The President & CEO is responsible for providing intellectual and managerial leadership of the North-South Institute. This requires motivating the staff and promoting innovative research. It also requires taking the lead to enhance the NSI’s image, profile, reputation and impact on policy. The President & CEO is charged with ensuring the financial health of NSI. He or she reports to the Board of Directors through the Chairperson and is responsible for supporting the Board of Directors in setting policy for the Institute.

The North-South Institute (NSI) carries out research on foreign policy and international development issues aimed at policy-makers, educators, business, the media and the general public. Since its establishment in 1976, NSI has built a reputation for sound analysis of pressing development issues. NSI employs between 25 and 30 people and operates on an annual budget of approximately $3 Million (Cdn).

The North-South Institute is dedicated to eradicating global poverty and enhancing social justice through policy relevant research on international cooperation, democratic governance and conflict prevention. It is Canada’s leading independent, non-profit, non-governmental and non-partisan research institute focused on international development. The Institute’s research results, publications and seminars help foster discussion and debate on, and ultimately understanding of, the development challenges facing both Canadians and non-Canadians.

The North-South Institute’s key strength is the objectivity of its policy analysis. Its researchers are recognized for their cutting-edge work and their commitment to working with partners in the South. NSI seeks to present evidence-based alternatives to the national and international policies affecting developing countries and their citizens.

The North-South Institute’s research examines the role of the public and private sectors, and of civil society in Canada’s relationships with developing countries. Its research supports global efforts to increase aid effectiveness, strengthen governance and accountability, prevent conflicts, promote equitable trade and commercial relations, improve international financial systems and institutions, and enhance gender equality.

NSI’s research program concentrates on five key areas:

• Finance for equitable growth
• Peace-building and conflict prevention
• Trade and natural resources
• Employment and migration
• Governance, reform and effective development

NSI is looking for a strongly motivated and deeply passionate leader to fill the position of President and CEO. NSI is located in Ottawa, Canada.

Enhances NSI’s image, profile, reputation and impact
• Informing development and trade policy, stimulating public policy dialogue, and supporting efforts to reduce poverty and inequality
• Seeking out, developing and nurturing strong working relationships with the Canadian government, the policy community, media, international institutions, researchers, funders,
  business and non-government communities
• Establishing and maintaining strong collaborative working relationships with Southern research partners and relevant Canadian organizations and individuals

Ensures a secure, diverse financial base
• Proactively leading fundraising activity where the presence of the President & CEO is essential to winning financial resources and securing new donor partnerships
• Ensuring robust governance mechanisms are in place, including the framework for financial controls, legal compliance and risk management

Provides intellectual and managerial leadership and inspiration and promotes innovation within the Institute
• Contributing perspective and analysis to the policy research agenda
• Developing and maintaining a dynamic and creative relationship with the staff
• Promoting efforts to reduce poverty and inequality and efforts to enhance gender equality and cultural diversity

Oversees the management of the North South Institute
• Organizing, developing, motivating and effectively managing the staff of NSI (select, develop, deploy and retain the best available staff)
• Guiding the development and implementation of NSI programs and activities
• Leading the implementation of NSI strategic plan to deliver against plans and budgets
• Undertaking work planning and performance reviews for senior staff

Supports the Board of Directors, and its elected officers in
• Facilitating ongoing, systematic forward planning, thus ensuring appropriate and timely organizational change and the development of program directions, strategies and evaluation
• Ensuring that current, relevant information is available to the Board on the status of NSI programs and activities
• Providing regular, comprehensive reports to the Board of Directors
• The President & CEO is a member of the Board

Education & Knowledge:
• University education (post graduate degree)
• Knowledge of policies and programs related to NSI’s five program areas
• Knowledge of the key Canadian government actors in the field of development and a clear understanding of how policy is formulated in Canada
• Knowledge of emerging issues and new actors in Canadian foreign policy and in international development
• Knowledge of key contacts in international organizations and the policy community

Experience:
• Significant experience as a leader developing, implementing and managing policy-related research programs and projects in international development.
• Substantial experience leading and managing a highly accomplished and experienced multidisciplinary team
• Known and respected in international development policy circles as an articulate spokesperson on social and economic policies related to development
• Experience in developing countries and in the Canadian context
• Experienced communicator and public presenter, adept at media relations
• Experience working with a board of directors

Compentencies:
• Inspirational leader
• Proven management skills
• Passion for policy-relevant research
• Ability to achieve NSI’s Mission and Vision
• Committed to promoting cultural diversity and gender equality
• Creative, dynamic fundraiser

Language:
• Bilingual (English and French). Superior verbal and written English mandatory. Additional languages are an asset (such as Spanish, Arabic, Chinese).