The Arctic Economic Council (AEC) was established in 2014 as a circumpolar forum to promote sustainable and responsible economic development in and between the Arctic states with the involvement of Arctic Indigenous peoples and other Arctic inhabitants. The Arctic Economic Council and Executive Committee (EC) Chairmanship rotates every two years. The United States is current chair of the Arctic Economic Council.
The Arctic Economic Council is comprised of business representatives of the eight Arctic States: Canada, Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden and the United States. The Council also features representatives of six international indigenous peoples organizations: Inuit Circumpolar Council, Arctic Athabaskan Council, Aleut International Association, Gwich’in International Association, Saami Council and Russian Association of Indigenous peoples of the North.
The Arctic Economic Council Secretariat has recently opened an office in Tromsø and has one employee. For the years 2015-2017 the Secretariat is funded by Arctic Economic Council Norway (AEC Norway) with a yearly budget of NOK 3.500.000,-. After this period the funding will be based on a new model, to be developed by AEC. The Secretariat is to perform secretarial and administrative service to the AEC, as well as conducting and coordinating functions, and arrange meetings/conferences and other activities related hereto to conduct the support of the AEC.
Director of the Secretariat
Under the direction of the Chair of the Arctic Economic Council and the Executive Committee (EC),
the Director coordinates the work of the Secretariat. As Director, you will report to the EC by its Chair and you will be responsible for the overall management and administration of the Secretariat’s activities, including finance, administration, communications and outreach.
The Secretariat is located in Tromsø, Norway, where the Director is expected to live. You will be
required to travel throughout the Arctic region and elsewhere as appropriate.
Responsibilities include:
- Lead and manage the day-to-day work of the Secretariat
- Managing the Secretariat’s outreach and communications efforts
- Preparing and implementing a work plan and report the activities of the Secretariat
- As Head of the Secretariat you are responsible for all economic activities of the Secretariat, and will report in financial matters to the EC and AEC Norway.
Qualifications and Key Experience Requirements:
- Be a national of an Arctic State
- Hold an advanced university degree in a relevant field or a combination of proven qualifications and experience.
- A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in management relevant to the position of Head of the Secretariat.
- Demonstrate experience in financial administration, including the preparation of budgets and the management of expenditures.
- Experienced in strategic planning.
- Substantial knowledge of the Arctic region’s political and historical scene, with a network of contacts in the region.
- A firm knowledge of the business environment and economic scene of the Arctic.
- Ability to cooperate and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to work with different organizations, cultures and stakeholders to meet AEC’s goals.
- Excellent written and oral communications skills in English, working knowledge of other Arctic Language will be taken into account as an asset.
Remuneration
A competitive remuneration package, depending on professional experience and qualifications is
offered.
Appointment
The appointment is on a three year and fixed term basis.
Application Process
If you believe you have the profile we are seeking, please forward your resume with your letter of
interest to [email protected] For further information concerning the position please
contact AEC Norway representatives Erling Kvadsheim, [email protected], mob: (+47) 900 76 413 or Geir
Seljeseth, [email protected], mob (+47) 908 23 500.
The deadline for receipt applications is 07.09.2015. The final selection of the candidate for the
position will be decided by AEC Norway and the EC in the autumn of 2015
