Director, PIDP

The East-West Center (EWC) promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1960, the Center serves as a resource for information and analysis on critical issues of common concern, bringing people together to exchange views, build expertise, and develop policy options. The Center’s 21-acre Honolulu campus, adjacent to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, includes conference facilities, three residence halls, and an office building that houses research, program, and administrative activities. The Center also has an office in Washington, D.C., that provides accessibility to US, regional government stakeholders, and program partners with innovative training, analytical and dialogue exchange, and public diplomacy products to meet US policy priorities and expressed needs in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) serves as Secretariat for the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders (PICL) and a Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) agency. Our PIDP team is seeking an on-site Director for a limited, one-year appointment (with possibility of extension). This position will be responsible for all programmatic, personnel, outreach, and financial matters for the program. The incumbent will implement a long-term strategy for PIDP programs and serve as liaison between federal, state and other funding sources, EWC leadership and its Board of Governors, staff members, alumni network, and distinguished guests to provide coordination of its functions and advocacy of its leadership training and capacity development programs.

The Director of PIDP will regularly engage in highly sensitive international communications and activities with elected and traditional leaders, senior officials, governments, and organizations. Thus, the incumbent will have direct access to and some involvement with multilateral activities that are highly sensitive and have geopolitical significance and implications. Confidentiality and privacy are of paramount importance; the incumbent will be held to a high standard of behavior in this regard and must be able to always maintain confidentiality and privacy.

MAJOR DUTIES:

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP

• Develop, implement, and execute an up-to-date strategic plan for the program based on research and analysis of the most significant issues and development needs of the Pacific Islands region; an understanding of the institutional objective in building a stronger Asia-Pacific community in which the United States is a valued partner; the interests and views of Pacific Islands leaders; past achievements and capabilities of the program; future sources of support; and likely budget constraints and opportunities.
• Develop plans of business continuity and growing PIDP’s relational and intellectual capital.
• Identify and oversee specific research, education, and training initiatives as part of the overall program strategy. Serves as the catalyst for the development of new ideas and programs focused on meeting the economic and national security needs of the Pacifici Island economies and establishes and maintains cooperative links with other institutions, agencies, and organizations needed to carry out these projects. Provides intellectual and professional guidance to staff and participants engaged in projects.
• Develop and coordinate project plans including scope, deliverables, and budgets (including liaising with senior management and third parties for multi-country/multi-agency projects). Manages and redirects resources in response to or in anticipation of internal/external circumstances. Addresses issues of competing demands to resolve project execution issues.
• Collaborates with leadership to develop and secure a diverse funding base for new initiatives and ongoing program activities.
• Represents the Center and PIDP domestically and internationally in research, education, business, and government settings. Authors high-quality papers for internal and external/international audiences. Maintains a professional reputation for authoritative information and analysis of issues relevant to the Pacific Islands region.
• Engages in effective dialogue with senior officials on sensitive and critical issues. Provides high-quality development advice, strategic insights, and critical thinking to the Executive Leadership Team. Works closely and cooperatively with management colleagues in achieving EWC’s mission and objectives.

PACIFIC ISLANDS CONFERENCE OF LEADERS (PICL)

• With PICL chairperson, leads the planning and coordination of activities for the Standing Committee and the full convenings of PICL at least every three (3) years and other meetings as necessary.
• Fosters and maintains effective working relationships with the representatives of PICL members states such as Heads of Government, Leaders, Ministers, and senior officials, as well as other partners such as senior CROP representatives, UN agencies, civil society, private sector, inter-governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and academia to facilitate deeper regionalism.

COUNCIL OF REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS OF THE PACIFIC (CROP)

• Ensures compliance with CROP Charter and requirements for PIDP to maintain CROP membership.
• Collaborates with other CROP agencies to deepen regional cooperation for improving economic growth and governance in the region.
• Attend the meetings of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

• Guides and leads their assigned unit, modeling appropriate behaviors and professional standards of conduct to ensure a high-performance, customer service-oriented work environment that supports the Center’s mission, objectives, and values.
• Supervises work and performance of designated staff. Sets work priorities, provides guidance, and directs workflow to ensure work is timely and accurate. Organizes work schedules and manages requests for time off in an appropriate and timely manner. Ensures work assignments fall within each position’s work scope and adhere to collective bargaining agreements.

This list of major duties is not exhaustive and may be supplemented on an occasional basis in accordance with the requirements of the job.

SUPERVISION:
The position works under the general supervision of the President of East-West Center and reports performance regularly to the Chairperson of PICL and the Secretary General of the CROP Secretariat (PIF). The incumbent has wide latitude for judgment in meeting program objectives and keeps the supervisor informed of significant changes and anticipated problems, with recommendations for resolution. Work is reviewed in terms of attaining desired performance outcomes and overall leadership effectiveness.

