Guardian Careers – Chief Executive

About the job

Duke of Edinburgh International Award Foundation

The Award is a global framework for non-formal education and learning, which challenges young people to dream big, celebrate their achievements and make a difference in their world. Through developing transferable skills, increasing their fitness levels, cultivating a sense of adventure and volunteering in their community, the Award helps young people to find their purpose, passion and place in the world.

Founded more than 60 years ago, the Award is available to all 14 – 24 year olds and equips young people with the skills they need for life regardless of their background, culture, physical ability or interests. On an individual level this can make a transformational difference to a young person’s life; on a collective basis, it has the power to bring significant change to wider society. In fact, in 2020 alone, more than £400 million in social value was generated globally by those young people who completed their Award.

The Award empowers both young people and adults, and they can be literally anyone, anywhere. That is why the Award operates in more than 130 countries and territories. Over the past 65 years more than 13 million Award journeys have started, involving more than 125 million hours of voluntary service and over 6.5 million Awards gained by young people allowing them to reach their potential and develop self‐confidence and a sense of purpose.

Young people are at the heart of what we do and why. Every decision we take is about trying to improve either their access to the Award or the quality of their experience doing it.

The Secretary General of the Award will champion and promote the Award’s global brand and mission, raising the profile of the Award and maximising sustainable high impact social value. A critical factor is to prioritise and seek key partners to help extend the Award’s reach, impact, reputation and prosperity.

The Secretary General will be someone with an entrepreneurial mindset who, as an ambassador for the Award, is able to network at all levels in the international community and major donors and volunteers at fundraising events.

Overall, we are looking for those capable of developing the Award’s vast potential, and those who are fundamentally driven by our mission to better the lives of more young people across the world.

About You

We are looking for someone who is passionate about the potential of young people and their future, genuinely driven by the Award’s mission and is capable of delivering the Award in a world that is becoming increasingly aware of the need for non-formal education and learning (“NFE&L”).

The successful candidate will have experience of Board level management and leadership, with an aptitude and appetite for the more international dimension and have the confidence to engage with all stakeholders across the world.

This individual is an exceptional communicator and ambassador, able to express views effectively and diplomatically, knows when decisive action is required and when reaching consensus through consultation can achieve better results.

Application Instructions

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is partnering with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation as its employment agency advisor on this appointment.

Candidates should apply for this role through Saxton Bampfylde Ltd’s website at: www.saxbam.com/appointments using code FBFND. Click on the ‘apply’ button and follow the instructions to upload a CV and cover letter and complete the online equal opportunities monitoring form.

The deadline for applications is noon on Wednesday 9th November 2023.

The appointment will be subject to receipt of satisfactory references. Alongside a competitive salary, the appointee will receive an excellent benefits package.