Director - Corporate Services Division
Reference: 120400391
Location: London, UK
Closing Date: 11 Jun 2012
General Information
Corporate Services Division has responsibility for a wide range of services in the Commonwealth Secretariat comprising financial management; Information, Computer and Technology (ICT); procurement; facilities (accommodation); office services; printing and document reproduction; and, conference management.
The Division has five sections totalling 60 staff, with a fixed Divisional budget of £6 million. It has overall responsibility for the financial management of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s budget of approximately £45 million.
The Division has responsibility for leading on the development and implementation of strategic approaches to the provision of corporate services that enhance the Secretariat’s performance.
The Corporate Services Division provides support to the Secretariat across two buildings in London, and to other partners using these buildings regularly including the Commonwealth Foundation, the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators and the Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal, as well as other bodies using the facilities for occasional Commonwealth events. In addition, the Division provides a range of services to the Secretariat’s Joint Office for the Commonwealth Permanent Missions to the United Nations in New York, the Commonwealth Small States Office in Geneva and the four Commonwealth Youth Programme centres (in Solomon Islands, Guyana, India and Zambia).
Job Summary
Reporting to the Assistant Secretary-General (ASG), the Director leads the Corporate Services Division, providing direction and practical support to its Section Heads, and is accountable for its performance and divisional budget.
The Director provides advice to the Assistant Secretary-General and through him/her to other Management Committee members, as well as to other Senior Management Group (SMG) colleagues as required on strategic and operational aspects of the Secretariat’s corporate services. The Director also develops and leads in the implementation of appropriate corporate service strategies to ensure the Secretariat has the necessary financial, administrative and other support services to ensure the stability long term viability of the Secretariat, and to support the achievement of the Secretariat’s Strategic Plan.
The Director is responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient management of high quality budget, finance, ICT and other corporate services through leadership and management of the resources of the Corporate Services Division.
Stemming from these roles, the Director makes a key contribution to the Secretariat’s overarching corporate and operational planning, working closely with other Divisions. Under the direction of the ASG, the Director is also responsible for ensuring the provision of corporate services as required to the Secretariat’s Joint Office for the Commonwealth Permanent Missions to the United Nations in New York, the Commonwealth Small States Office in Geneva and the four Commonwealth Youth Programme centres (in Solomon Islands, Guyana, India and Zambia).
Key Accountabilities
As a member of the Senior Management Group, the Director supports the Secretariat’s mission by working closely with the ASG in providing effective financial and administrative services. The post holder will:
- Provide advice to the ASG, and through him or her to the SG and Management Committee and Senior Management Group colleagues, contributing to the development of Secretariat policy direction, plans, programmes and resource allocation.
- Provide vision and professional leadership for the division’s work, continuously seeking to achieve improvements in quality and cost-effectiveness.
- Establish and continually review a set of sound policies, procedures practices, standards and tools that are consistent with Commonwealth Secretariat policy and practice in order to ensure proper budget, accounting, financial control, ICT effectiveness, effective supply chain management, printing and conference management services.
- Manage and ensure that the common service areas effectively support the objectives of the Secretariat and other users of the facilities and services.
- Formulate solutions to corporate financial, ICT and administrative service challenges.
- Provide advice, direction and management of financial, ICT and material resources and services of the Secretariat to ensure they are delivered to time, budget and quality expectations and standards.
- Prepare and present timely and effective management reports and statutory reports to Management Committee, the Board of Governors and other high-level meetings, as required.
- Oversee the preparation and management of the annual budget, quarterly management accounts, cash flow focus and accurate and timely budget for the Secretariat’s core and project activities, ensuring compliance to the mandates of the governing bodies.
- Oversee and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
- Under the overall direction of the ASG, ensure the efficient and effective management of the Committee on Corporate Services, and ensure timely follow-up to its decisions.
- Participate in the development of appropriate systems to monitor compliance of Health & Safety policies within the Organisation.
- Promote streamlined cost-effective business processes and financial information systems.
- Within delegated authority, liaise, negotiate and co-ordinate with national authorities and/or member governments with respect to administrative and logistical matters to enhance understanding and endorsement of the Secretariat’s corporate service policies and objectives.
- Promote sound financial management and procedures in the Secretariat, developing and improving the system of internal control taking account of internal and external audit findings, including collaboration with other senior managers, co-ordinate financial planning within the Secretariat.
- Ensure provision of guidance, effective performance management and evaluation, supervision and mentoring of all staff in the Division, supporting the professional and personal development of staff, motivation and engagement at all times.
- Represent the Secretariat externally, as required.
Person Specification
Education- A relevant combination of professional training and certification and extensive experience in Logistics, Management or Administration.
- Advanced University degree (Masters Degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or related fields, or
- A first degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
- A professional development certificate in people management or leadership training.
- At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in financial management, supply chain management and information systems, with demonstrated people management skills and leadership ability. Experience at a senior management level is required, preferably in a similar international organization.
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