Secretary General – The Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation

Overall Purpose
This job is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing the effective and efficient delivery of relevant and fit for purpose activities and programmes for Member Countries and Companies in the ICT & Telecommunication Eco-system.
This job is central to the organisation’s purpose, which is the liaison between the organisation and all stakeholders providing advice, and the creation of a forum to facilitate conversations that can enhance ICT & Telecommunications and the regulation of the same.
The role of a thought leader in all things ICT & Telecommunication is also essential.
This is accomplished through the development and implementation of the company’s strategic plan, translating the vision of the organisation into deliverables, building a culture that is conducive to the delivery of the organisation’s objective, leading the senior team, the creation of a customer-centric experience, and developing and implementing the organisation’s budget, and annual business plan.
The Secretary General is also responsible for the successful management and leadership of the organisation in keeping with the direction set by EXCO and Council.

Key Deliverables
Leadership:
Provide professional advice to the EXCO and Council on all aspects of the organisation’s activities
Represent the organisation at relevant international event to enhance the organisation’s position, brand and profile
Identify and address internal and external issues that are affecting the organisation, and ensure EXCO and Council are informed of these occurrences
Ensure industry-specific and support services are delivered through the integration of digital media and technological innovation to allow for a wider reach and to satisfy all member country and company needs
Be an ambassador for the organisation when at meetings with industry leaders in government, private sector and development agencies
Develop and secure funding for new programmes of work as per the organisation’s relationships with its member countries and sector members, with other international organisations and funding agencies, governments and businesses
Develop CTO’s vision and strategic plans in collaboration with the EXCO and Council and the management team to guide the organisation in the achievement of its objectives/purpose
Foster effective teamwork between the EXCO and the Secretary General and the staff. Assess at intervals to determine the robustness of collaboration in the company
Public relations and advocacy:
Ensure stakeholders are communicated with to keep them informed of the work of the organisation and to identify changes needed to satisfy the needs of the member country or prospective members served by the company
Ensure the organisation and its vision/ mission, programs, products, and services are consistently presented in a strong and positive image to relevant stakeholders and customers
Risk management:
Identify and evaluate organisational risk: people (client, staff, management, volunteers) property, finances, goodwill, and image (enterprise-wide risk management) and implement measures to control risks
Ensure EXCO, Council, and all stakeholders are aware of all risks (insurance, etc.) involved in the running of the operations
Foster working relationships and collaborative arrangements with other ICT & telecommunications providers/industry leaders, business leaders and other organisations to assist in the achievement of the goals of the organisation are facilitated
Manage a communication plan to support the organisation’s commercial/business objectives, as well as a marketing plan
Operational planning and management:
Operational plan, which incorporates goals and objectives, is developed and implemented. Ensure the operational plan is aligned with the strategic direction of the organisation
Oversee operating objectives and budgets, and the creation of an overall system for the efficient delivery of CTO Services is developed and executed
Policies are documented for the approval of the EXCO and Council, and procedures are prepared to implement these policies. The existing policies are reviewed to achieve continual improvement
New business opportunities are assessed, evaluated, and performed cost-effectively
Human resources planning and management:
Resource requirements are determined and aligned with the strategic plan and the Annual Business/Commercial Plan
Staff are disciplined when necessary, using appropriate techniques; separate employees when needed, using suitable and legally defensible procedures
Positive, healthy and safe work environment is established following all applicable legislation and regulations
The performance process, which includes monitoring the performance of all staff on an on-going basis and conducting an annual performance review of the business as well as all first-line reports, is executed
Key Relationships
EXCO and Council, Member Countries and Companies, Countries Telecommunications Regulatory Bodies, Funding Agencies, All Departments in the CTO, other International Organisations
Person Specification
Part 1 – Experience:
Solid track record of strong leadership, building and motivating effective and productive teams in an organisation of comparable size
Significant experience in the telecommunications/ICT sector or related industry
Experience and understanding of international development issues, including social and economic development
A track record of negotiating, influencing and persuading others at a senior level both internally and externally
A record of achievement in securing funding from external sources including funding agencies and the private sector
Effective communication at all levels covering complex and wide ranging subjects
Experience in developing and implementing innovative measures
Strong administrative and financial skills demonstrated in a senior strategic role
Establishing, managing and developing collaborative working relationships with a range of internal and external bodies
Experience and understanding of international communications issues, policy and technology

Qualifications:
A university Business degree, preferably a PHD, Master Degree or an MBA
Part 2 – Skills and abilities:
Ability to establish credibility quickly, particularly in new areas of influence
A consultative and facilitative style with the ability to influence others where appropriate;
Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to think clearly and analytically, grasp complex issues and develop sound judgments in a sensitive environment
Strong influencing and negotiating skills at the most senior levels to lead, develop and participate in partnerships and strategic alliances
Robust and comfortable with operating in a challenging environment
Committed to the efficient and effective management of financial resources and staff
Ability to provide direction and leadership in a way that inspires confidence and commitment and encourages ideas, innovation and initiative from others
Ability to demonstrate authority, commitment, consistency and fairness
Other key attributes:
Commitment to the role and mandate of the CTO
Ability to demonstrate authority, commitment, consistency and fairness
Politically astute and aware

Remuneration
Salary: Highly competitive
Benefit: Car Allowance £666 per month. Relocation, accommodation, travel and education allowance and home leave offered for overseas citizens (i.e. whose stay in the UK is contingent on their employment by the Secretariat). Details available on application.
Other Benefits: Company pension scheme. Fully expensed access to ICT equipment and facilities and medical cover as per the staff handbook. This is not subject to taxation.

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