Programme Director - Education

JOB OVERVIEW

Under the leadership of the Director of Human and Social Division, the Programme Director provides strategic leadership for the development and implementation of a cohesive plan, to support overall human and social development in the Member States through the Education programme. The role will plan, structure, lead and drive the Education programme, which will include projects of variable risk and complexity.

The Programme Director actively identifies and solicits opportunities through extensive industry knowledge and relationships to support the Commission’s strategic priorities.

The role will be responsible for creating an environment of trust, open communication and innovative thinking in which teams can be developed and engaged.

KEY DUTIES

More specifically, the Programme Director will be expected to:

• Lead in the development and implementation of a sustainable OECS Education Programme.
• Lead the planning and coordination of meetings of the Council of Ministers of Education and other bodies within the governance of the education programme.
• Identify and solicit opportunities to support the education programme and build technical capacity in the OECS region.
• Partner with the Project Management Office to lead the successful delivery of projects being implemented within the EDMU.
• Apply analysis based on research and interpretive thinking to develop solutions that support the education programme.
• Develop functional information and knowledge products to strengthen and drive the education programme and contribute to the body of research on education in the OECS.
• Plan and design the work programme, monitor its implementation and initiate appropriate action.
• Provide advice and guidance to stakeholders in areas of education policy, programmes and practice.
• Develop and maintain key relationships with relevant internal and external stakeholders and partners to facilitate the work of the Commission.
• Create and maintain meaningful networks across multiple functions within the Commission.
• Build technical alliances with industry experts to gain and share knowledge and information about current and future trends.
• Provide leadership to the team by fostering an environment of trust and cohesion.
• Ensure the programme staff conducts their activities in strict observance of the rules and regulations of the OECS Commission and in conformity with related legally binding Agreements.
• Serve as Project Director for all projects that fall within the Education programme.
• Partner with the Communications Unit to develop an effective communication plan to enable the work of the Education programme.
• Develop policies and represent the OECS Commission on policy negotiations and other related matters, within the remit of the Education programme.
• Identify, mitigate and manage risk in keeping with Commission policy.
• Represent the OECS Commission at Regional and International engagements.
• Carry out such other related duties as may be required from time to time by the Director, Human and Social Division.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

• Master’s Degree in Education or related field.
• Education Professional with at least 5 years’ experience leading public education programmes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills across multiple levels.
• Ability to challenge and influence at all levels.
• Ability to develop and leverage key relationships.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Functional experience with information, communication and technology (ICT) tools.
• Ability to apply expert knowledge and broad understanding of multiple disciplines within technical space.
• Ability to analyse problems and recommend solutions.
• Positive and pragmatic approach to achieving results
• Strong negotiation and decision-making skills
• Ability to evaluate current and create new, innovative functional strategies, processes, and tools.

JOB LOCATION

The OECS Commission is headquartered in Castries, Saint Lucia. The position of Programme Director 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.