Commission for Environmental Cooperation

Executive Position — Director of Administration

Deadline: April 1, 2022

The CEC Secretariat, headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is seeking an experienced executive to fill the position of Director of Administration.

This is a full-time two-year position with possibility of renewal, open to nationals of Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

You should apply if you have experience in the leadership and provision of high-level administrative services to an organization, and if you want a unique experience in an international organization that supports governments in addressing environmental and sustainable development issues in North America.

Overview

The Director of Administration is a senior-level position that reports directly to the CEC Executive Director. The incumbent directs the work of managers and staff whose responsibility for administrative and corporate-wide services include finance, accounting, and budgets; human resources and payroll; information technology (IT); meeting services; and facilities management.

Accountability and quality control regarding existing and updated policies, guidelines, and procedures are prerequisites for effective and efficient management of resources.  The Director is required to carry out all related duties and functions with utmost integrity, transparency, inclusiveness, collaboration, and excellence.

As a member of the Executive Team at the Secretariat, the position is key in terms of sharing information and providing guidance based on sound management practices. The person holding this cross-functional position will be expected to collaborate well with other personnel in the organization in helping plan, implement, and monitor CEC operations and activities.

The incumbent provides advice and material to the Executive Director on funding strategies and on overall policy and approaches.  The Director is at times called upon to make presentations with great accuracy and fresh insights before the CEC Council and other government representatives of Canada, Mexico the United States.  He or she also has an important liaison function with service providers and counterparts in other international organizations and the three governments regarding issues that may arise from protocol, privileges, and immunities, and within the context of the Headquarters’ Agreement with the Canadian host government.

Key responsibilities include providing direction and oversight of:

• Financial and administrative services—including timely budgetary information; staff management relations; internal communications on directives; and staffing and service requirements to meet existing and future operational needs. 
• Development and implementation of the Human Resources Plan—including oversight of staffing and recruitment processes and internships; employee orientation; conflict resolution; performance evaluation framework; learning, training, and professional development opportunities; staff rules and entitlements; payroll operations, employee benefits, and salary scales; and workplace safety.
• Administrative and meeting services—including supplies and service needs at CEC events and meetings; procurement, such as consulting, support to staff related to income taxes, insurance coverage, benefits, and leased premises, and any related renovation and workplace improvements.
• Accounting, budget planning and management of financial assets—including quarterly reports; external audits; annual reports; invoices and payments; Requests for Proposals and contracting guidance and review; and annual budgets.
• Information and technology services—including platform development and maintenance; information services strategies; databases, CEC-wide IT strategy; delivery of IT services and infrastructure. 
• Management of staff and activities—such as workload distribution; task assignments; teamwork environment; mentorship and guidance; technical and individual performance reviews for direct reports and consultants; leave approvals and work arrangements; labor relations; recruitment and retention.

Main attributes and qualifications

• University degree in Business Administration, preferably in accounting, in addition to Human Resources Management, or other field relevant to the key functions of the position.
• At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible management experience, especially the fields of human resources, budget management and administration.
• Three (3) to five (5) years working within or with an international organization is desirable, as is knowledge of host country income tax and labor regulations.
• Demonstrable experience in supervision, leading by example, quick-turnaround environment, and in planning and executing complex projects, large or small.
• Excellent planning, problem-solving, negotiating, organizational, and management skills.
• Solid understanding of the CEC’s mission, especially in terms of stakeholder engagement and networks.
• Fluent in English and good knowledge of French and/or Spanish.
• Tact, diplomacy, agility, adaptability and flexibility, and ability to maintain harmonious interpersonal relationships in a healthy and productive workplace.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong inter-personal skills and the ability to maintain a harmonious working environment.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from a minimum net income of US$85,000 to a maximum of US$100,000.00, based on a weekly schedule of at least 37.5 hours. This income is paid in Canadian currency.

As a basis for reference, the salary range for this position is the approximate equivalence of a minimum gross income of C$ 165,000.00 to a maximum of C$ 216,000.00, (i.e., gross income before income taxes).

In addition to the salary, the CEC provides benefits representing 25% of your annual salary (US net income), as provided in our benefits package, which also includes healthcare coverage. The benefits package can be used for childcare services, retirement savings (RRSP), tuition costs, and professional or fitness facilities memberships and dues, among others.

The CEC promotes employment equity and encourages diversity.

Please submit your resume and cover letter by e-mail at DirAdmin@cec.org  by April 1st, 2022 (COB).

No phone calls or email message inquiries will be accepted.