Secretary General BGCI

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Secretary General BGCI

The mission of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) is to mobilise botanic gardens and engage partners in securing plant diversity for the well-being of people and the planet. Founded in 1987 as an independent charity, BGCI represents botanic gardens worldwide and supports implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Global Strategy for Plant Conservation.  BGCI is at an exciting stage in its development with plans for growth and embracing new audiences.

After ten years of successful leadership, Sara Oldfield, the present Secretary General of BGCI is leaving to pursue new opportunities, and the Board of BGCI, chaired by Professor Stephen Blackmore, is seeking to appoint a new Secretary General, to be based at BGCI’s Headquarters, Descanso House on Kew Green.

The Secretary General is both leader and ambassador, defining and communicating BGCI’s agenda and vision, and leading the BGCI team to achieve the mission and objectives set out in the recently published strategic plan. Working with the Board, the Secretary General leads delivery of biodiversity policy, programmes and projects with a high level of impact around the world.

With proven leadership qualities, and outstanding diplomatic and communications skills, candidates for this post will require a proven track record in the conservation/environmental sector, with demonstrated sensitivity to complex, multicultural and multinational institutions and structures. Working within a partnership model, candidates must be able to show their capacity to innovate and manage change.  Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to inspire donors and BGCI’s members around the world, and have led on the development of significant capital and revenue schemes. A doctoral level qualification in a relevant discipline is desirable, as well as a perfect mastery of English, both oral and written. Fluency in other languages would also be useful.

Further particulars are available from Liz Smith (liz.smith@bgci.org) to whom, applications in the form of a letter summarising your relevant experience and setting out your vision for the post, together with your CV and details of three referees should be sent, as email attachments in Word or PDF format only, by Friday 14^th November 2014.