The vacancy
The Commonwealth Secretariat is seeking a dynamic, forward‑thinking leader to serve as its next Director, Governance, Strategy and Learning—a pivotal role at the centre of the organisation’s governance and strategic architecture. Working closely with the Secretary‑General and Deputy Secretary‑General’s, the post‑holder will drive organisational performance, strengthen accountability, and ensure that strategic priorities set by Member States translate into measurable results and meaningful impact.
The Role
As Director, you will be the engine behind Secretariat‑wide strategy, results‑based management, and institutional learning. You will lead the development and implementation of the Commonwealth Secretariat Strategic Plan, oversee the corporate Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) system, and ensure that evidence, performance data, and strategic insight shape decision‑making at every level.
You will also serve as Secretary to the Board of Governors—managing the Secretariat’s relationship with Member States, ensuring strong governance alignment, and supporting high‑level mechanisms such as CHOGM and ministerial meetings. From governance KPIs to horizon scanning, from strategic briefings to scenario planning, this role places you at the heart of the Secretariat’s long‑term positioning and reform agenda.
About You
You are a strategic thinker with a strong command of governance systems, organisational strategy, and performance management. You bring deep experience in MEL, strategic planning, or institutional reform, and you excel at turning complex mandates into clear frameworks, actionable insights, and measurable results.
You are confident engaging senior political and institutional stakeholders, skilled at navigating multicultural environments, and adept at building trust with Member States. You combine analytical strength with excellent communication, diplomacy, and leadership with the ability to influence, advise, and inspire across the organisation.