Deputy Secretary-General (Programmes)
This is a {Advertised Permanent / Temporary}, {Advertised Full Time / Part Time} vacancy that will close in {x} days at {xx:xx} BST.
The vacancy
We are currently recruiting for a Deputy Secretary-General (Programmes). This is an exceptional opportunity to join the Commonwealth and make a real difference to our family of sovereign states, assisting them in the fulfilment of the values and principles embodied in the Commonwealth Charter, and in the implementation of the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
The Deputy Secretary-General (Programmes) advises and supports the Secretary-General in the management of the Secretariat around the assigned programmatic areas associated with the implementation of the Strategic Plan and with other mandates agreed by Heads of Government from time to time.
The Deputy Secretary-General (Programmes) has line responsibility for the following Divisions and Units in the Secretariat: Governance and Peace Directorate; Economic Development, Trade and Investment Directorate; Climate Change and Oceans Directorate; Social Development, Youth and Gender Directorate; and technical advice provided to the Commonwealth Small States Office, Geneva and the Joint Office for Commonwealth Permanent Missions to the United Nations, New York.
A strategic thinker, you will have clear evidence of at least 15 years of leading in a substantive senior executive role, with results delivered in areas of work relevant to this role. You will have a post-graduate degree in international relations, public administration, law or other fields relevant to this role. You will have a proven track record of achieving success within complex political and governmental settings and have substantial people management skills. Excellent financial management, communication and negotiation skills are vital, as is experience of working within different jurisdictions of the Commonwealth and experience of working with a diverse workforce.
We are the inter-governmental body of the Commonwealth, responsible for promoting democracy, development and respect for diversity amongst our 56 members. If you are a citizen of one of the Commonwealth countries, and keen to make a major contribution internationally, please apply now. Please refer to attached documents on our website for more information.
This closing date for applications is Wednesday 4 June 2025 at 17:00 BST.
About us
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries.
It is home to 2.5 billion people, and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. 33 of our members are small states, including many island nations.
Our member governments have agreed to shared goals like development, democracy and peace. Our values and principles are expressed in the Commonwealth Charter.
The Commonwealth's roots go back to the British Empire. But today any country can join the modern Commonwealth. The last two countries to join the Commonwealth were Gabon and Togo in 2022.
Vision & mission
The Commonwealth Secretariat is the intergovernmental organisation that supports member countries to achieve the Commonwealth's aims of development, democracy and peace.
We:
- are a voice for small and vulnerable states
- champion young people
- promote justice and human rights
- address threats like climate change, debt and inequality
- help grow economies and boost trade
- support decision-makers to make good laws and deliver policies
- help strengthen governance and build inclusive public institutions
- provide technical help and training
- send experts and observers to countries to give impartial advice and help solve national problems
- provide systems, software and research for managing resources.
Our vision
To help create and sustain a Commonwealth that is mutually respectful, resilient, peaceful and prosperous and that cherishes equality, diversity and shared values.
Our mission
We support member governments, and partner with the broader Commonwealth family and others, to improve the well-being of all Commonwealth citizens and to advance their shared interests globally.
Documents
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