MS SOCIETY JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Location: Reports to: Country Director Northern Ireland Belfast Director of External Affairs Introduction to MS Society The MS Society is the UK s leading MS charity. Since 1953, we ve been providing information and support, funding research and fighting for change. We fund research, give grants, campaign for change, provide information and support, invest in MS specialists and lend a listening ear to those who need it. The MS Society is a democratic organisation. Every one of our 36,000 members has an equal say in what we do. We are also supported by 5,500 volunteer roles and around 300 staff members. Our Mission Our mission is to enable everyone affected by MS to live life to their full potential and secure the care and support they need, until we ultimately find a cure. Our aim is to beat MS. Context of Work Around 100,000 people in the UK have MS. It affects two million more. We offer hope for the future by investing millions in research, and help for today through our information, support and campaigning. People with MS guide our work. Our volunteers and supporters shape our research programme through our Research Network, help us provide support locally through our branches and groups and help us write our publications. Our paid staff provide support, information and services to people affected by MS, work with healthcare professionals and raise funds in four national offices and communities across the UK. Originally founded in 1953, today, the Society now has 36,000 members and groups throughout the UK including Cymru, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Each of the countries has a Director. The Society s work has inspired thousands of volunteers, supporters and staff members to make a difference to the lives people affected by MS.
Responsible for The Country Director is responsible for providing leadership, direction and management of the MS Society Northern Ireland in line with the Society s UK-wide corporate strategy. S/he also acts as the principal representative and spokesperson of the Society in Northern Ireland and is the main adviser to the MS Society NI Council. As a member of the Executive Group, the Director will contribute to the leadership, strategy and general management of the Society as a whole. Key Relationships The post holder works closely with the Trustees, Chief Executive, Executive Directors, Directors, staff and volunteers (including nation council members, group volunteers and people affected by MS), senior policy makers, decision makers, professionals, external partners, supporters and donors. Accountability This is a key leadership role that supports our mission to enable everyone affected by MS to live life to their full potential and secure the care and support they need, until we ultimately find a cure. The MS Society Country Director will lead the Society in Northern Ireland by: Providing leadership, direction and management of the MS Society Northern Ireland in line with the Society s UK-wide corporate strategy Represent the MS Society NI at a senior levels and actively influence policy and practice in line with the MS Society s key calls Building and maintaining successful strategic partnerships with charitable, not for profit organisations, private partnerships and individuals in Northern Ireland in line with the corporate strategy, business plan and budget Developing strategies for effective stakeholder management for the MS Society NI and to work in partnership with other individuals, groups and agencies regarding services, support and operations Act as the principal representative and spokesperson in Northern Ireland as an inspiring and articulate spokesperson to all key audiences including groups, members, people affected by MS, donors, and policy makers(ensuring all messages are in line with Society policy) General management of all activities and operations in MS Society Northern Ireland As a member of the Executive Group, to take collegiate responsibility for corporate planning, organisational development, risk and operational management of the MS Society across the UK Country Director Northern Ireland JD April 2018 2 of 9
Leading, motivating and developing a high quality team, ensuring that staff and volunteers all work in accordance with the standards set out in the Human Resources policies and procedures, customer service protocols, industry and governance standards Supporting people with MS to achieve positive outcomes in the best and most effective way To model and promote the MS Society s values and leadership behaviours Responsibility To develop and implement a three year strategy, business plan and budget, incorporating impact measurement and assessment, for MS Society NI To prepare and critically review an annual plan, annual budget and impact assessment for MS Society NI To support local fundraisers in income generation, in particular in preparing accurate and detailed information regarding services, support, operations and local groups in NI where appropriate Ensuring implementation of corporate strategies in NI in line with MSS wide best practice standards and corporate strategy Ensuring compliance of all contracts and agreement conditions, regulations and guidance To be accountable for the monitoring and reporting on performance against MS Society NI objectives, outcomes and KPIs and alerting the appropriate staff in a timely manner of issues to enable corrective action to