JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION Job Title: Division: Grade: Head of Section, Social Policy Development Economic Social and Sustainable Development E Reports to: Director, Economic Social and Sustainable Development General information The Commonwealth Secretariat is an inter-governmental organisation made up of 52 Member States and is in the process of transforming the organisation focusing on our areas of comparative advantage. The Secretary-General as the Chief Executive of the organisation needs to be confident that the organisation structure, processes and systems are aligned with the organisation s new strategy. The Commonwealth Secretariat in meeting the needs of its 52 Member States has contributed extensively in advocating for Small States, Climate Change Financing, Good Governance, Gender, Youth, Health, Education and the Rule of Law in Member States. The Secretariat will continue to build on these foundations and at the same time continue to support the implementation of Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), COP23 and the Commonwealth Charter. The outcome of the Secretariat s Transformation Programme is to make the Secretariat more efficient, effective and responsive. This entails a more focused concentration and effort on the areas of our comparative advantage and the potential to deepen the impact of our work. Therefore, the Secretariat is seeking to have an optimal organisation structure which will support the implementation of the Agenda 2030 SDGs, the Commonwealth Charter and COP23; encourage and foster innovation and experimentation. The Economic Social and Sustainable Development Division has four Sections including the Social Policy Development Section which comprises of Education, Gender, Youth and Health. A central aim of this Section is to assist Commonwealth countries in achieving the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. The programme of activities involves a multisectoral approach to promote building safe and resilient societies as a direct contribution to equitable growth and sustainable development. Member governments will be provided with advice on education, health, youth and gender policy development as well as provision of model strategies, tools and frameworks. The Social Policy Development Section is also responsible for organising and servicing the triennial meetings of Ministers of Education, Ministers of Women s Affairs, as well as annual meetings of Ministers of Health and Ministers of Youth and Sports. 1
Job Summary Reporting to the Director the post holder leads the Section in its work on monitoring and assessing developments in education, health, youth and gender in the Commonwealth. He/she provides advice to the Secretary-General, through the Director to governments, and to stakeholders. The job requires the holder to demonstrate sound political judgement and effective leadership and management skills. Key Accountabilities The post holder will: Lead on conceptualisation, design and development of policies and programmes to implement the Secretariat s mandate on health, education, youth and gender. Ensure the development, management and review of programmes, annual work plans, midterm reviews and other programming processes are effectively completed on time, in close collaboration with the Director of the Division. All financial inputs are in line with the policies and procedures as well as agreed programme strategies. Ensure that all programme implementation is regularly monitored and evaluated to ensure achievement of results. Ensure that technical decisions on programme and /or project administration and implementation are coordinated and facilitated with other Divisions/Sections with the aim to promote convergence and integration of the sustainable development programme in Health, Education, Youth and Gender. Provide leadership for the Section and be responsible for the overall and day-to-day management of the activities including preparation of the work programmes and management of performance. Provide advice to the Director on the social political and economic issues relevant to health, education, youth and gender. Lead and manage the establishment of partnerships and building networks within the Commonwealth Secretariat, member countries, multilateral and donor agencies and other international stakeholders. Participate in the development of wider Secretariat strategies and policies. Manage the resources to deliver objectives to time, budget, and agreed quality standards. Create an environment for staff in which they can achieve professional and personal goals, remain engaged and motivated to contribute to the Secretariat and the implementation of its programmes. Provide advice to governments and institutional partners. Act as Conference Secretary and co-ordinate preparatory and follow-up work for relevant Ministerial meetings. Represent the Secretariat externally at a senior level. Encourage research, development and publication of case studies on good practice. Develop partnerships with multilateral and bilateral agencies and Commonwealth professional associations. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director. 2
Person specification Education Essential: A minimum of a post-graduate degree in Social Policy Development or related field of study. Experience Essential: A minimum of 8 years experience, including at senior management level, directing a team of professionals, in a governmental or in an inter-governmental organisation or a Non-Governmental Organisation. Competencies Extensive experience in social science analysis and policy development particularly in an international context. Specialist knowledge and experience in at least one of the three following fields: Health, Education, Youth and Gender with a working knowledge of the other areas. Proven record of effective people management and communication skills All staff appointed to the Secretariat are expected to meet the core requirement of working effectively and sensitively in a multicultural environment. The person should be able to demonstrate: Professional and Management Capabilities Ability to provide seasoned, effective, specialised advice on policy issues and on the design, development and management of a broad range of social political and economic issues relevant to health, education, youth and gender. Ability to generate innovative responses to problems facing governments and instititutions in member countries, including ability to secure commitment of institutions and governments to new strategic thinking and innovative ideas. Strong leadership and management skills. Ability to create and deliver practical achievable plans. A track record of delivering high quality results. Proven ability to motivate staff, manage performance and delegate effectively. 3
Vision and Strategic Thinking Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks; ability to identify clients' needs and appropriate solutions; ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships. Communication Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing. Good IT skills. Teamwork Ability to lead and gain the assistance and cooperation of others; to foster harmonious and effective teamwork within the Division and across Divisions in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity to bring about best results. Diversity Management Ability to relate and perform effectively across organisational boundaries; to work sensitively and inclusively in a diverse multinational and multicultural setting. Competencies: Respect for Diversity Works effectively with people from all backgrounds. Treats all people with dignity and respect. Treats men and women equally. Shows respect and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates understanding in daily work and decision making. Examines own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses and does not discriminate against any individual or group. Creates an environment where respect for diversity is embedded in behaviours, systems and processes. Communication Establishes a culture of constant, consistent, clear and open communication. Ensures information is communicated to and from the top level and filtered through the appropriate channels. Communicates effectively with and gains understanding of top level stakeholders e.g. Heads of member states. Planning & Analysis Organises work programme with full cognizance of Board of Governance requirements. Effectively assesses and advises on major programmes/activities at a divisional level. Balances focus in order to deliver both Commonwealth Secretariat and member states goals. Ability to interpret incomplete and/or ambiguous information. Effectively analyses and assesses new or uncertain critical situations. Decision Making 4
Makes informed decisions that are instrumental to the direction and profile of the Commonwealth Secretariat in general. Is confident of making strategic/critical decisions with limited information in time pressured situations. Applies advanced judgement in the approval of corrective action for the resolution of organisation wide issues. Creates a culture that values ownership of decisions and leads by example. Adhering to Principles & Values Defines Commonwealth Secretariat values. Sets example and embodies Commonwealth Secretariat principles and values. Demonstrably protects the reputation of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Interprets and implements Commonwealth Secretariat principles and values. Leadership & Development (strategic) Provide vision and overall strategy for the Commonwealth Secretariat. Creates a vision where the reputation of the Commonwealth Secretariat is upheld and consistently evolving. Communicates the Commonwealth Secretariat s vision, achievements and impact in a manner that inspires enthusiasm amongst employees, member states and external parties. Establishes a culture where the creation and capitalisation of opportunities for staff development and fulfilment is promoted and valued. Provide top level professional advice in strategic issues at management committee, board of governors and ExCo level. Lead on strategic issues. May 2017 5