The Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) supports the Secretary-General in strategic, governance, innovation, partnerships and programme matters, and also works as Secretary to the Governing Boards. The ASG’s office has the delegated authority for managing the Secretariat’s programme portfolio, partnerships, innovation and other strategic initiatives. The ASG supports the Secretary-General in devising strategies, policies and innovative institutional mechanisms and practices to implement the Secretariat’s programme of work as mandated by member governments. It puts together the Strategic and Delivery Plans and ensures programme quality and coherence through monitoring, evaluation, learning and organisational reporting. The ASG’s office also works as the Secretariat for internal and external governance and provides support in convening high-level meetings such as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Ministerial Meetings and the London-based Governing Boards. It builds and maintains relationship with member states, Commonwealth organisations and external partners and also represents the Secretary-General as and when required.
The Assistant Secretary supports the ASG/Secretary to the Governing Boards to manage the external and internal governance of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Externally, this involves coordination of the Governing Bodies of the Commonwealth, facilitation of the annual Diplomats Induction Programme in conjunction with other Commonwealth organisations, as well as the accreditation and reaccreditation process.
To be considered, a post-graduate degree in international relations, management, development studies, law, economics, public administration or related field. You will also need at least 7 years working experience in supporting high-level meetings; assistance in the preparation of papers and reports in the corporate sector, national government or in an international/inter-governmental organisation. Research and networking background with 2 or more years of experience in dealing with a Board of Governors and related matters.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 member governments and provides guidance on policy making, technical assistance and advisory services to Commonwealth member countries. We support governments to help achieve sustainable, inclusive and equitable development.
To join us, you must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.
Closing date 14 August 2020
Apply here!