be taken as required to ensure that social impact income is maximised To ensure excellent administration of MS Society NI and a clear focus on driving improvements in quality, impact and performance To develop, engage and motivate MS Society NI staff To ensure adherence to the MS Society s Governance regulations Ensuring that the MS Society is effectively utilising digital approaches to maximise our ability to collaborate, communicate and continuously learn. This will be an organisational wide leadership role through role modelling and a directorate responsibility by applying it in your own specialist area. Budget: As per business plan for MS Society NI budget Detailed responsibilities Governance To report to the UK Board on strategy and performance on all the NI strategy, budget and business plan Country Director Northern Ireland JD April 2018 3 of 9
To inform the National Council on the implementation of agreed policies, plans and overall direction of the MS Society in NI To act as the principal adviser to the Council To work closely with the elected council chair to provide leadership and direction to the MS Society NI in accordance with the Council s authority to act To ensure that policies and practices in MS Society NI are in accordance with those agreed for the Society as a whole, and comply with the constitution of the MS Society, the law, the requirements of the Charity Commission and The Regulation Quality and Improvement Authority To ensure that the Council and other groups of the Society in the Nation (e.g.local groups) function effectively and are appropriately supported to enable them to fulfil their responsibilities Effective delivery of MS Society strategy in Northern Ireland To implement the MS Society s three year strategy, business plan and budget in NI To pursue the Society s research, influencing and services and support goals in NI To identify external challenges and opportunities within the sector as a basis for strategic planning, including the identification of potential partnerships To propose and develop plans for the medium term to secure the Society s objectives in NI To produce annual plans and budgets for the Society in NI in line with the planning cycle for the UK Public policy and campaigning To act as the principal representative of the Society in Northern Ireland and influence public policy in NI, in accordance with the Society s priorities To ensure that the Society s public policy and campaigns work takes account of issues specific to NI To form and maintain influential and productive relationships with policy makers and opinion formers in NI that results in a change in policy and practice in line with the Society s key calls To ensure that the work in the MS Society NI is evidenced based and independent in public policy matters is maintained at all times Direct services To implement the services and support strategy for NI which meets defined outcomes, quality, standards and value in line with the UK-wide services and support strategy To ensure best practice in services and support and evaluation so that what we provide influences what others commission Country Director Northern Ireland JD April 2018 4 of 9
To ensure effective quality, standards and risk management is in place across all services and support provided by paid staff and volunteers on behalf of the MS Society in NI To intervene in a timely manner where there are serious concerns in respect of governance, quality or health and safety in the provision of services and support Local Groups, members and Volunteers To provide the support, guidance to local groups in Northern Ireland to allow them to fulfil their potential within the Society s procedures and rules To ensure that the Society s rules for local groups and members are observed in NI To act as a link between local groups in NI and the MS National Centre To work to promote good local/national communications and cooperation To develop good communications between members and the MS Society and other MS Society groups To be visible and accessible to the local groups and volunteers in NI To implement the Society s Volunteer Strategy in NI Research Within the Society s overall research programme, to stimulate awareness and interest in biomedical and applied research in support of the UK wide research strategy To ensure the dissemination of the results of any research in partnership with colleagues in the research directorate Fundraising To develop and implement the Society s fundraising plans in NI In conjunction with the Executive Director of Engagement and Fundraising and the Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, to ensure that the fundraising programme in NI provides optimum income, lifetime and long term sustainable income. To work with the Society s fundraising team to ensure the most effective and productive division of work between staff in NI Marketing and Communications To input into and implement the Society s marketing & communications plans in NI To monitor and report public perceptions of MS, the Society and its work in NI To work with the Society s marketing & communications team to ensure the most effective and productive division of work between staff in NI To ensure that public opinion and sensitivities are taken properly into account in all fundraising and marketing activities in NI To promote and protect the MS Society s brand in Northern Ireland Country Director Northern Ireland JD April 2018 5 of 9
