Person specification

Applications are invited from adaptable leaders who can demonstrate that they have progressed in people and strategic leadership to lead this next exciting chapter for the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

This is a wide-ranging generalist remit. It will suit someone able to lead teams of specialists to operate autonomously; and who can demonstrate strategic acumen with the ability to influence at a high level.

Prior experience in the British Overseas Territories, in fisheries management, habitat restoration, heritage conservation and working with scientific institutions is not required, but the new CEO will need to get up to speed with the key issues rapidly, and become familiar with relevant international law, treaties, and maritime governance to be effective in this role.

To progress in the process, candidates must be able to demonstrate significant experience across essential criteria, and ideally from a range of environments.

Essential experience and understanding

• Experience in leading the development of strategy with senior stakeholders (either organisation-wide or across one area).
• Experience in translating agreed strategy into clear, measurable and timebound objectives, and a proven ability to hold direct reports to account on delivery.
• Experience in managing large scale budgets and contracts.
• Experience in leading remote or dispersed teams of specialists and empowering them to lead autonomously.

Essential skills

• Business intelligence skills, with a proven ability to anticipate change and ambiguity, spot trends and turn these into opportunities, ideally in the revenue generation domain.
• Communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with proven ability to inspire and influence stakeholders, and operate effectively in rapidly evolving contexts.
• Financial skills, with a demonstrable ability to ensure a sustainable operating model.
• Risk management skills with a demonstrable ability to take a balanced approach to risk and crisis management.

Personal qualities

• The ability to inspire three dispersed teams of specialists as a visible and empowering leader.
• A clear vision for outstanding professional development for colleagues and the ability to foster a culture of continuous innovation and improvement.
• Interest in the polar regions, curiosity about heritage conservation.
• Belief in the vital importance of environmental protection and sustainable development.
• A focused decision-maker, blended with warmth, resilience and empathy.
• A self-starter, able to operate autonomously in a remote location while providing nuanced advice to the Commissioner.