Executive Secretary ICIMOD Foundation Kathmandu, Nepal

Terms of Reference

Title:                            ICIMOD Foundation Executive Secretary        

Unit:                             ICIMOD Foundation/Directorate                      

Background

The ICIMOD Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that supports ICIMOD’s activities and efforts. The Foundation’s objective is to make a significant contribution to the stability of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region, through ICIMOD’s work of supporting the development of economically and ecologically sound ecosystems in the mountain regions and improving the living conditions of the rural mountain people. The ICIMOD Foundation is conceived as an instrument to ensure the continuity of ICIMOD’s work by providing funds for activities approved by the Foundation Board. Currently the Foundation is expanding its operation and is finalizing its future five-year Strategy in coordination with the third Medium Term Action Plan of ICIMOD (MTAP III).

 

The overall strategy of the ICIMOD Foundation is to involve the private sector as an important stakeholder to help deliver the impact of ICIMOD’s objectives and to enable the private sector involvement in sustainable mountain development. Through the ICIMOD Foundation, there is a great opportunity for ICIMOD to share its knowledge and expertise, especially amid growing private sector interest, and engage the private sector in more meaningful sustainable business practices while being sensitive to the sustainability of natural resources in mountain regions.

 

The ICIMOD Foundation creates an instrument to mobilize funds from government agencies, foundations, and the corporate sector’s social responsibility activities to support the regional work of ICIMOD for the mountain ecosystems and mountain people.

 

The ICIMOD Foundation is seeking a suitable candidate for the position of Executive Secretary.

 

Broad Functions and Responsibilities

The Executive Secretary of the ICIMOD Foundation has broad responsibilities for the implementation of the Foundation’s strategic goals and the management of its resources. The Executive Secretary must liaise closely with the Director General (DG) of ICIMOD (or the liaison person identified by the DG) and must give direction and leadership to the achievement of the Foundation’s goals and objectives and the development of its strategy. He/she supports the Board by informing it of all matters that should be brought to its attention. The Executive Secretary effectively manages the resources according to the approved policies and procedures of the ICIMOD Foundation in close coordination with ICIMOD.  

 

Specific Tasks

The powers, duties and functions of the Executive Secretary are determined in the ICIMOD Foundation – Revised Rules of Procedures (dated November 2011) and subject to amendments by the Board of the ICIMOD Foundation. They will comprise of looking after the day-to-day activities of the Foundation, including the following tasks: 

 

      • Implement the decisions and directives of the Board of the Foundation;
• Prepare the Foundation’s long-term and short-term plans and programmes and annual budget and present them to the Board;
• Implement the approved plans and programmes of the Foundation;
• Monitor and supervise the Foundation’s regular work and perform other necessary functions to achieve the objectives of the Foundation;
• Monitor the projects and programmes carried out through the Foundation and submit a progress report to the Board;
• Prepare and submit annual and periodic reports to the Board relating to the activities carried out by the Foundation;
• Ensure the efficient and effective use of the monies of the Foundation and grants made by the Foundation;
• Ensure the proper administration of the Foundation's assets;
• Take all necessary measures to fulfil the objectives of the Foundation; and
• Supervise the staff of the Foundation (if any)

The Executive Secretary will further contribute to shaping the Foundation Strategy. He/She will also review the current ICIMOD Foundation fundraising activities with the private sectorand existing Foundation guidelines in order to prepare strategic inputs for the decisions of the Board of the Foundation.

The Executive Secretary will report to the ICIMOD Foundation Board.

 

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

 

• Master’s degree or equivalent work experience in a relevant field or discipline (e.g., MBA, MBS, or International Development Studies).
• At least ten years of relevant experience, including at least five years of experience working in the region and five years of experience in project or programme management.
• Experience working in the area of public-private partnerships and/or with a regional intergovernmental knowledge organization is a strong advantage .
• Experience interacting with senior decision makers, government officials, and/or other institutional Boards.
• In-depth knowledge of the main development and policy issues facing the countries of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region.
• Experience with resource mobilization and financial management, particularly with the private sector and/or public-private partnerships.
 

Skills and Competencies
• Ability to act independently, but in close coordination with and providing support to ICIMOD
• Ability to represent the ICIMOD Foundation internationally
• Capability and willingness to raise funds, including with the private sector
• Good interpersonal, negotiating, and communication skills and effective presentation skills
• Able to work under pressure and to meet deadlines
• Willing and able to travel within the region and occasionally internationally
• Ability to speak, write, and work fluently in English
• Computer and Internet literacy
• Ability to speak one or more local language in the region 

Duration

The term of office of the Executive Secretary shall be up to four years, of which the first three months are probation, and s/he may be eligible for reappointment for one additional term.

Remuneration

The remuneration, conditions of service, and facilities of the Executive Secretary will follow the ICIMOD Human Resource Policy, at a level commensurate with the person’s qualifications and experience.

Gender and Equity Policy

Qualified and eligible women candidates and those from disadvantaged backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply. ICIMOD implements a gender equity policy and is supportive of working women. It operates a day-care centre at the campus and is committed to the integration of gender issues at organizational and programmatic levels.

Method of application

Applicants are requested to apply online before 10 March 2013 through
ICIMOD's online application system.

 

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.