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Chief Executive ,EUNIDA

Expiration Date

18 Jul 2012

Job Description

Chief Executive - EUNIDA
This is a challenging new role within EUNIDA to enhance the grouping’s internal governance and overall ability to identify and deliver successfully an increased range of development programmes on behalf of the European Union.
Field of Activity
As a grouping of European agencies with a public mandate to develop, manage and implement development programmes, the European Network of Implementing Development Agencies (EUNIDA) builds on the collective expertise of its members to provide solutions to complex challenges mainly in fragile settings. EUNIDA’s mission is based on a common endeavour to develop capacity in partner countries so they can achieve sustainable development strategies.
Through a pooling of European expertise, EUNIDA mobilises high-level public and private experts as well as the instruments and methodologies for the implementation of European Development projects in cooperation with the Partner Countries. Thanks to long-standing experience in the field of institutional twinning and ties with national administrations, EUNIDA can facilitate cooperation with other European public organisations.
As a pan-European grouping of agencies, EUNIDA gives a European dimension to all its interventions across the globe and thus contributes to enhancing the visibility of EU development cooperation and is an innovative vehicle for the facilitation of aid and development effectiveness.
As agencies with a public mandate, EUNIDA members abide by high standards of financial transparency. Moreover, EUNIDA is a financially reliable contracting partner of the European Commission for the implementation of development cooperation programs. Current and recent activities have involved delivery in the Middle East and North Africa, Central and South Asia, West Africa and the Caribbean.
EUNIDA is a non-commercial and non-profit-making entity, with actual implementation managed by the membership.
Our office is located in Brussels, close to the EU Institutions.
Main Purpose
The EUNIDA Chief Executive is responsible to the EUNIDA Board of Directors for making significant contributions to:
  • the implementation of the Strategic Plan and annual budget (as guided and approved by the EUNIDA membership),
  • the successful acquisition of new work and programmes, and
  • the day to day leadership and management of the EUNIDA Secretariat as required by the EUNIDA President.
Reporting
Reporting directly to the EUNIDA President (Chairman of the Board of Directors), the Chief Executive is appointed by and remains responsible to the EUNIDA Board of Directors, and will have responsibility for the EUNIDA Secretariat and oversight of any other staff provided by the EUNIDA membership.
In addition to the reporting line with the EUNIDA President, oversight of the Chief Executive is provided also by the EUNIDA Vice Presidents.
Key Tasks
  • To promote and facilitate the work of EUNIDA in an inclusive and democratic style that reflects the membership and network nature of the EUNIDA Grouping;
  • To support and participate fully in the work of the EUNIDA Board of Directors;
  • To help ensure that EUNIDA operates in a way that promotes the achievement of strategic goals as defined by the Strategic Plan, especially in the context of lobbying and the acquisition of new work and programmes;
  • To establish and maintain top level relationships with the European Commission and associated bodies, in coordination with the President, Vice Presidents, and members as appropriate;
  • To maintain close working relationships with the EUNIDA membership generally, contributing to the development of policy and activities, that positively encourages and facilitates the engagement and helps ensure the participation of all members in an equal and transparent manner, as well as the enlargement of the Grouping;
  • To set and lead adherence to high standards of performance, based upon excellent working relations with the staff of the EUNIDA Secretariat and EUNIDA membership; and
  • To promote EUNIDA’s vision as the EC’s “European Partner”.
Person Specification
  • The successful candidate will combine a clear commitment to the values and objectives of EUNIDA and a deep understanding of international development together with the personal qualities and leadership skills needed to win and maintain the confidence of the EUNIDA client (the EC) and the EUNIDA membership;
  • He/she will be able to demonstrate a successful track record preferably at board or senior management level gained in the field of international development, including extensive and relevant work experience gained directly in developing and transitional countries;
  • He/she will have experience and/or understanding of working for and/or with public administrations; and
  • He/she will be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of development processes in general and, in particular, to the EC’s approach to development assistance.
  • Experience of working with/in the public sector is considered an advantage.
  • As a minimum, fluency in English and one other EU member state language is essential - a strong command of French is considered an advantage.
Terms and Conditions
Location: Brussels – with international travel as required
Contract: negotiable
How to Apply:
Please email your CV and details of your current remuneration package and potentially earliest possible availability date to: presidency@eunida.eu
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 18 July 2012 (17:00 hours CEST).
In acknowledgement of the potential for limited availability during the summer holiday period, interviews and other assessments are planned to take place in Brussels around 5 and 6 September 2012.