Director-General

Context

The International Development Law Organization (“IDLO” or the “Organization”) is the only intergovernmental organization exclusively devoted to promoting the rule of law and sustainable development. IDLO has sustained unprecedented growth in recent years, extending its programs to over 35 countries in the world, and is recognized as a global leader in legal capacity development, technical legal assistance, research, and policy advocacy on rule of law and access to justice. It has played a strong and visible role in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with a particular focus on Goal 16. The final term of the current Director-General concludes at the end of 2019 and IDLO seeks a new inspirational leader with vision, enterprise, strategic thinking, global experience, management strengths, and proven ability to forge partnerships.

Position Overview

The Director-General of IDLO is the chief executive officer and legal representative of the Organization. S/he is tasked with the Organization’s management and is accountable for her/his administration to the Assembly of Parties and to the Standing Committee.

The Director-General sets the vision for the Organization leads its strategic planning and is responsible for continuing the strong trajectory of program growth resource mobilization and expansion of members. S/he will demonstrate a commitment to, and passion for, the Organization’s mission: strengthening and advocating the rule of law and good governance to promote peace, justice, and sustainable development. 

The Director-General will have overall responsibility for the following:

Leadership & Governance Duties

• Set the Organization’s vision and strategic plan, inspiring and supporting governments and other stakeholders to achieve substantial and sustainable gains in rule of law and access to justice.
• Lead the development and execution of the strategy, programs, and policies of the Organization.
• Ensure the Organization’s commitment to internal and external accountability, transparency, and effectiveness.
• Consult with, and report to, the Assembly of Parties and the Standing Committee on the Organization’s management and programs. 
• Seek the advice of the Board of Advisors as appropriate.

Management of the Organization

• Manage the Organization as a whole: identifying and managing risks, mobilizing resources, creating a strategy, and building a strong leadership cadre within the Organization.
• Strengthen the Organization’s ability to deliver its programs, research, and advocacy goals, including through effective country presence.
• Lead a strong and cohesive senior team of legal, development, and administrative professionals to deliver the goals and objectives of the Organization.
• Inspire and engage with the Organization’s staff, enabling them to understand and contribute effectively to IDLO’s mission, policies, and programs.
• Ensure that the Organization maintains an unwavering commitment to quality in its programming, research and advocacy, identifying specific results-based outcomes and lessons-learned to enhance IDLO’s impact.
• Exercise responsible stewardship of resources, including financial control and budgetary management of the Organization and its programs.
• Ensure staff and management compliance with all relevant regulations, rules, policies, and guidelines consistently at all levels throughout the Organization.

External Relations & Resource Mobilization

As the Organization’s principal spokesperson, the Director-General, will:

• Expand the Organization’s membership in a regionally balanced way, working closely with IDLO governing bodies and other Member Parties.
• Strengthen IDLO’s relations with Member Parties and encourage and support them to participate in the governance of the Organization.
• Strengthen political and financial support for IDLO by cultivating partnerships with governments, the UN, development partners, other international and inter-governmental organizations, the private sector, and civil society.
• Play a key role in mobilizing resources for the Organization, nurturing close relations with key donors and building a broad and sustainable donor base.
• Promote IDLO’s global reputation, brand and accomplishments, enhancing the profile and visibility of the Organization as a leader in the rule of law and development sector.
• Foster partnerships, alliances, and networks that compliment or augment the Organization’s goals and objectives to advance the rule of law, expand resources and grow IDLO’s influence.
• Champion the rule of law globally and IDLO’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda.

Experience

Candidates must be able to demonstrate competence in the following areas:

Strategic Leadership

• Extensive leadership and management experience with international affairs in complex public, private, or international organization(s).
• Entrepreneurial ethos with strong analytical skills and experience of operational management.
• Experience of working in demanding, dynamic and multicultural environments in developing and developed countries.
• Proven leadership, vision, and strategic thinking with a demonstrated results-oriented track record.
• A clear vision on the current and future needs related to access to justice, the rule of law, and good governance in politically complex and fragile environments.
• Strong political acumen and understanding of the challenges and opportunities that face the rule of law and development sector, and organizations like IDLO.
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills at all levels, including with Heads of State, Ministers, Heads of other international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and the wider public.
• Understanding of intergovernmental governance processes.
• Proven ability to build trust and confidence and foster cooperation among a diverse set of constituencies, including with member states, governing bodies, advisory boards, donors, justice seekers, international organizations, governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the judicial and legal community and the private sector.  
• Adherence to the highest standards of ethical conduct and demonstrated leadership in safeguarding the integrity, accountability, and transparency.
• Empathetic leadership with the ability and personality to work collaboratively, accept responsibility, and motivate colleagues and stakeholders.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills that contribute to creating a culture that promotes a sound and inclusive work environment that demonstrates cultural and gender sensitivity.

Strategic Management

• Proven track record of achieving results in a corporate or a non-profit environment, with demonstrated success in developing policies, procedures and processes and building systems and tools to support a growth-oriented organization.
• Competence in staff management, effective delegation and administration processes within international organizations, public or private sectors, NGOs, or foundations.
• Excellent understanding of working in developing countries, including program implementation challenges in fragile or post-conflict states.
• Proven track record in the mobilization and effective use of resources.
• Successful talent identification and management that encourages diversity, foster teamwork and team building.
• Demonstrated autonomy and ability to take proactive decisions to ensure continuous growth of the Organization.
• Ability to manage organizational change and innovation, including leadership transformation and reform processes in work culture.
• Commitment to ethical conduct in the workplace.

International Experience with the Rule of Law

• Demonstrated commitment to, and experience in, the rule of law, good governance, human rights, access to justice and related global issues.
• Track record in influencing policymakers at the national and/or international level.
• Knowledge and appreciation of marginalized and vulnerable groups, those affected by the lack of access to justice and the rule of law, and international development law.

Education & Languages

• Advanced university degree or relevant experience. While formal training in law is not required, it is preferred.
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of French or Spanish would be an asset.  

Terms of Appointment

For this internationally recruited senior executive position, IDLO shall offer the candidate elected by the Assembly of Member Parties a fixed-term contract of four (4) years, renewable once for another term of four years upon re-election.  The position will be based at IDLO headquarters in Rome, Italy with frequent international travel.

To Apply

The Search Committee is committed to eliciting applications from the broadest diversity in terms of gender, nationality, ethnicity, or belief. Candidates will be submitted to a rigorous, competitive, and transparent selection process culminating in the recommendation of the top three candidates by the Standing Committee and election from among those candidates by the Assembly of Parties in November 2019. Applications should include a CV and a written statement describing the applicant’s suitability for and interest in this position. Applications should be submitted electronically before June 15 by clicking on Apply.