Director Economic Development, Trade and Investment Directorate

The Commonwealth Secretariat is looking for a bold visionary leader to drive its global economic development agenda. If you thrive at the intersection of international finance trade policy and sustainable development this is your stage.

The Opportunity

Youll lead the Economic Trade & Investment Directorateshaping strategy influencing global debates and championing the needs of 56 nations including 31 small states. As a member of the Senior Management Committee youll help steer the Secretariats direction while guiding a team of expert economists analysts and advisers.

This role is about impact: driving thought leadership forging highvalue partnerships and ensuring Commonwealth perspectives land in the rooms where global decisions are madefrom G20 working groups to panCommonwealth platforms.

What Youll Drive

• Strategic leadership that pushes the Commonwealth to the forefront of global economic thinking.

• Highlevel advocacy on issues like debt sustainability investment governance and economic transformation.

• Partnerships with development banks regional bodies and investment agencies to unlock resources and influence.

• Strong inclusive leadership of a diverse multidisciplinary team.

• Representation of the Secretariat at major international fora shaping outcomes for small and vulnerable states.

What You Bring

• A postgraduate degree in Economic Development or a related field.

• 15 years of seniorlevel leadership in sustainable economic development.

• Deep experience working in developing countries and managing complex policy and research programmes.

• A track record of inspiring teams navigating multilateral processes and building strategic alliances.

• Exceptional communication and advocacy skills with the confidence to engage senior political and institutional leaders.

Experience with small states or expertise in gender health or education in developing contexts is a strong advantage.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of56 independent and equal countries.

It is home to 2.5billion people and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. 33 of our members are small states including many island nations.

Our member governments have agreed to shared goalslike development democracy and peace. Our values and principles are expressed in theCommonwealth Charter.

The Commonwealths roots go back to the British Empire. But todayany country can jointhe modern Commonwealth. The last two countries to join the Commonwealth were Gabon and Togo in 2022.