Director of Governance At Amnesty International

Job Description:

JOB PURPOSE

In this role, you’ll guide the Amnesty International Board, its committees with advice and support on standards of good governance. You’ll oversee the development and implementation of systems that will enhance the effectiveness of leadership and governance across the movement. More than that, you’ll be expected to regularly review and refine the standards and polices in place that strengthen local and international governance, establishing this as an area of excellence within Amnesty. You’ll lead a team of people who support Amnesty’s global governance and you will be working closely with your peers who support and influence the Amnesty Sections and the Secretariat’s leadership.

ABOUT YOU

In a role of this scope, knowledge is exceptionally important. A true expert in organisational and leadership and governance, ideally a chartered Company Secretary, you’ll have an excellent understanding of best practice in this field. Whether that means you’re currently a member of senior management for another not-for-profit organisation, an academic specialising in organisational governance, or a lawyer specialising in corporate governance, you’ll be politically astute with first rate communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels. You’ll have a record of working with volunteer leadership in a dynamic organisation and a record of analysing and reforming complex organisational systems. Your people leadership skills will be second to none – inspiring, motivating and guiding cross-cultural teams, generating trust and confidence at board level, and representing the organisation on a global level. But just as importantly, you’ll relish the challenges you’ll face a nd be genuinely passionate about making a difference.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supports the Secretary General, the Leadership Team, the International Board and the Global Assembly Chair to lead and manage a continuing programme of governance improvements for the Amnesty International Movement. Provides Strategic and operational leadership of the Governance Programme staff.

• Advise and support the SG and the International Board (including its sub-committees) on governance functions, standards and policies.
• Advises Amnesty leadership on issues relating to the governing bodies at both global and national levels of the movement.
• With the International Board and the SG, oversee the finalisation and implementation of strategies and systemic improvements to enhance the effectiveness of the organisation’s governance.
• Lead on reviews and refinements to governance standards and policies, for AI’s global governing bodies, national boards and the global movement, including on board-director relationships.
• Lead the implementation of the Movement’s compliance with its governance policies, that apply to both Amnesty International Limited and the Amnesty Movement.
• Advise the International Board on its adherence to internal policies and best governance practices.
• Advise and deliver guidance on best practice on due diligence, transparency, and accountability for use by Amnesty’s governing bodies including global and national boards.
• Develop and implement a continuous capacity building and promotional programme to strengthen the understanding and adherence to policies and best practice in areas such as accountability, transparency, and decision making, working closely with other relevant teams.
• Lead the Governance Programme team in line with IS policy, including performance management and staff development. Set standards of behaviour and performance through leading by example.

Please see the attached job description for more information on responsibilities, skills and experience required.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• ‘State of the art’ expertise and knowledge of governance and best practice in organizational leadership. ICSA qualified Company Secretary.
• Experiencing of advising, briefing and supporting senior management in international organisations.
• Experience of governance dynamics of a volunteer board in an INGO setting.

Please see the attached job description for more information on responsibilities, skills and experience required.

ABOUT US:

Our aim is simple: an end to human rights abuses. Independent, international and influential, we campaign for justice, fairness, freedom and truth wherever they’re denied. And whether we’re applying pressure through powerful research or direct lobbying, mass demonstrations or online campaigning, we’re all inspired by hope for a better world. One where human rights are respected and protected by everyone, everywhere.

Benefits include 37 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays and grace days), pension scheme, employee assistance programme, life assurance and many more benefits designed to suit your own personal lifestyle. All of this, in a professional, engaging environment.

For further information on our benefits, https://www.amnesty.org/en/careers/benefits/

WHAT WE HOPE YOU WILL DO NEXT

If you are talented, passionate about human rights and want to use your skills, knowledge and experience to change the world then we would encourage you to click ‘Apply for this Role’ below.

Freedom, Justice, Equality.

N.B. We reserve the right to close a vacancy before the closing date in the event of an overwhelming response or a change in business priorities.