Financial Management Propose and be accountable for the efficient management of expenditure, including effective budget preparation, planning, monitoring and review Ensure effective financial and resource management of all budget holders, providing advice and guidance as necessary Staff Management The leadership, recruitment, development, retention and appraisal of staff in accordance with the standards set out in the Human Resources policies and procedures. General Compliance with MSS s governance procedures Ensure compliance with MSS policies on working with people with MS, Volunteers, Recruiting Safely, Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Equality & Diversity Ensure compliance with MSS guidelines on the requirements of Disclosure, where applicable Meet the contractual and regulatory requirements for the NI Day Centre Other Duties To be prepared to be away from home overnight, as the job reasonably demands To undertake any other works as could be expected of a Country Director PERSON SPECIFICATION The successful candidate will be an experienced individual and a motivational leader, with a background of working at Senior Management level. (S)he will be a strong general manager the considerable skills and knowledge of working within the voluntary/not for profit sector/or a public sector role, with the ability to network with senior personnel in the public, private and voluntary sectors. The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate that they understand the challenges that face people with MS in their area, be enthusiastic and passionate about the work that MSS does and inspired to deliver high positive outcomes for the people with MS we serve through both direct and non-direct reporting teams. Professional/Technical qualifications Qualified to degree level (or equivalent) and/or evidence of continuous professional development. Country Director Northern Ireland JD April 2018 6 of 9
Experience Essential: A proven track record of success in leading and managing a complex operation that is geographically dispersed or a multi-site environment of comparable size and complexity, to deliver high quality results to deadlines and under pressure Experience of working with relevant statutory and voluntary organisations and of influencing policy, practice and managing stakeholders at the most senior levels Experience of working in a senior team to develop a high level strategy and business plan, and work in unity with the team to communicate and implement the plan Demonstrable experience of applying effective problem solving techniques when the situation demands Experience of successful financial and budgetary management Experience of managing and mitigating financial and operational risks Desirable: Experience as spokesperson for an organisation (including radio and/or TV) A track record of working successfully with disparate groups and volunteers Experience of working within a devolved environment Knowledge and skills Essential: Knowledge of public policy within Northern Ireland Have high level planning, programme and project management skills to control effective use of resources Proven outstanding management and positive leadership skills. The ability to drive and embed lasting change The ability to focus on impact and deliver outstanding results in a team environment and contribute positively as part of a team Demonstrate ability to influence/persuade a wide range of stakeholders Communications excellent written and verbal skills, with recognised experience of making presentations to diverse, audiences across different media. Digital approach skills: o Leading by example, encouraging and role modelling transparency, learning from failure, reducing complexity, user centricity, seeking feedback and ideas from all and using expertise from within. o Collaborating using a variety of methods and tools. o Communicating through a variety of approaches and tools. Country Director Northern Ireland JD April 2018 7 of 9
o Applying new technology and techniques in improving efficiency, quality and impact. o Learning through peers and experimentation, sharing the results and learning from them. o Keeping abreast of the digital landscape, innovation and the application of new initiatives, tools or techniques. Desirable: Knowledge of fundraising and marketing & communications and knowledge of charity governance and regulation Digital approach skills: o Applying new technology and techniques in improving efficiency, quality and impact. o Learning through peers and experimentation, sharing the results and learning from them. o Keeping abreast of the digital landscape, innovation and the application of new initiatives, tools or techniques. Competencies Highly effective, motivational leader who can inspire and empower a large team, set out a clear direction and deliver at an exceptional level Able to take a strategic overview and work collaboratively and effectively with both regional teams and national senior management to drive strategic goals Emotionally resilient and able to work with ambiguity, group pressures, the opposition of ideas and difficult tasks Able to work under pressure and adapt to change A commitment to work within the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion Passionate about MSS s goals and delivering excellence Country Director Northern Ireland JD April 2018 8 of 9
Appendix MS Society Executive Group Our performance purpose, principles and behaviours Country Director Northern Ireland JD April 2018 9 of 9