Date of issue: 13 January 2009

Organisation : Global Digital Solidarity Fund (DSF)
Position : Executive Secretary
Duty station: DSF Headquarters, Geneva
Date of entry: 1st April 2009
Duration: unspecified termination date

 

 

Main responsibilities

Under the general authority of the DSF Foundation Board and Executive Committee, the incumbent will promote, coordinate and implement the DSF programme of action, including fund-raising to cover the DSF operational activities, as well as the running costs of the DSF Secretariat. He or she will supervise all aspects of the DSF Secretariat’s work, including organising the sessions of the DSF governing organs and reporting accordingly, in accordance with the DSF Statutes.

 

 

Detailed Responsibilities

• Formulate and carry out the substantive work programme of the DSF; guide and supervise the DSF activities, ensuring appropriate, timely and efficient programming and implementation.

• Formulate political strategies; develop a vision and direction for work; propose policy directives and provide sound political advice, conduct high-level negotiations to advance the cause of the DSF, provide solutions and define possible courses of action on all aspects related to the work of the DSF.

• Identify emerging issues pertaining to the mandate of the DSF, analyse implications and develop new policies and procedures for the solution of political problems, conducting consultations with DSF Member States and providing substantive advice in the negotiation processes.

• Plan and manage the implementation of the operational activities of the DSF, i.e. operational and field programme and projects. Ensure that the outputs produced by the DSF comply with the decisions of the DSF Foundation Board.

• Undertake and oversee the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the DSF, including preparations for the annual programme budget, reporting on programme performance; guide and supervise the preparation of DSF annual reviews and/or special reports to the DSF governing organs, as well as the preparation of the official records and documents of the DSF. 

• Lead, supervise and coordinate the provision of substantive DSF Secretariat services; direct the work of the staff of the Secretariat, including consultants and subcontractors; manage, guide and train staff under his/her supervision; plan and allocate work assignments, foster teamwork and evaluate performance of staff.   

• Represent the DSF at meetings and conferences related to the issues dealt by the DSF; represent or arrange appropriate representation of the DSF in international fora, meetings of organizations and bodies whose work is of direct interest to the DSF.
• Maintain close contacts with representatives of Permanent Missions in Geneva as well as with representatives of specialized agencies, other organizations of the UN system, non-governmental organizations, civil society and the private sector, on matters related to activities of the DSF. 

 

 

Qualifications and experience

• Advanced university degree, preferably at doctorate level in international relations, international law, public administration, economics, development studies or related field.

• Minimum of 10 years experience in senior executive positions, including substantial assignments at international level.

• Minimum of 10 years exposure to the requirements of international cooperation and proven familiarity with the work and activities of the United Nations system and other international organizations in one or more fields (in particular ICT for development).

• Demonstrated ability to direct processes of change within institutions of international scope.

• Knowledge of the trends, demands and challenges of ICT for development in developing countries.

• He or she should possess :

    - Proven leadership and managerial skills.
    - Excellent communication skills.
    - Excellent command of written and spoken English and French with excellent drafting ability in one of them, and a good command of the other language.  If possible, knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, etc.).

Vision : Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicate the DSF strategy and rally support to the goals of the institution.   

Professionalism : Proven expertise and knowledge in the field of ICT for development and international relations; proven ability to provide substantive input and identify strategic issues to advance the cause of digital solidarity at international level; sound judgment and ability to address challenges related to current developments of the information society; possess strong conceptual and analytical skills and ability to work under extreme pressure.

Judgment and decision-making : Proven ability to provide strategic direction; mature judgment and initiative; ensure an effective work structure to maximize productivity and achieve concrete results.  

Planning and organizing : Ability to develop clear goals and prioritise activities and assignments; foresee risks and allow for contingencies; ability to identify the needs and propose appropriate solutions as well as establish and maintain effective relationships with representatives of States, local authorities, civil society and the private sector.

Leadership : High-level negotiating skills, strong leadership and ability to develop strategies to accomplish work objectives; excellent interpersonal skills; proven record of building and managing teams and creating an enabling work environment; ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff.


Terms and conditions

According the DSF salary scale and of the City of Geneva, the post of DSF Executive Secretary is of CHF168’000 per annum, subject to local Geneva taxation.


How to apply

Candidates wishing to apply for this post should send motivation letter and a curriculum vitae in English or French to the following address : This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Applications should reach the DSF Secretariat before 25 January 2009.