Director of Governance, Strategy and Learning
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 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.
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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