Director of Governance, Strategy and Learning
Salary: £120,103
Location: Malrborough House, Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5HX, UK
The vacancy
The Commonwealth Secretariat is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking leader to serve as its next Director, Governance, Strategy and Learning—a pivotal role at the centre of the organisation’s governance and strategic architecture. Working closely with the Secretary General and Deputy Secretary-General's, the post-holder will drive organisational performance, strengthen accountability, and ensure that strategic priorities set by Member States translate into measurable results and meaningful impact.
The Role
As Director, you will be the engine behind Secretariat-wide strategy, results-based management, and institutional learning. You will lead the development and implementation of the Commonwealth Secretariat Strategic Plan, oversee the corporate Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) system, and ensure that evidence, performance data, and strategic insight shape decision-making at every level.
You will also serve as Secretary to the Board of Governors—managing the Secretariat’s relationship with Member States, ensuring strong governance alignment, and supporting high-level mechanisms such as CHOGM and ministerial meetings. From governance KPIs to horizon scanning, from strategic briefings to scenario planning, this role places you at the heart of the Secretariat’s long-term positioning and reform agenda.
About You
You are a strategic thinker with a strong command of governance systems, organisational strategy, and performance management. You bring deep experience in MEL, strategic planning, or institutional reform, and you excel at turning complex mandates into clear frameworks, actionable insights, and measurable results.
You are confident engaging senior political and institutional stakeholders, skilled at navigating multicultural environments, and adept at building trust with Member States. You combine analytical strength with excellent communication, diplomacy, and leadership with the ability to influence, advise, and inspire across the organisation.
About us
It is home to 2.5 billion people, and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. 33 of our members are small states, including many island nations.
Our member governments have agreed to shared goals like development, democracy and peace. Our values and principles are expressed in the Commonwealth Charter.
The Commonwealth's roots go back to the British Empire. But today any country can join the modern Commonwealth. The last two countries to join the Commonwealth were Gabon and Togo in 2022.
For detailed job description and to apply, please visit the link below.
Director of Governance, Strategy and Learning