Executive Director, Canadian Association for Global Health and Health Systems Global Secretariat
Summary
This is a shared position, based at CAGH and which includes 60% time allocation for CAGH and 40% for HSG. Il s’agit d’un poste partagé. Il est basé à l’ACSM et requiert 60 % d’attribution de temps à l’ACSM et 40 % à HSG.
Description
Executive Director, Canadian Association for Global Health/Association pour la Sante Canadienne and
Executive Director, Health Systems Global Secretariat
Position Profile
This is a shared position, based at CAGH and which includes 60% time allocation for CAGH and 40% for HSG.
About Us
Canadian Association for Global Health
Our Vision
A vibrant global health community creating a healthier and more equitable world.
Our Mission
To connect, engage, strengthen and mobilize the global health community across Canada and internationally through collaborative research, learning, advocacy, policy and practice.
Our Principles
Respect, Integrity, Equity, Excellence, Inclusion
Our Values
CAGH affirms its commitment to
- Equity
- Diversity
- Meaningful inclusion
- A plurality of voices for a shared vision, respectful of dialogue across sectors and across discipline
Our Core Functions
CAGH supports research and implementation of global health activities involving:
- Knowledge translation
- Capacity strengthening
- Training
- Networking
- Collaboration and partnerships
These activities are driven by a strong, vibrant membership, with a focus on the organization’s sustainability, and will be carried out in Canada and across the global south with an emphasis on equitable partnerships with individuals and institutions.
CAGH brings together an active global health community working to create a healthier and more equitable world. It was formed in 2021 by an amalgamation of two existing organizations, the Canadian Society for International Health (CSIH) and the Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research (CCGHR).
Our action on health equity and the social determinants of health in Canada and worldwide is rooted in collaborative research, learning, advocacy, policy and practice and driven by knowledge exchange, the design and delivery of meaningful international projects, and the flagship annual Canadian Conference on Global Health (CCGH).
We are a member-based, not-for-profit organization representing, and supported by, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and students with academic and civil society partnerships across Canada and globally.
Our Current Strategic Directions
- Create and support spaces and opportunities for knowledge exchange and networking around global health priorities by convening the global health community.
- Strengthen the involvement of students, youth, and early and mid-career researchers and practitioners in all of their diversity, in Canada and in LMICs by sustaining a platform for education, learning, training, mentoring, advocacy and career growth in global health.
- Amplify the diverse voices of the global community to advance action on health equity and social determinants of health in Canada and globally.
- Advance health equity and systems strengthening (or global health agendas) through integrated, multisectoral collaborations based on implementation, research, evidence-based technical exchange, innovation and policy strengthening.
- Foster a strong, diverse, sustainable, and actively engaged membership base committed to advancing global health, represented by professionals and stakeholders (healthcare professionals, policymakers, academics, researchers, international development professionals, students and young professionals).
- Develop a financially and organizationally efficient, resilient organization through a diversified funding base to achieve the mission and related strategic directions.
Health Systems Global
Health Systems Global (HSG) (https://healthsystemsglobal.org/) is a diverse, global membership society of researchers, decision-makers and implementers who are dedicated to promoting health policy and systems research (HPSR) and knowledge generation. The HSG is a not-for-profit society, governed by the Board of Directors with the support of the Secretariat comprising staff for key operations (finance, communications, operational support) and managed by the Executive Director (ED).
Through an agreement with HSG, CAGH-ACSM provides secretariat services for the organization, with the ED of CAGH-ACSM serving as the ED of the HSG Secretariat.
The ED of HSG secretariat is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the organization’s operational, programmatic, and administrative functions.
Working under the guidance and supervision of the HSG Board, the ED is accountable for the implementation of the strategic vision set out by the Board, and leads the development and implementation of the HSG’s strategic plan.
The ED maintains strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders that are essential collaborators in HSG’s efforts. S/he has the responsibility and accountability to set the tone for the Secretariat’s internal and external interactions by exemplifying values of high ethical standards, integrity, and fairness.
What You Will Do
CAGH responsibilities:
- Create high levels of engagement amongst current and new CAGH-ACSM members; you will be responsible for securing enthusiastic support and buy-in of existing members of both historic organizations, CSIH and CCGHR. In addition to keeping current members engaged, a major outcome for the role will be to grow membership; particularly with civil society organizations and low- and middle- income country members. Strong communication and positioning the organization as a credible, legitimate, exciting new player in the field will be critical for growth of the membership.
- Secure new funding sources for CAGH-ACSM; both historic organizations had adequate funding for their separate operations, however the vision of the new organization is one that is larger than the two separate entities on their own. In order to execute on the new vision, the CEO will be required to secure enough funding for CAGH-ACSM to move forward for the next couple of years. Identification and pursuit of new donors and funding sources, and with collaboration from the board will be important.
