Head of Partnerships and Innovation

We have an outstanding opportunity for a Head of Partnerships and Innovation in our Strategy, Portfolio, Partnerships and Digital (SPPD) Division.

Reporting to the Senior Director – SPPD, the successful candidate will lead on managing and strengthening the Secretariat’s partnerships with member governments, Commonwealth-accredited organisations and other institutional partners from the international development, private and voluntary sectors.

Other responsibilities entailed in this role include (but are not limited to):

• Leading and managing the development, implementation and successful delivery of the Secretariat’s Partnerships and Innovation strategies;
• Leading partnership management with Commonwealth inter-governmental and accredited organisations, and other external partners of the Commonwealth Secretariat;
• Establishing an organisation framework to enhance the identification of innovative funding sources and fundraising opportunities, in line with the Secretariat’s objectives and values. The post-holder will be required to provide support and training to Secretariat staff in the development of fundraising proposals and in negotiations with funders, donors and partners;
• Leading the planning and preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and other high-level engagements from a partnerships perspective;
• Promoting a culture of innovation by identifying, incubating and implementing innovative solutions to make the Commonwealth Secretariat a more efficient and effective organisation.

To be considered, you must hold a post-graduate degree/diploma (or equivalent) in International Development, Public/Business Administration, International Relations, Marketing, Social Sciences, Fundraising or a related field. Candidates must also have at least ten years’ relevant experience across partnerships, resource mobilisation, communications, stakeholder engagement and advocacy. In addition, candidates must have at least ten years of experience gained at an international development organisation and/or an international not-for-profit organisation.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 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.

Please apply by submitting a CV and cover letter. Covering letters should be structured to address the key criteria required in the person specification, giving clear examples.