Director-General International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) () Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Founded in 1895, the International Co-operative Alliance is an independent, non-governmental organisation which unites, represents and serves co-operatives worldwide. It is the largest non-governmental organisations in the world.
ICA members are national and international co-operative organisations in all sectors of activity including agriculture, banking, fisheries, health, housing, industry, insurance, and consumer co-operatives. Currently, ICA has 240 member organisations from 89 countries, representing more than 800 million individuals worldwide.
The International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) unites co-operatives worldwide. It is the custodian of co-operative values and principles and makes the case for their distinctive values-based economic business model which also provides individuals and communities with an instrument of self-help and influence over their development. The ICA advocates the interest and success of co-operatives, disseminates best practices and know-how, strengthens their capacity building and monitors their performance and progress over time.
The Director-General will be responsible for ensuring that the business of the ICA is carried out in accordance with , the , and the strategy agreed by the Board.
The Director General will also be responsible for:
·Management - continuing drive to develop a genuine global organisation that equally values, utilises and builds on the strengths of the centre, regions and business sectors;
·Managing Change - carrying out the process of change within the organisation to ensure that it is fit for purpose in the economic, political, and social environment in which its members operate at any given time;
·Membership Services - ensure that the organisation is sensitive and responsive to the needs of its members;
·Innovation - ensure overview of the global economic and political bodies to capture all opportunities for the development of models of co-operation in new sectors of the economy; and for securing new opportunities for the established sectors;
·Representation - represent the international co-operative movement at all levels and settings;
·Government Relations - network governmental, administration or public policy contacts in pursuit of co-operative interests and the development of co-operatives;
·Education and Information - ensure that the co-operative commitment to continuing education and information for its members is sustained globally.
Position Requirements
1.A strong record of successful senior level management and administrative experience including at least ten years with an membership/association/society organisation that has an international scope;
2.Successfully demonstrated administrative and staff management experience in a matrix organisation (preferred) and budget responsibilities of at least 4 million CHF;
3.A record of maintaining a strong and productive relationship with Boards of Directors;
4.A successfully demonstrated ability to build effective and productive relationships among a wide range of internationally and culturally diverse members, donors and partners;
5.A track record of promoting a work environment characterised by innovation, creativity, teamwork, transparency, integrity and respect, and which values inclusiveness and diversity while managing organizational change;
6.Experience successfully developing and implementing programmes to consolidate and increase organisational membership;
7.Effective experience improving organisational lobbying and advocacy practices with global organisations such as the United Nations and its agencies, the International Accounting Standards Board, the World Bank, Committee for the Promotion and Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC), etc.;
8.Excellent formal and informal written and verbal English language communication skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively internally and externally and at all levels of a culturally diverse organisation; Language skills in French, Spanish, and/or other languages desirable;
9.Education: At least a Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent in international business, association administration, international relations, public administration, non-profit administration or a related field preferred.
A more complete Job Announcement is available at:
Application Process:
All applications will be acknowledge and kept confidential. Preferred start date for this position is May 2010 or as soon thereafter as possible. First interviews are likely to begin mid April 2010. The position will remain open until filled. To apply please e-mail a cover letter addressing how your skills and experiences meet the needs of the position and the organisation along with an updated résumé/CV to: