe that research knowledge can drive the change that must happen in order for this vision to be realised. Founded in 1966, IDS enjoys an international reputation based on the quality of our work and our commitment to applying academic skills to real-world challenges. IDS is dedicated to academic research, teaching, policy development and professional development. We constantly pursue novel research solutions that can be acted upon by decision makers and communities. IDS currently hosts six research teams, a portfolio of knowledge services, and in partnership with the University of Sussex, several postgraduate courses. These three spheres are integrated in a unique combination as a global development knowledge hub, IDS is connected into and is a conveyor of networks throughout the world. The Institute is home to approximately 100 researchers, 40 knowledge services staff, 65 professional staff and about 200 MA and PhD students at any one time. The IDS community extends far beyond, encompassing an extensive network of over 250 partners, 1,600 members of the Alumni Association and hundreds of former staff across the development community worldwide. 5
Current Strategic Aims Our strategy to 2015 is currently based on four strategic aims: 1. We will build new relationships with people and organisations outside the aid industry who are influential in determining the rate and pattern of global change. 2. We will link different perspectives so that many people can contribute their knowledge to generate research that is more grounded and relevant. 3. We will be present where it counts to persuade people who make decisions about development and aid to imagine and choose the right options. 4. We will build our institute to be fit for purpose to ensure that our culture, resources, systems and structures deliver on the first three aims. 6
Governance & Management The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) was founded in 1966 as an independent research institute based at the University of Sussex. IDS has close links with the University, but is financially and constitutionally independent. As a UK registered charity and limited company, IDS is governed by a Board of Trustees, who are responsible for agreeing our overall strategy, setting policy, monitoring performance and promoting the interests of the Institute. Our Board of Trustees consists of people from UK and overseas organisations with expertise in international development, research and policy. It includes two staff trustees and one trustee nominated by IDS alumni. There are various sub-committees of the Board which include: The Nominations Committee which consults widely about membership and aims to appoint according to a range of expertise and characteristics that support and reflect the Institute's work. 7
The Resources and Audit Committee which is charged with overseeing and approving the annual budget, the financial policy and performance of the Institute, including the financial out-turn and statutory accounts, and strategic human resources matters. The Remuneration Committee which determines the Director s salary and that of senior staff. The Fellowship Review and Promotions Board which reviews individual Fellow performance periodically and agrees promotion; and which includes external peer review. IDS has a Strategic Management Group chaired by the Director and comprising the DSO, Research Team Leaders, Head of Knowledge Services and Director of Teaching. A series of sub-committees meet three-five times a year and undertake detailed work and decision-making in support of SMG, in the areas of Research Strategy; Risk Management; ICT; Resources; and Space. Each is currently chaired by a member of SMG and includes members with relevant responsibilities as well as members nominated by the Fellowship and the professional staff. The full SMG meets bi-monthly, interspersed with meetings of the Process Group, a sub-set of the full SMG and comprising the Chairs of the sub-committees. The Teaching Management Group brings together conveners of the taught MA programmes and the DPhil convener. 8
IDS also has two representative bodies that represent the views of staff and assist in internal communication the Research and Teaching Forum and the Staff Council. It also recognises two Trades Unions for the purposes of negotiating aspects of staff pay and conditions. The current management structure is as follows: 9
IDS Reporting and Management Structure 10
Funding IDS has an annual turnover of 20m. IDS receives no core funding. Funds are secured from a range of organisations and represent a combination of research grants and contracts, and fees from advisory work, teaching, and publication sales. Our largest five funders and the % of IDS income they contributed in 2011/12 were: 1. UK Department for International Development (43.0%) 2. Economic and Social Research Council (7.7%) 3. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (6.3%) 4. European Union (5.8%) 5. Rockefeller Foundation (5.6%) 11
IDS finances income 2011/12 expenditure 2011/12 research 69.3% research 51.8% knowledge services 15.1% knowledge services 18.9% central support 12.5% professional support* 11.4% teaching 9.2% trading/other 2.6% teaching 6.9% trading 2.3% ids income 2011/12 # 18m 16m 14m 12m 10m 8m 6m 13.4m 15.9m 16.8m 16.7m 16.8m 4m 2007/8 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2m Central support includes research administration, depreciation and library services. 0 * Professional support includes Central Communications, Directorate, Facilities, # Excludes teaching and trading income. Finance, Human Resources and IT. 2011/12 12
The Role: Director The Director of IDS supports the Board in the governance and strategic leadership of the Institute. S/he will have overall responsibility, working with the Board and Institute colleagues, for shaping and implementing IDS s strategy for research, teaching and knowledge services and is accountable for leading a team of senior managers in the delivery of strategy and sound management practices across the Institute. The Director provides strategic intellectual leadership and plays a significant and influential role in representing and positioning the Institute to increase its profile, build partnerships and manage relationships with external stakeholders; including funding partners. The Director is the Chief Executive of IDS and will be expected to agree strategic objectives with the Chair of the Board of Trustees for which s/he will be held accountable. The Director currently has 14 direct reports. Strategic Leadership and Governance Working with the Board to develop a long term vision and strategy with clear and measurable objectives, and associated operational plans. Planning and leading the implementation of organisational strategy, including monitoring, evaluation and reporting of progress against IDS s mission. Supporting the Institute in the delivery of its objectives through continual horizon scanning in regards to principal global themes and challenges which relate to the work of the Institute, or to which the Institute may wish to relate its activities. Facilitating a culture that enables people to maximize their ability to deliver outstanding research, teaching, knowledge services and professional support in pursuit of the strategy. Ensuring an effective working relationship and collaboration with the University of Sussex. Ensuring appropriate governance arrangements in line with the Institute s charitable status and the requirements of the Charity Commission and to support the Chair and Trustees. 13
