Chief Executive for Economic Development

3 Years FTC commencing early January 2014

£75–90k pa (more might be available for an exceptional candidate) taxable in St Helena plus other non-taxable allowances

A sub-tropical island of spectacular and beautiful landscapes in the South Atlantic with a warm and friendly population of 4,000, St Helena is a self-governing overseas territory of the UK, poised for transformation with the imminent construction of an airport.

Working hand-in-hand with the private sector and St Helena Government you will take the lead in St Helena’s economic transformation. 

You will articulate a shared vision of change under a new Strategic Economic Development Plan and prepare a communication strategy to sell the vision to islanders, tourists and investors. Once agreed, you will be responsible for embedding this vision into planning and operations. Your role will be to operationalise and achieve the targets of the SEDP through the resources of Enterprise St Helena, which has responsibility for private sector development and economic growth.

You must gain maximum benefit from the UK Government’s airport investment, ready for its opening in early 2016, when a basic tourism infrastructure must in place to support increased tourist arrivals. With great potential in tourism, agriculture, construction and fishing you will support businesses growth, up-skilling the islanders with training and skills programmes. You will also help to create an investor-friendly environment and improve awareness of economic and commercial opportunities

Educated to degree level or equivalent, you must show strong pragmatic leadership and be able to shape and engender vision and change. Already having a clear understanding of the operation of the international tourism and investment markets, you should also understand development economics and the role of the planning system in economic development. You will have managed at senior level in a development agency or commercial enterprise and have a strong network of relevant high level corporate contacts. Your background must include investment incentives; planning and development; identification and packaging of investment opportunities; appraisal, negotiation and conclusion of inward investments and institutional development. Experience of working closely with or for government organisations would be desirable.

We offer an extensive benefits package with 30 days leave pa and which may include a contributory pension plus generous income tax-free allowances for relocation, rent and utilities. An application form can be found at www.sthelenacareers.com where further information can also be found, or you may contact Kedell Worboys on 0203 170 8705 or email: shgukrep@sthelenagov.com. Applications must be received by Monday, 21 October 2013. Interviews will be held in London on Tuesday 5^th November 2013.