Information Pack National Networks Manager
RDA National Secretariat
National Networks Manager
March 2007
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Information Pack National Networks Manager
Background to the RDA National Secretariat England’s nine Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) were set up to drive economic growth in their regions and to reduce the economic differences within and between regions. They are business led, public sector organisations, working with a wide variety of regional and national stakeholders – including large and small businesses at home and overseas, central and local government and third sector organisations. Each RDA is accountable both to its own board and also through the DTI to Government ministers, with whom they have regular contact. The National Secretariat co-ordinates the collective RDA relationship with Government on a wide range of policy, finance and operational issues. Key functions of the Secretariat include the organisation of regular top level meetings between RDA Chairs and Chief Executives; advising and briefing the Chair of the meetings; preparing the scope of their internal discussions and discussions with Government Ministers and officials; and driving progress on the most important aspects of the RDA – Government relationship. This involves regular liaison across the RDA network; with senior Government officials from a range of departments and occasionally with external stakeholders (e.g. CBI). The post-holder will therefore be required to take an active interest in political and economic development affairs in order to handle the day-to-day challenges of the job. The RDA National Secretariat is funded by all RDAs but the ‘host’ employer for efficiencies of scale is the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA). The post-holder would therefore be an NWDA employee (unless on secondment or similar arrangement.) Further information on the RDA National Secretariat is available from their website www.englandsrdas.com Commitment to Diversity The NWDA and RDA National Secretariat has a commitment to equality and diversity across its operating remit. All employees and Board members are expected to promote this commitment in the ways in which they interact with contractors, service providers and partners. Equal opportunities and diversity are about treating everyone fairly and equally depending on their individual needs. However, this does not always mean treating everyone the same. Dignity and respect are fundamental to this agenda as are social and economic inclusion. The full Equality & Diversity Policy & Guidelines produced by the NWDA can be downloaded from their website www.nwda.co.uk/ourpublications.
Information Pack National Networks Manager
Organisation Structure Sue Baxter RDA National Secretariat Director
Margaret Lawrence Personal Assistant
Allison Culshaw National Communications Director
Tim Dunford Senior Comms Officer
Vacancy National Networks Manager
Vasanti Pindoria Office Manager
Vacancy Corporate Affairs Officer & Board Secretary
Information Pack National Networks Manager
Job Description JOB TITLE:
National Networks Manager
LOCATION:
Westminster, London
PURPOSE OF POST This post is aimed at enhancing the transparency and accountability of pan-RDA working on issues of common interest. The post holder will also ensure that where RDAs are represented in external negotiations with Government through one or a small sample of representatives, that their positions truly reflect the interests and decisions of all RDAs at an appropriately senior level. RESPONSIBILITIES 1.
Support senior RDA colleagues through:
Providing intelligence about key RDA and Whitehall developments Identifying priorities for senior level attention Stakeholder management advice Evidence and analysis of emerging policy trends – this is possible, but there has been no opportunity or demand for this so far Process support for pan RDA meetings at senior level Achieving consensus from divergence on issues of common interest
2.
Ensure that RDA Directors, Chief Executives and Chairs consider the right crosscutting issues in good time to inform top level joint RDA decision-making and influence key Government decisions.
3.
Work with lead role groups and networks to prepare issues for Chief Executives’ discussions,
4.
Ensure lead role groups and networks are kept informed of any relevant chief executive and chair’s decisions
5.
Ensure substantive, cross-cutting issues emerging from RDA working groups are pursued, researched and/or cross-referred as necessary.
6.
Ensure that RDA positions represented to Government are representative of the collective interests of all (or the majority of) RDAs.
7.
Encourage best practice in consistency of RDA working in pan-RDA groups (especially those dealing with Government) and consistency of reporting.
8.
Work closely with all members of the National Secretariat Team to ensure that key issues and stakeholders are managed and communicated with in an appropriate and timely manner.
9.
Keep abreast of all Parliamentary activity relevant to RDAs and remain up to date with issues of RDA concern.
10.
Collate and maintain a web-based library of key documents relating to the work of RDA lead groups and Directors’ groups.
Information Pack National Networks Manager
11.
Any other duties related to the above in support of the work of the National Secretariat team.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Improved transparency of pan RDA working as measured by the enhanced ability of Chief Executives’ to intervene on all aspects of pan RDA working in a timely manner – as evidenced more strategic rather than operational engagement with Government departments at top levels.
Quarterly performance assessment by Director, RDA National Secretariat and twice yearly by Chair of Chairs Chief Executive.