- Support the CAGH-ACSM Board in building and executing strategic plans; a major part of this role is ensuring the success of the integration and working with the newly formed board to outline the key priorities for the next couple of years and beyond. You will work to help the organization decide which of its current activities are a priority and which it may need to shed for better focus. You will leverage stakeholders that include an active board, current members and partners overseas to contribute to strategy and ideas that relate to our current goals.
- Manage CAGH-ACSM programs team and other staff; there are a number of existing projects in the works. While we already have a strong and experienced team executing on these, you will provide oversight to the projects. You will be responsible for ensuring the engagement of the current staff by making sure our project objectives are met.
HSG Responsibilities:
- One of the major tasks is to lead all aspects of the HSG Secretariat. You will supervise the performance of the HSG Secretariat personnel and collaborate with other senior HSG staff in overall operational management and reporting to the HSG Board;
- take part in the Executive Committee, Governance Committee and Fundraising Committees;
- play an active role in supporting the Board in the implementation of the HSG Strategic Plan, reporting to the Board and ensuring that it’s Officers are comprehensively supported in their roles;
- share in the official representation of HSG;
- build and maintain effective alliances;
- play a key role in mobilizing resources and seeking grants for HSG and the HSR global symposia;
- ensure regular communication with the membership including a timely response to queries and comments from members and other communications, as requested by the Board;
- support member-led Thematic Working Groups; and
- prepare and manage the annual General Assembly, including Board elections and the annual report.
Who You Are
- A visionary leader– you have an enthusiasm and commitment to the values and principles of the new organization and can transform the legacy of the amalgamating organizations into a force for positive change in a way that brings all stakeholders on board.
- A go-getter who values collegiality– you are willing to take risks and try things out that will contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the vision and mission of the organization. Your can-do attitude and collaborative approach support your reputation as a leader who can mobilize a shared vision through your actions, connections, and pursuits. You are eager to showcase other’s work and are happy to share the spotlight.
- A natural networker and exceptional communicator– you are someone who can hit the ground running in terms of making contact with potential and existing funders, new stakeholders, current members and international partners. You can engage with leaders in global health in a way that shows diplomacy and confidence driven by your authentic desire to do great work. You ideally would be bilingual (English/French), or have a strong strategy to communicate across both official languages.
- Someone who is connected into the global health sector– you are likely someone who is already connected into the global health sector and has demonstrated experience working in policy or as a global health practitioner in the field. You have an awareness of current opportunities and emerging challenges in the global health space.
- A strategic thinker – you are someone who can see the value and synergies of the new organization and line-up support both internally and externally to carry it forward. You are able to prioritize actions over the first few years that have the largest impacts on membership, funding and the positioning of the organization in the global health sector.
- A commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and justice – you have shown a tangible commitment to these important principles in your previous work experience.
Qualifications
Required
- Postgraduate degree in a relevant field such as global health, international relations, or international development
- Minimum 5-10 years of relevant experience, with preference given to candidates with related experience in senior managerial, leadership or executive roles
- Sound knowledge of key global health, international health, global development, health equity, or other related areas
- Managerial experience and leadership skills
- Financial literacy and experience managing a budget
- Diplomacy skills and high emotional intelligence
- Excellent organizational abilities and attention to detail
- Ability to prioritize and manage a varied workload with a range of concurrent projects and deadlines
- Working use of English and French for business purposes
Desirable
- Extensive network amongst key global health and similar not-for-profit organizations
- Established relationships with key departments within the Canadian government
- Preference given to candidates with advanced degrees, including MD/MSc, PhD or equivalent experience
- Bilingualism (English, French) a strong asset, other languages also an asset
Why Work With Us
Our vision is to foster a vibrant global health community, creating a healthy and equitable world. We are committed to equity, diversity, meaningful inclusion and to a plurality of voices for a shared vision, respectful of dialogue across sectors (academia, civil society, practice) and across disciplines.
This is a full-time role with 3 days per week devoted to CAGH-ACSM and 2 days per week to Health Systems Global (HSG) with a combined salary of CAD100 000 to CAD120 000 annually commensurate with experience, combined with a group health and dental benefits package. You will have the opportunity to work remotely on a schedule that is flexible depending on your existing commitments.
Requirements:
- Travel– International travel may be required for participation and attendance at events and to engage with partners and collaborators in the field.
- Must be eligible to work in Canada
How to Apply:
We thank all applicants for their interest in our current opportunities and will advise applicants as to whether or not they are selected for an interview.
As an organization who is committed to equity, diversity, and meaningful inclusion, we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
Please send a cover letter outlining your qualifications for the role as well as an updated CV in confidence to [email protected].
