General and Lead Non-Executive Directors – Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office Closed
*Closes 06th December
The Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is actively seeking to appoint a new team of Non-Executive Directors (NEDs). Each NED will be a significant contributor to both the operational and strategic leadership of the Department. Their primary objective is to bring independent advice, support and challenge to help shape delivery of the Foreign Secretary’s ambitions for the Department. From those found to be appointable by this campaign, one candidate will be appointed as the department’s Lead NED. Other portfolios will be assigned following appointment. Unless an applicant indicates an exclusive interest in either the Lead NED or a non-lead NED position in their application, all candidates will be considered for both positions.
Responsibilities
* Support the Foreign Secretary to examine and challenge the operational delivery of policy proposals, major projects and programmes, strategic and organisational issues.
* Work with the Permanent Under-Secretaries, Directors General and senior leaders to scrutinise the Department’s management information, to ensure that performance and delivery of the Department’s key objectives are ambitious and achievable.
* Bring an independent perspective to the work of the FCDO Board (usually held at FCDO’s headquarters in central London), as well as providing independent scrutiny for the Department upon request.
* Upholding the standards of conduct set out in the Committee on Standards in Public Life’s Seven Principles of Public Life and adhere to the Code of Conduct for board members of public bodies.
* Direct a team of other NEDs to provide collective strategic leadership and objective challenge on key issues facing the department.
* The Lead NED may also be asked to join the membership of other top-level FCDO governance structures.
* Participate in cross-Government Lead NED governance structures and conferences.
Person Specification
* Expertise and insight in one or more of the following areas: technology, economic diplomacy, and public communications; and experience in one or more areas of the UK’s international policy including climate and nature, national security, international development and international relations.
* Strong communication skills, including an ability to offer challenge in a constructive, straightforward and open manner.
* Evidence of strong experience of delivering and embedding strategic initiatives in a large-scale, diverse, international organisation.
* An understanding of the wider environment in which the FCDO operates, including its current strategic and organisational challenges, as well as the wider challenges faced by the public sector.
* An engaging and collaborative working style which is challenging and constructive, including the ability to contribute and inspire confidence with a wide range of FCDO stakeholders.
* A strong desire to support the successful delivery of the FCDO’s core agenda and the Foreign Secretary’s priorities.
* Proven senior leadership experience and knowledge of effective governance in global/complex organisations in the private, public or voluntary sectors, with main board-level experience as an executive or non-executive.
Application Process
To apply, all candidates are required to provide:
* a Curriculum Vitae (CV) – not exceeding 2 pages
* a supporting statement – not exceeding 2 pages
* equality information
* information relating to any outside interests or reputational issues
We will ask you to check and confirm your personal details to ensure your application is accurate. You will also have the opportunity to make a reasonable adjustment request or apply under the disability confident scheme before you submit your application.
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