Director - Economic Affairs and Regional Integration

JOB OVERVIEW

Under the leadership of the Director General, the Director of Economic Affairs and Regional Integration is responsible for providing a compelling vision and strategy to drive the work of the Economic Affairs and Regional Integration (EARI). As a key member of the Leadership Team, s/he will be accountable for ensuring the successful implementation of the Commission’s overall strategic plan.

The incumbent will lead the development and implementation of a cohesive plan to support overall economic development in the Member States through programmes and thematic areas such as: Trade Policy & Economic Development, Regional Integration, Business Development and Statistics.

He/she will lead the development and implementation of the OECS Growth and Development Strategy.  

The role will be responsible for creating an environment of trust, open communication and innovative thinking in which teams can be developed and engaged. The Director will be held accountable for delivering measurable regional outcomes aligned with the Commission’s strategic objectives and demonstrating clear impact across Member States.

KEY DUTIES

• Develop and implement an Economic Affairs and Regional Integration Strategy in line with the requirements of the Revised Treaty of Basseterre and the Commissions Strategic PlanLead the work of the Organisation with respect to matters related to trade and trade policy, economic sectors and supporting macro-economic framework initiatives.
• Direct and manage organisational initiatives aimed at encouraging private sector activity, strengthening public-private partnerships and the development of Pan OECS businesses.
• Work closely with Economic Development Agencies to promote the business and economic development interests within the OECS, including providing guidance to individuals and businesses to establish, or expand their business within the Union.
• Develops socio-economic databases and quantitative information necessary to drive the work of the Division.
•  Play a lead role in resource mobilisation efforts to develop and advance programmes to support the EARI strategy.
• Apply innovative thinking to develop and implement programmes which contribute to building a “world-class” brand for the OECS Economic Affairs and Regional Integration Division 
• Facilitate the development of regional strategic plans that incorporate policies and strategies of OECS Member States into the wider Caribbean region and facilitate implementation of international governance instruments and frameworks.
• Contribute to the formulation and strategic orientation of interventions relevant to fostering and accelerating sustainable and inclusive regional economic development with a high priority on synergies and coherence to national development plan.
• Assist the Director General with the programming, implementation and coordination of technical cooperation programmes, including project preparation, and preparation of project audits.
• Develop the economic research agenda for the organization, ensure that research outputs maintain high quality standards, comply with the relevant mandates and are disseminated to policy makers in the OECS
• Apply results-based management approaches and appropriate, robust and best practice administrative, fiduciary, monitoring and reporting systems and tools, in collaboration with relevant core functions within the Commission.
• Work in close partnership with other Divisions within the Commission to ensure cross-functional alignment, knowledge sharing, and coordinated delivery of integrated regional initiatives.
• Assist in the development of policies and procedures with key stakeholders to support strategy implementation and economic growth and development.
• Lead the development and implementation of annual work plans and budgets for the Division that reflect the approved program, functions and strategic plan.
• Continuously review and streamline divisional processes and resource use to drive efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and measurable impact.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the Director-General.

LEADERSHIP

• Act as a key member of the Leadership Team responsible for the overall development and implementation of the Commission’s strategic goals. 
• Recognise and develop strategic relationships to create effective partnership opportunities.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to the Director General, to his Office and to the Leadership Team on plans and trends which may impact the work of EARI, the Commission and Member States. 
• Develop a high performing team by acquiring, developing, and engaging talent.
• Act as a coach and mentor to functional leaders and employees.
• Lead on the delivery of transformation initiatives within the commission and provide support to employees to realise the change.
• Work in close partnership with other Divisions within the Commission to promote strong cross-functional collaboration, knowledge exchange, and cohesive delivery of integrated regional initiatives.
• Actively promote and foster a values-based organisation culture.
• Play a lead role in organisational change and transformation.
• Promote a culture of innovation and creative problem-solving to anticipate challenges, seize emerging opportunities, and deliver adaptive solutions for Member States.
• Manage Employee Engagement, Succession, and workforce planning within the Division.
• Establish clear performance metrics and accountability frameworks to ensure divisional objectives are met efficiently and aligned with Commission-wide priorities.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

• At least 10 years proven experience in a senior leadership position.
• Solid experience in managing and developing high performing teams.
• Subject Matter expert with at least 15 years technical experience in one or more of the areas of responsibility. 
• Minimum qualification of a Masters Degree in Economics, Economic Development, Public Administration, Business Management, other relevant social sciences or related disciplines.
• Applies expert knowledge and broad understanding of multiple disciplines within technical space. 
• Evaluates current and creates new and innovative functional strategies, process and tools. 
• Ability to challenge and influence at all levels. 
• Excellent negotiation and decision-making skills. 
• Ability to analyse problems and drive workable solutions.  
• Positive and pragmatic approach to achieving results. 
• Strong knowledge of the operations of key international and regional multi-lateral institutions and development agencies of importance to the OECS. 
• Solid experience managing multi stakeholder and/or intergovernmental fora.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across multiple levels. 

JOB LOCATION

The OECS Commission is headquartered in Castries, Saint Lucia. The position of  Director - Economic Affairs and Regional Integration is stationed at the OECS Commission headquarters.

The OECS Commission values workforce diversity and is open to considering eligible applicants of all backgrounds, genders, religions, and sexual orientations.

Strong emphasis will be placed on recruiting nationals from all OECS Member States. The Commission is particularly underrepresented by nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and St. Martin.

Candidates from these Member States are encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS

The position is on a fixed-term establishment. The OECS Commission offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, which will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The incumbent will be eligible for membership in the Organisation’s non-contributory Group Health and Life Insurance Scheme. 

Only applications under consideration will be acknowledged.