JOB AND TASK DESCRIPTION

JOB AND TASK DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Adviser & Head, Debt Management Section (DMS)

Division: Trade and Debt Advisory Services Division Grade: E

Reports To: Director Trade and Debt Advisory Services Division General information

The Trade and Debt Advisory Services Division is a major development co-operation component of the Commonwealth Secretariat, supporting the development efforts of member countries through the provision of technical assistance and capacity building initiatives. A significant part of the Division’s work is of a technical advisory nature, delivered through a combination of in-house and external expertise. The Division has two sections: the Debt Management Section and the Trade Competiveness Section.

The Debt Management Section (DMS) provides an integrated package of technical assistance in debt management through policy advisory support, capacity building activities and provision of debt management solutions for strengthening and reforming debt management framework, policy and operations. Policy advisory support is provided on legal framework and institutional arrangements on public debt management; the formulation and implementation of debt management strategies including the development of local currency debt markets and access to international capital markets; debt restructuring and liability management operations. Capacity building support is provided to strengthen institutional and local capacity on debt management through the provision of hands-on training workshops and other distance learning programme on debt management and its related areas.

Complementing the technical assistance and capacity building, DMS develops and uses the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Debt Recording and Management System (DRMS) for recording of debt database, and supporting back office functions. CS-DRMS is used in over 60 countries globally. In this area of work, DMS is responsible for the building up of a comprehensive and good quality debt database in line with best practice in debt data statistics. DMS also assists member countries in the preparation of debt bulletins.

The CS-DRMS is further complemented by our recently launched public debt analytical tool – the Commonwealth Secretariat Horizon based on a risk management framework; and the Commonwealth Secretariat Securities Auctioning System (CS-SAS) for supporting operations on auctions of government securities.

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Reporting to the Director of the Trade and Debt Advisory Services Division, the post holder will lead, direct and manage the Debt Management Section to deliver technical assistance projects on debt management provided through the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation (CFTC).

The Advisor & Head of the DMS is responsible for ensuring that projects meet agreed objectives and targets in a manner which achieves maximum impact and value for money towards strengthening debt management in member countries. The post holder will be responsible for the management of human and financial resources allocated for the programme.

Task description The post-holder will:

 Provide strategic direction and professional leadership for the Section’s work, continuously seeking to identify improvements in terms of the scope, content and depth of debt management programmes, as well as methods of delivery. As part of this function, the post-holder is required to take direct responsibility for the achievement of strategic outcomes and results related to debt management as defined in the Secretariat’s Strategic Plan.

 Lead and manage the debt management work of the Division, including the preparation of its work programme, managing performance, ensuring sound financial management of the Section’s allocated resources to deliver to time, budget and agreed quality, and monitoring and evaluation. This should be undertaken within the Secretariat’s agreed Results-Based Management principles and framework. This will include:

- Lead the designing of the work programme on policy advisory support to strengthen debt management framework, process and operations in member countries.

- Lead and steer the design and execution of capacity building activities in member countries which include conduct of training workshops, conferences, sensitisation events, and e-learning programme(s).

- Champion and conceptualise the development and mainstreaming the use of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s debt management solutions, i.e. the CS-DRMS, Horizon and CS-SAS.

 Build up a vibrant team within the Section and mentor staff for effective delivery, performance and create an enabling environment for professional excellence.

 Develop and maintain strategic partnership with multi-lateral, bi-lateral agencies and other stakeholders, including member countries to coordinate and implement technical assistance activities in member countries and promote achievement of the Secretariat/Divisional goals.

 Represent the Secretariat in relevant international conferences, meetings, seminars and workshops related to the key area of work.

 Lead the Section’s institutionalising of knowledge management in debt, and support the Director of Trade and Debt Advisory Division in this area within the overall area of Economic and Social Development.

 Adhere to the Gender Equality values of the Commonwealth as enshrined in the Charter and Secretariat’s Gender Equality Policy.

 Perform any other duties that may be required from time to time. Person specification

Education:

A university degree in Economics or Finance Experience:

Extensive and practical experience (minimum of 15 years) in public

debt management directing a multi-disciplinary team of professionals engaged in policy, operations and analysis; sovereign debt market operations; and public financial management process in government or an international organisation.

Desirable: Sound understanding of macroeconomic policies, local and

international debt market transactions; familiarity with technical assistance in developing and emerging market countries,

appreciation of public financial management solutions and information systems.

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Respect for Diversity

Works effectively with people from all backgrounds.

Treats all people with dignity and respect. Treats men and women equally. Shows respect and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates understanding in daily work and decision making.

Examine own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses and does not discriminate against any individual or group.

Challenges others to rectify biases in behaviour, systems & process Communication

Mentors a number of employees at a senior level

Recognises the talent in the Commonwealth Secretariat, seeking to develop, support, and grow it

Directs the energy of the organisation towards a common goal

Provides an example to others by demonstrating moral courage in the face of challenging circumstances

Planning & Analysis

Effectively assesses and advises on major programmes/activities at a divisional level

Balances focus in order to deliver both Commonwealth Secretariat and member states’ goals

Ability to interpret incomplete and/or ambiguous information Effectively analyses and assesses new or uncertain critical situations Adapting & Innovating

Identifies opportunities to improve divisional operations and effectively gains buy-in

Evaluates impact of improvement initiatives

Remains receptive to and encourages innovative ideas from more junior colleagues Initiates change that will enable programme/team to fulfil objectives in light of changing circumstances

Adhering to Principles & Values

Sets example and embodies Commonwealth Secretariat principles and values Demonstrably protects the reputation of the Commonwealth Secretariat Interprets and implements Commonwealth Secretariat principles and values Ensures that division/programmes operate in a manner aligned to the values and principles of the organisation

Leadership & Development

Mentors a number of employees at a senior level

Recognises the talent in the Commonwealth Secretariat, seeking to develop, support, and grow it

Directs the energy of the organisation towards a common goal

Provides an example to others by demonstrating moral courage in the face of challenging circumstances

Provide top level professional advice in strategic issues at management committee, board of governor & EXCO level. Lead on strategic issues.