Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission : Chair
- Body
- Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission
- Appointing Department
- Foreign & Commonwealth Office
- Sectors
- Business, Finance & Skills, Charity & Public Sector, Education, International
- Location
- Board and Committee meetings will be held in London. Occasional travel to international locations may be required.
- Skills required
- Audit and Risk, Business / Commercial, Communication / Media / Marketing, HR, International Experience, Major Projects
- Number of Vacancies
- 1
- Remuneration
- The appointment is unpaid. Reasonable costs of travel and subsistence within the UK and US to attend Commission meetings and events will be reimbursed, within HMG agreed limits.
- Time Requirements
- Part time - The role of a Chair involves attending three or four Commission meetings per year, at least two annual Commission events, plus the regular meetings of the Commission’s committees and other ad hoc work requiring a minimum time commitment of 18-20 days per year.
Campaign Timeline
-
Competition Launched
06/02/2020
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Closed for Applications
02/03/2020
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Panel Sift
09/03/2020
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Final Interview Date
16/04/2020
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Announcement
30/04/2020
Vacancy Description
Marshall Scholarship: Chair Vacancy
Marshall is the UK’s flagship scholarship programme with the United States. It enables talented postgraduate students from the US to study at Universities across the UK. Marshall is a key part of UK foreign policy, building meaningful links with future leaders and furthering the transatlantic partnership between the two countries.
The Marshall Commission was established by an Act of Parliament in 1953 to administer the Marshall Scholarship programme as an Executive Agency of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
The Commission comprises up to 10 Commissioners who act as a Board for the programme, setting direction, providing oversight and adding value to the scholars experience in the UK, using their personal networks and experience to give them access to interesting and insightful opportunities. The Commission is supported by dedicated staff at the Association of Commonwealth Universities, which is contracted to administer the Marshall Scholarship programme.
The Chair will lead the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission, and will have responsibility for:
Providing effective leadership of the Commission and ensuring that strong and effective governance is in place.
Together with the Commissioners, setting direction for the Marshall Scholarship programme and monitoring performance.
Ensuring that the Commission sets a clear vision and strategy for a vibrant and effective Marshall Scholarships programme that is effectively and appropriately communicated, in the context of changes in funding, in higher education and in the UK/US relationship.
Effective management of the key stakeholder relationships, particularly with the following:
o Working closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as sponsoring department, including ensuring close alignment with FCO strategic objectives.
o The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) as managing agency.
o The Association of Marshall Scholars (AMS) – the alumni association.
o UK Universities and other partners.
Acting as the public face of and ambassador for the Commission, promoting and communicating the Commission’s views as required.
Securing the future of the programme through effective university partnership building, including through and with the Marshall alumni network; and by taking other appropriate actions to secure long-term programme sustainability.
Co-ordinating and directing the contributions of Commission members presenting different views and opinions, and doing so by establishing good team working.
Carrying out periodic appraisals on individual Commissioners’ performance.
Acting as the Accounting Officer responsible for the expenditure of public money.
More information about Marshall Scholarships and the Commission can be found at www.marshallscholarship.org
Person Specification
One candidate is sought whose attributes will range across the following criteria.
Essential:
A keen interest in and experience of UK-US relations, and a commitment to improve and deepen that relationship.
The ability to demonstrate strategic leadership at Board level of a significant organisation in the public or private sector, including the ability to lead and chair an interdisciplinary group.
Experience of networking at the highest level and an awareness of how to use networks effectively to achieve an organisation’s goals.
Excellent communication skills.
An ability to engage with the best and brightest American students, and a keen concern for their well-being.
Demonstrated ability to seek out and conclude strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders and organisations that can further bolster the scholarship and work of the commission.
The right to work in the UK.
Desirable:
Knowledge of finance and governance issues.
Knowledge or experience working with or on behalf of UK higher education and its institutions.
Experience of dealing with Ministers, senior officials and stakeholders.
Skills in stakeholder engagement, and monitoring and evaluation of organisational impact.
Knowledge and experience of engaging with dispersed and widespread communities and alumni, including through the use of technology.
Commitment towards and demonstrated ability in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
Experience or knowledge of fundraising and commercial sponsorship.
At Marshall, we want to represent the breadth and diversity of the UK and particularly welcome applications from candidates from a diverse range of professional and personal backgrounds.
For information regarding the selection process, please contact Stephanie Kouloumanou by e-mail: Stephanie.Kouloumanou@fco.gov.uk
Additional Information
Appointment and tenure of office
Initial appointment will be for three years. Subject to satisfactory performance, the appointment may be renewed at the end of the first period of office for another term of three years. The chair is approved by the Foreign Secretary in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
How to Apply
How to apply – All applicants are required to submit a letter no longer than two pages detailing their experience against the specification and relevant skills together with a full CV. All candidates are also required to complete a Public Appointment Diversity Monitoring Form attached separately. Please also provide the names and contact details of two referees who can be contacted if you are short-listed for interview. If alternative formats of this information pack and the monitoring form (below) are required, please contact us at an early stage well before the closing date for applications. Applications must be received by the closing date. Late applications will not be considered. Contact details: Stephanie.Kouloumanou@fco.gov.uk
Please refer to the attached Candidate Pack for more information on the role and appointment process.