The Commonwealth of Learning President and CEO

President and CEO

ACU Ref: 58933
Closing Date: 5 December 2011

IF KNOWLEDGE IS THE COMMON WEALTH OF HUMANKIND.......

Supporting development through education is at the heart of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL). This intergovernmental agency was created by Commonwealth Heads of Government to encourage the sharing of open learning and distance education knowledge, resources and technologies. COL operates on the premise that knowledge is the key to individual freedom and to cultural, social and economic development. Since COL began operations in 1989, it has introduced or enhanced hundreds of teaching/training programs in more than 40 countries. It has influenced the development of open schools and universities, conducted training and studies on specific educational needs, established an extensive network of education and technology specialists around the world and facilitated systemic changes in the delivery of education and in the development of policies for education in Commonwealth countries. As the current President and CEO completes a successful term in office, COL’s multinational Board of Governors is seeking a successor who will continue the crucial work of the organisation.

As the new President and CEO, you will expand COL's relationships across the full breadth of the Commonwealth while strengthening the commitments of the governments who voluntarily fund those outreach programs of the organisation. With your passionate commitment to open learning and distance education, you will work with the Board to shape a strategy that accelerates social and economic progress. In so doing, you will draw on the expertise of your team of education specialists to assess needs and identify priorities at the national and grassroots levels, and be a relentless advocate and ambassador of empowerment through technology and shared knowledge where they are needed the most. A progressive and supportive leader for a small, dedicated team, you will foster COL’s well-managed, disciplined operational approach through results-based management with monitoring and evaluation as an integral component.

A citizen of a Commonwealth country, your credentials for this international role will include senior organisational leadership experience combined with first-hand knowledge of international development, open and distance learning and intergovernmental relations. With your heightened political acuity, you will also bring a broad international and strategic perspective to the position. An in-depth appreciation of governance and experience with complex governance structures is essential. Hosted by the Government of Canada, COL is headquartered in the City of Vancouver.

Consideration of candidates will commence immediately with applications to be received no later than 5 December 2011. To apply or explore this opportunity, please go online to: www.odgersberndtson.ca/en/careers/10315