Feedback by Chief Executives; Chairs of RDA working groups and National Secretariat team members.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE
Knowledge and understanding of the operational and organisational challenges for RDAs in a changing policy context.
Knowledge of the Parliamentary, legislative and regulatory framework.
Knowledge and understanding of best practice financial, programme and organisational management.
Ability to summarise and condense complex political and/or technical issues and express them in clear, concise and engaging ways to senior RDA and Whitehall staff, both orally and in writing.
Ability to analyse the RDA and Whitehall environment and identify the core issues for RDAs.
Ability to influence and co-ordinate the work and decisions of others for whom you are not directly responsible.
Ability to identify and communicate those issues require RDA consensus and common positions and those issues which are best represented by promoting the diversity of RDA interests.
Ability to prioritise own workload and that of other colleagues.
Ability to self-start, plan-ahead and understand the strategic agendas of colleagues and stakeholders.
DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / EXPERIENCE
Previous experience either working in or closely with an RDA or previous experience either working in or closely with an RDA-related Government department (e.g. DTI; ODPM; HMT; DfES; DEFRA)
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to make a positive contribution to the work of a small team.
Strong organisational skills, relating both to policy development and people management.
Information Pack National Networks Manager
COMPETENCIES BUILDING AND MANAGING RELATIONS B Actively develops relationships o Opens discussions with others about the quality of working relationships in addition to task focus o Has a strong, purposeful wide network of contacts o Takes steps to manage how others view them o Makes time to meet people and develop mutual understanding o Takes part in professional association or other similar social and networking events DEVELOPING OTHERS C Acts as a performance coach o Holds regular structured meetings with staff regarding their development o Enables the identification of clear performance improvement goals o Provide development challenges with associated opportunities to discus and review learning’s o Discus underlying feelings and motives as well as task completion o Sensitive to the different perceptions and feelings of individual staff regarding challenges EFFECTIVE INFLUENCING B Develops and implements influencing approaches o Adapts the content, style and tone of communications to the needs of the audience; varies the language and business terms with different customers. o Uses a combination of logical argument, personal conviction and passion to create a winning case. o Uses understanding of the organisation (culture, structure) to tailor the approach. o Involves others in decisions in order to gain support. LEADERSHIP B Promotes team effectiveness o Encourages all group members to participate fully to build team effectiveness. o Integrates the skills and abilities of the team to create a successful unit. o Actively takes steps to build the team in order to promote group morale Represents interests of their team/function within NWDA. o Takes responsibility for performance and general feedback about the team. STRIVING FOR SUCCESS C Sets and achieves targets o Regularly exceeds targets/expectations. o Sets high standards for self and/or others. o Has a drive to create and deliver own standards of excellence. o Makes changes in methods of work to improve business results.
Information Pack National Networks Manager
THINKING AND ACTING AHEAD B Looks ahead o Anticipates obstacles not obvious to others and thinks ahead; takes action to avoid a crisis. o Thinks ahead to identify opportunities to achieve better outcomes. o Put things in place now to avoid difficulties later. o Prepares for all eventualities; draws up contingency plans. o Predict the futures by reviewing past situations.
Information Pack National Networks Manager
Terms & Indicative Timetable The salary indicator for the post is c £40,000 per annum (inclusive of London Weighting). This role is initially available as an 18 month fixed term contract or secondment opportunity. This may be extended or made permanent in the future. The appointment will be on terms and conditions determined locally by NWDA, details of which will be explained to short-listed candidates. Key features of this are: •
30 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays
•
Final salary pension scheme, or alternatively access to Stakeholder pension arrangements
•
Non-consolidated bonus and annual pay review (non contractual) – based upon performance
•
Season ticket loan
•
Free eye tests and contribution towards glasses (subject to completion of probation period)
•
Medical screening (subject to completion of probationary period)
•
Occupational sick pay (subject to qualifying periods) with a maximum entitlement of 6 months full pay and 6 months half pay
•
Enhanced maternity pay scheme
How to Apply Please complete the Application for Employment and Diversity Information form and submit it with a copy of your Curriculum Vitae by email to HR@nwda.co.uk For an informal discussion, please contact Sue Baxter, RDA National Secretariat Director on Tel: 0207 644 1517, email: suebaxter@rda-secretariat.com Indicative Timetable
Element
Date
Advert Closing date Respond handling and shortlisting completed Interviews
6 April 2007 9-20 April 2007 To be confirmed during w/c 23 or 30 April 2007