Operational Leadership Ensuring the effective management of IDS in accordance with its strategies and policies, and being responsible for the implementation of these. Ensuring that policies, systems, structures and practices are in place for the efficient and effective delivery of the IDS strategy. Responsibility for the overall financial health of the Institute, including driving and supporting the Institute s income generation and ensuring its financial stability. Providing leadership for an effective fundraising strategy that looks to diversify the current income stream. Ensuring open and effective internal communications within IDS. Providing leadership for creating a culture that appropriately supports and challenges staff, that enables them to give of their best, and that promotes collegiality. External Representation Acting as an influential and powerful voice for IDS with external stakeholders, including engagement with policy makers, funders and the media to ensure it can have the greatest impact globally. Working with colleagues to build effective relationships with key individuals and organisations externally, including forming networks and fostering collaborative partnerships in order to support the Institute s agenda. Developing strong, lifelong relations with alumni for mutual benefit. Maintaining and enhancing the Institute s collaborative activities and forging effective partnerships, especially with institutions and people in developing countries that contribute to the research agenda and to policy formation and implementation. Prepared to challenge currently commonly accepted orthodoxies and prevailing attitudes. 14
Person Specification IDS wishes to encourage applications from leaders drawn from a wide variety of backgrounds, who would bring international experience of development, research, policy and practice. Candidates must be of exceptional calibre with values that align with IDS s purpose and ethos along with vision and clear leadership qualities. Applications are welcome from candidates wishing to remain research active whilst recognising that this is predominantly a leadership role. Preferably, the Director should have: Skills, Knowledge & Experience A PhD or other doctorate in a relevant discipline or equivalent research experience. A successful track record of leadership in a multi-faceted organisation. The academic and intellectual credibility to command respect and inspire staff from different disciplines, students and external stakeholders. An understanding of the external environment and changing context in which IDS operates. Evidence of strong strategic leadership and the ability to unite people behind a compelling vision. Demonstrable experience of initiating and implementing change, where needed, and delivering desired outcomes. Experience of working in and with partners from low and middle income countries. A track record of leading and undertaking research in international development and proven ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams. 15
Practical people management experience and the ability to create a supportive and transparent working culture, enabling people to deliver against agreed goals and holding them to account. Preferably, a demonstrable track record of fundraising and in identifying opportunities for alternative and additional income generation. The ability and presence to promote the Institute on a global basis with confidence and authority, through the full range of media. A clear understanding of the importance and of the evolving scope for using new technology/social media to promote the Institute s work. The ability to appreciate, contribute to and value the wide range of research interests in the Institute. Personal Qualities & Values Personal integrity and high ethical standards. Emotional intelligence including the ability to listen and have strong empathy with all members of the Institute. The ability to demonstrate good judgment and sound decision making skills. Exceptional internal and external communication skills. A demonstrable commitment to IDS s values and mission. A deep insight into the issues and causes of poverty, social and economic injustice, inequities, suffering and its various manifestations around the world. The qualities necessary to be a genuine champion for the empowerment of people living in poverty or with injustice. 16
Terms of Appointment The role is based in Sussex but entails international travel for high level representational purposes. The salary package will be competitive and negotiable depending on experience. The appointment will be for an initial term of five years with scope for extension. Appointment Process IDS wishes to have confirmed the appointment of Director by the end of 2013. The Selection Committee, chaired by Richard Manning, is being supported in the recruitment process by Perrett Laver, who are conducting an executive search exercise alongside the public advertisement of this post. Perrett Laver will meet potentially qualified candidates throughout July, August and September. Applications are welcomed until 3 September 2013. The Selection Committee will subsequently meet with Perrett Laver to agree the Shortlist of candidates who will be invited to final interviews. The final interviews and assessment exercises will take place in late September/early October. 17
How to Apply Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae and a covering letter of application that addresses the role description and person specification. To apply or to download the appointment details for further information, please visit www.perrettlaver.com/candidates, quoting reference 1277. The closing date for applications is midday (BST) on Tuesday 3rd September 2013. Applicants are asked to provide full daytime and evening contact details. Equality and diversity is at the core of our values and staff are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected. IDS values diversity and is committed to equal opportunities; applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates who meet the stated criteria. 18