Stakeholder Relations Manager

Commonwealth of Learning (COL) helps governments and institutions to expand the scale, efficiency and quality of learning by using new approaches, appropriate technologies, and open and distance learning (ODL) methodologies. Headquartered in British Columbia, Canada, COL promotes innovation and works with Member States to facilitate learning for sustainable development.  It is financed by voluntary contributions from Commonwealth governments.

Overview of Functions of the Position:

The Stakeholder Relations Manager is a key resource in the maintenance and on-going development of strategic relations for COL within a wide network of stakeholders. The job holder is expected to develop and implement plans to enhance stakeholder relations that are designed to inform the Commonwealth community about the work of COL and build the profile of COL across the Commonwealth.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement and manage a stakeholder relations strategy that aligns with COL’s strategic priorities to enhance COL’s profile and visibility.
• Support COL’s work in developing relationships with key stakeholders and gather information to effectively manage these relationships.
• Foster and coordinate the network of Focal Points and organise meetings.
• Assist the President & CEO with speeches, presentations and media engagements.
• Identify new sources of funding and develop proposals.
• Manage assigned activities and project(s).
• Ensures direct report(s) have clear work plans and conduct performance appraisals on staff who work in the area; and
• Undertake other related tasks as directed by the President

Direct Reports:

Programme Assistant (shared)

Consultants

Qualifications and Experience:

Skills and Competencies:

• Innovation & Creativity: Injects originality into daily work through research, personal knowledge, and networking relationships; Takes initiative; Thinks "outside the box"; Brainstorms and encourages new ideas and solutions; Takes appropriate risks. 
• Prudence: Sets an example by consistently modelling high standards of performance, honesty and integrity especially with appropriate use of funds; Ability to mobilise, prepare and manage financial budgets in an effective, efficient and judicious manner to deliver ‘value for money’.
• Professional Judgment: Sound understanding of COL’s mandate, its programme goals and the environment in which it operates; Is sought out by others for advice in an area of specialisation; Has the expertise to be perceived as a thought leader and be a credible interlocutor in the field; Ability to analyse and provide clear and articulate strategic advice and develop realistic, relevant and achievable plans; Demonstrates a "can-do" and positive approach.
• Networking: Ability to develop and maintain a network of contacts in government agencies and institutions on issues related to education; Exercises discretion and diplomacy while representing COL’s interests; Capable of identifying and selecting quality partners, as well as to prepare, negotiate and manage agreements consistent with COL’s policies.
• Communication, Team Orientation and Supervisory Skills: Communicates effectively in a variety of settings including to wider audiences; Ability to prepare speeches and presentations tailored for different audiences; Displays sensitivity to ethnic and gender issues in verbal and written communications.

Ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities, as well as communicate and work with others, both within and outside COL, by promoting co-operation and collaboration to achieve collective outcomes under tight deadlines; Openly shares information, knowledge and expertise with the team and co-workers; Appropriately gives and is open to feedback.

Possesses the capacity and skills to manage human resources (staff, consultants, advisors, etc.).

Personal Attributes:

• Commitment to the ideals of COL, notably to the role of learning as the key to sustainable development and to the capacity of technology to enhance that role.
• Capacity to work in a multicultural environment with a readiness to adapt to the work culture, where integrity, mutual respect and dedication to the organisation are expected.

COL Headquarters is located at 4710 Kingsway, Suite 2500, Burnaby BC Canada V5H 4M2