The Director will provide direct supervision, guidance, and support to an operational team and is expected to work effectively and cooperatively, manage individual and team performance, and resolve both operational and personnel concerns as they arise in a timely and appropriate manner:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education & Experience – A post-graduate degree and at least ten (10) years of full-time experience with a demonstrated progression of increasing levels of senior-level leadership and experience in Pacific regional engagements and democratic governance. Experience should produce acceptable knowledge of the politics, economics, and history and culture; and include achievements such as consultations, workshops, seminars, and conferences in the Pacific Islands region. At least two (2) years of supervisory experience demonstrating the ability to motivate, resolve conflict, plan, organize and delegate the work of others in a unionized work environment is required.

Communication – Possesses strong written and verbal English communication skills and can effectively speak and interact with people of diverse backgrounds and abilities in person, on the phone, and in digital environments. Possesses experience in public speaking and in delivering a portfolio of relevant reports, research, or other types of communication and knowledge materials.

Demonstrated Ability – Able to organize and carry out assignments by independently determining applicable regulations and procedures and appropriately applying policy and administrative directives; to apply sound judgment and analytical skills in making recommendations related to administrative matters; to maintain a high level of accuracy in working with numbers and other detailed matters; to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; to work cooperatively and effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and at multiple levels or public, private, academic, and government organizations; to appropriately handle confidential material; to work effectively in a highly non-routine environment; to effectively handle numerous complex details; to set priorities and work under pressure; to adjust work operations within available resources; to anticipate and solve problem situations; to work independently; to navigate complex political dynamics achieve effective working relationships amongst competing political groups; and to adapt to changes and exercise initiative and good judgment in dealing with a variety of situations.

Knowledge - Of office practices and recordkeeping procedures; of office machines and equipment including computers, printers, projectors, and other emerging technologies; high proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, Adobe, Acrobat Pro, or equivalent office computer applications; proficiency with Google suite, Microsoft 365, or other work sharing platforms; of meeting software such as Zoom and Skype. In-depth knowledge of major Pacific Island domestic and international policy, development, and social issues; of Pacific culture and its ways of operating; and in developing grant proposals and monitoring projects involving multiple units and agencies in the Pacific region.

Physical Requirements – Able to sit, walk or stand for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, operate standard office equipment, and use a phone; see and read a computer screen and printed matter with or without vision aids; read and understand rules and policies, labels, and instructions; and to hear, speak and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone.

Travel Requirements – this position requires the candidate to be able and available for occasional in-state, national, and international travel to support program needs. The incumbent must be able to drive or arrange for alternative transportation as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Able to speak one or more indigenous languages of the region
• Previous experience in high-level political meetings or missions
• Demonstrated capacity to bridge education, research, professional training, and business expertise to resolve political, economic, and environmental issues, realizing that success normally requires multiple sectors to work constructively together.

SALARY AND BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE EAST-WEST CENTER

You will have the opportunity to join an organization that values its employees and provides a supportive work environment. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:

• Competitive Salary and Benefits

The annual salary for this position starts at $141,241.78 per year with an attractive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement savings with a very generous company match, and paid time off.

• Career Growth Opportunities

We believe in investing in our employees and providing opportunities for career growth and development. You will have the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and advance your career within our organization.

• Supportive Work Environment

We believe in fostering a supportive work environment where our employees feel valued and appreciated. We encourage open communication and collaboration and provide the tools and resources our employees need to succeed.

HOW TO APPLY: If you're interested in applying for the role, submit an electronic application at APPLY FOR THIS JOB NOW so that you can be immediately considered. Here are some tips to help you prepare you for our job application process:

• Tailor Your Resume and Write a Compelling Cover Letter

Make sure that your resume is tailored to the specific requirements of the job. Highlight your relevant experience and skills and provide examples of how you have demonstrated leadership in your previous roles. Your cover letter should be tailored to the job and provide a clear and concise summary of your qualifications and experience. Explain why you are interested in the role and how you can contribute to our team. Our initial assessment will be based on the information you submit in your application.

• Be Prepared for the Interview

If you are invited for an interview, make sure that you are well prepared. Research our company and its role and be prepared to answer questions about your experience and qualifications.

• Provide Three Professional References (with appropriate contact information) in your Application

Ensure that your references can attest to your skills, work ethic, and integrity. What these people reveal about you — both in terms of what they do and don’t say — can make a difference in whether you’ll be hired. So, it’s extremely important that you choose wisely when deciding who to use as a reference.

The East-West Center adheres to all federal, state, and local civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in employment and education. The Center does not discriminate in its admissions practices, in its employment practices, or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of age, sex, gender, disability and/or handicap, race (including traits historically associated with race such as hair texture, hair type and protective hairstyles), creed, color, religion, national origin, nationality, ancestry, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding, veteran status, marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, status as a domestic violence victim, arrest status, or membership in any other class protected by state or federal laws, now or in the future, in any phase of its admissions, financial aid, educational, or in any aspect of its employment practices.