JOB SUMMARY

WFD is currently seeking a skilled development professional to lead our work in Asia Pacific and the Americas (APA) as Regional Director.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Location: UK-based with the option for remote working. Occasional overseas travel to support programme implementation, team development and to strengthen strategic relationships is required with this position. Occasional travel within the UK also may be required.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

THIS IS A UK BASED ROLE. APPLICANTS SHOULD ONLY APPLY IF THEY ARE ELIGIBLE TO WORK IN THE UK.

Benefits: Yearly performance pay, 4 wellbeing days per calendar year, annual leave and public holidays entitlement. Plus, eligible for the Civil Service pension scheme option with employer contribution up to 28.97%.

ROLE OVERVIEWS WITH KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

WFD’s work is spread across the globe with programme portfolios organised across five regions: MENA, Africa, Europe/Central Asia, Asia Pacific, and the Americas.
Our new Regional Director for Asia Pacific and the Americas will provide strategic and technical leadership for WFD’s largest and busiest region, with the highest number of programmes and research initiatives, multiple pilot projects, greatest diversity of donors and delivery agreements and the organisation’s largest regional team.
The Regional Director will be responsible for WFD’s programme portfolio, setting the direction and establishing priorities for the region. Based in the UK the RD will guide and inspire a brilliant diverse team based in London and regionally, overseeing day-to-day programme implementation, reporting, and financial oversight of programmes and projects.
This substantial and significant role will, represent WFD at high profile events, promoting and raising awareness of regional activities, build strong relationships through professional collaboration and funding. Maintain a solid understanding of current and emerging dynamics in the region, ensuring WFD initiatives are positioned to respond effectively to these. And as a senior member of WFD’s leadership team contribute to executive-level decisions working closely with all directorate heads.

Substantial documented experience in a similar role, with experience in the Asia Pacific region preferred.

• Thorough knowledge of the political environment and institutions in Asia, including ASEAN institutions.
• Thorough knowledge of key aspects of democratic governance and current contextual challenges.
• Demonstrated competence leading, managing, and developing large teams, including staff working at a distance.
• Proven project and/or programme management experience, including familiarity with systems for managing timelines, resources, and budgets.
• Professional experience and/or networks with FCDO and other key diplomatic actors and donors in the APA regions.
• Experience in thematic areas relevant to WFD’s political and parliamentary development interests.
• Successful track record in business development efforts
• Experience managing significant financial resources and budgets.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Verified proficiency managing multiple work streams and to coordinate across teams/functions.
• Excellent relationship-management skills with colleagues across diverse teams and geographic areas