Director Economic Development, Trade and Investment Directorate
This is a {Advertised Permanent / Temporary}, {Advertised Full Time / Part Time} vacancy that will close in {x} days at {xx:xx} BST.
The vacancy
The Commonwealth Secretariat is looking for a bold, visionary leader to drive its global economic development agenda. If you thrive at the intersection of international finance, trade policy, and sustainable development, this is your stage.
The Opportunity
You’ll lead the Economic, Trade & Investment Directorate—shaping strategy, influencing global debates, and championing the needs of 56 nations, including 31 small states. As a member of the Senior Management Committee, you’ll help steer the Secretariat’s direction while guiding a team of expert economists, analysts, and advisers.
This role is about impact: driving thought leadership, forging high‑value partnerships, and ensuring Commonwealth perspectives land in the rooms where global decisions are made—from G20 working groups to pan‑Commonwealth platforms.
What You’ll Drive
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Strategic leadership that pushes the Commonwealth to the forefront of global economic thinking.
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High‑level advocacy on issues like debt sustainability, investment governance, and economic transformation.
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Partnerships with development banks, regional bodies, and investment agencies to unlock resources and influence.
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Strong, inclusive leadership of a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
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Representation of the Secretariat at major international fora, shaping outcomes for small and vulnerable states.
What You Bring
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A postgraduate degree in Economic Development or a related field.
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15+ years of senior‑level leadership in sustainable economic development.
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Deep experience working in developing countries and managing complex policy and research programmes.
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A track record of inspiring teams, navigating multilateral processes, and building strategic alliances.
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Exceptional communication and advocacy skills, with the confidence to engage senior political and institutional leaders.
Experience with small states, or expertise in gender, health, or education in developing contexts, is a strong advantage.
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.
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