Deadline: 8 January 2016
START is currently seeking applications from the eligible applicants for the post of Executive Director in Washington DC, United States.
The mission of START is to increase opportunities for research, education and training that strengthen scientific capacities in developing countries to understand, communicate and motivate action on critical global environmental change challenges.
Key Jobs Responsibilities
The Executive Director will perform the following functions-
- Provide executive leadership for START in its engagement with the science community and stakeholders.
- Sustain and grow START’s brand and portfolio in collaboration with partners, such as the Future Earth Program of the Global Alliance for Sustainability, the International Council of Science, the International Social Sciences Council, and other relevant international and multilateral partners.
- Develop new opportunities in global environmental change research that involve user and funding communities as a means of developing, mobilizing and sustaining regional networks and capabilities.
- Create funding strategies and opportunities that expand START’s portfolio of programs and projects, including engaging new potential funders, such as development donors, foundations, venture philanthropists, academic and private sector organizations.
- Work closely and effectively with the Board of Directors of START and the staff of the International START Secretariat to lead and represent the organization, develop new innovative alliances and partnerships, and secure funding for organization.
- Exhibit leadership in motivating secretariat staff to excel in program development and execution.
- Sustain START’s capabilities and standards that ensure START International, Inc. is a recognized entity that is capable and audit certified to receive and manage US Federal and other non-US government funds.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have-
- Credibility in the research and stakeholder communities to provide leadership to a major international enterprise, with the necessary skills in diplomacy and an extensive network.
- Experience in a senior executive leadership role – with insights into the leadership of a geographically distributed organization – including research, staff and change management, fundraising and science policy.
- A strong track record of research and/or program leadership in global environmental change that demonstrates understanding of interdisciplinary and trans disciplinary engagement with stakeholders and processes for advancing research driven capacity building in Africa and Asia.
- Capability to forge bold and innovative new programs on capacity building in the context of sustainable development and in alignment with goals of the Future Earth Program.
- Experience in fund raising for scientific programs.
- Familiarity with and ability to engage closely and effectively with the Future Earth Program and other international partners/sponsors to secure a niche for START as a strategic partner in capacity building.
- Ability to motivate staff and foster professional development.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Full command of written and spoken English; working knowledge of other languages is considered an advantage.
- Willingness to travel extensively.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their applications including curriculum vitae, together with a cover letter describing their vision for START, the challenges and opportunities they foresee and also including the name and contact details of three referees and details of current salary via email.
For more information, please visit START.
