CONCORD is looking for a Director
Purpose
The Director of CONCORD leads a team of excellent staff that, on various issues, is
tasked to influence the European Union. The successful candidate will be the leader of
the widest network of NGOs in Europe, bringing the skills to manage the CONCORD
Secretariat, as well as to prepare and lead high level discussions with the Board and
General Assembly.
The ideal person would bring his/her own wide network and NGO experience,
moreover he/she would forge together the knowledge of the CONCORD network
members and lead the debates in which clear opinions and positions are formed, as
well as guide the focus for the staff and individual members.
The purpose is to facilitate the participation and leadership of the Member
Organisations in the work and life of CONCORD and defend the interests of NGOs in
the areas of EU international cooperation policies and funding based on Board and
General Assemblys orientations. Overall, to manage the affairs of CONCORD and its
Secretariat and represent CONCORDs interests in all appropriate fora.
Director
Key Responsibilities
- Facilitation of the Confederation
Ensure strong relationships with Members (playing an active personal role in this) and
foster their active participation in CONCORD in accordance with their diverse needs
and capacities.
Initiating and supporting the development of strategic alliances with stakeholders
outside CONCORD.
Maintain awareness of the Members activities, achievements, challenges and
priorities through continuous close communications with them.
Identify opportunities for and provide inspiring leadership to the cooperation and
partnership of Members in pursuit of their shared goals and objectives.
Have overall oversight of CONCORDs external profile, recognising and creating
opportunities for engagement and ensuring the most appropriate individuals are
leveraged in all external engagements.
Implement the CONCORD work plan through collaborative action among Member
Organizations & institutions; catalyze, influence and mobilize support for collaborative
action.
Relationship with the Board and Assembly
Ensure that the Board is supported to deliver its responsibilities to lead the
Confederation;
Propose key strategic and policy options for adoption by CONCORD and its political
structures in coordination and consultation with the President and Board members
and in accordance with General Assembly/Board mandate.
Promote and coordinate
- with the staff in the Secretariat
- the activities of the
working structures of the Confederation.
Plan and prepare the General Assemblies and Board Meetings, organize and
implement directives with the staff of the secretariat
Report on the progress and functioning of the programme of work to the Board and
the General Assembly.
Representation
Will work closely with NGOS represented in the CONCORD, especially with the Board
and General Assembly (GA) to advocate the interests of the NGOS on various levels
(ex. at the EU, but also at other European, UN, and country levels).
Be a strong representative of the NGOs interests, fed by the input from its members,
the Board and GA, and know how to influence from platforms on which the
CONCORD voice will be heard.
Undertake representation at the European Institution with strong knowledge and
influencing skills bringing the relevant NGO sector issues to the EU after excellent
collaboration and discussion with the Board and GA.
Be viewed as an authority on behalf of the NGO sector and a trusted person to
represent them.
Leadership and Management of the Secretariat
Lead the work of the Secretariat and inspire the participation and leadership of the
Member Organisations in the work and life of CONCORD;
Maintain and manage the Secretariat in order to elaborate and achieve the objectives
set out in the Strategic Plan and annual work plans and in accordance with the annual
budget.
Implement and supervise the administrative & financial management and audit in
consultation with the Treasurer and the Administrative & Financial Manager.
Ensure that the Secretariat is adequately resourced to fulfill its objectives and play an
active role in income generation.
Ensure that the financial and legal affairs of CONCORDs Secretariat are adequately
managed and ensure that all legal and contractual obligations are properly fulfilled in
due time. Prepare project and program applications.
Person Specification
Essential
Strongly committed to civil society as a collective force for positive change, with
understanding of what makes civil society organisations legitimate and effective
Experienced at navigating the complex architecture of the EU and positive about the
opportunities for furthering the aims of CONCORDs Members within Europe
A successful manager of people and financial resources, with a strong track record
of giving leadership and direction and ensuring the team functions effectively
Someone who knows when to foster the leadership of Members and when to take
the lead
Have a deep understanding of the third sector / civil society sector across different
contexts, and a clear strategic vision for how the sector can play its most effective
role in different societies in changing times
Experienced at organisational representation at a high and multi-lateral level
A skilled communicator, negotiator, and influencer, able to respect and where
possible resolve differences, and to drive consensus among the membership where
it is necessary to maximise impact
A mediator and networker, able to build coalitions within and between the
membership, and with political groupings, national / multi-national bodies and
governments
Able to develop and gain acceptance for policy analysis and recommendations
Absolute fluency in written and spoken English and with a good working knowledge
of at least one other language
An EU citizen or with existing eligibility to live and work in the EU
Desirable
Experienced in operating within a confederate style network or partnership of
organisations with a commonly shared purpose but with very broad cultural and
organisational diversity
Aware of current issues and trends in development across the sectors represented
by the members
Strong command of French and/or Spanish
All correspondence, at this stage, should be via Oxford HR. To apply for this post,
click on the Apply button in the job advert page and complete our online application
form. Please provide a CV and Cover Letter in ONE single document, which should be
prepared before applying as they will be requested in the application process.
The statement should be no more than 2 pages long and explain why you are interested
in this post and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.
The document should be saved in MS Word in the following format:
Your First NameYour Last Name-Document Name-Date (yymm) e.g: Pat-Jones
CVandStatement-1808.
Timeline
Closing date:
Preliminary interviews:
Final Panel Interviews:
Equality Statement
Equality and diversity is at the core of CONCORDs values. Staff are expected to work
collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others
from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected.
Selection Process
All candidates will receive feedback. Shortlisted candidates may be required to
undertake an additional assessment prior to the final interview.
Queries
If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional
information, or would like to have an informal discussion, please email concord@
oxfordhr.co.uk in the first instance
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