Executive Brief

PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Our vision: Better living for all—sustainably Our mission: To champion innovation, enabling societies to live sustainably.

For more information contact Stephanie Cairns, Wrangellia Consulting [email protected]

June 2009

EXECUTIVE BRIEF

President & Chief Executive Officer International Institute For Sustainable Development

The Opportunity

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is seeking an outstanding leader to serve as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead one of the world’s most respected, credible and engaged institutions on sustainable development at a time when these issues are gaining precedence. The opportunity arises from the forthcoming retirement of David Runnalls, who became the Institute’s third President and CEO in 1999. Under his leadership, the Institute’s budget has grown by 91% and the organization has consolidated its position as a globally influential knowledge leader in its field. We are now seeking a steady, entrepreneurial‐minded individual who can elevate the organization to a next level of global leadership and influence. This person should be a nimble innovator who can respond to rapidly changing scientific knowledge, public policy and public values, new technologies and communications media, and to increased competition for money and ideas, and who will keep us at the forefront of the research and communications curve at a time when transformative change is urgently required. The position of President and CEO represents the highest management authority of the IISD, and has the final responsibility for all management decisions and for the overall position, survival and growth of the organization. The President and CEO reports to a Board of Directors drawn from around the world (see box, p.3), and serves as a member of that Board. He/she manages a large annual budget, supported by a broad international base of more than 70 donor sources. She/he will lead and inspire a global network of over 110 exceptional staff and associates, plus contractors and interns.

Organization Overview

The IISD is an international organization headquartered in Winnipeg, with offices in Ottawa, New York and Geneva. It is an independent, non‐partisan, non‐profit organization registered as a charitable organization in Canada and with 501(c)(3) exempt status in the United States. 2

Background In 1988, Canada announced at the United Nations that it was poised to launch and fund a sustainable development institute in response to the report of the World Commission on Environment and Development (the Brundtland Report). At the urging of the province of Manitoba, the Institute was established in Winnipeg in 1990. In its first nineteen years of growth, IISD has become one of the premier institutions of its type in the world, and the only one in Canada. Vision and mission IISD promotes change towards sustainable development. Through our research and through effective communication of our findings, we engage decision‐makers in government, business, NGOs and other sectors to develop and implement policies that are simultaneously beneficial to the global economy, the global environment and to social well‐being. We also believe in the importance of building our own institutional capacity through lessons learned from our collaborative research with partner organizations. IISD contributes to sustainable Our vision: Better living for all—sustainably. development by advancing policy Our mission: To champion innovation, enabling recommendations on international societies to live sustainably. trade and investment, economic policy, Our role: IISD promotes the transition toward a climate change and energy, sustainable future. We seek to demonstrate how measurement and assessment, and human ingenuity can be applied to improve the natural resources management, and well‐being of the environment, economy and the enabling role of communication society. technologies in these areas. We report Our tools are policy research, information on international negotiations and exchange, analysis and advocacy. disseminate knowledge gained through Our products are action recommendations collaborative projects, resulting in based on careful analysis, knowledge networks more rigorous research, capacity to build the capacity of civil society and other building in developing countries, organizations in both South and North, and better networks spanning the North timely reporting of international negotiations and the South, and better global critical to the sustainability of the planet. connections between researchers, Our audiences are government, business and practitioners, citizens and policy‐ civil society. makers. Our style is to increase our influence by working collaboratively with other institutions—building IISD has always striven to stay ahead long‐term strategic alliances, while retaining the of the research curve. The institutional institutional agility necessary to confront the culture supports innovation and we challenges of sustainable development. recognize that the frontier keeps moving. We are motivated by the pursuit of change, inspired by our own history of making a difference, and know that the most innovative ideas eventually become mainstream practice.

Executive Brief, President and Chief Executive Officer, International Institute for Sustainable Development

3

Programs and five year strategic plan IISD has six programs: Climate Change and Energy; Global Connectivity; Measurement and Assessment; Reporting Services; Sustainable Natural Resources Management; and Trade and Investment. In June 2009, the organization adopted a Strategic Plan for the 2010‐2015 period. This strategic plan starts with the assumption that more rapid, transformative change is necessary to address the challenges of achieving sustainable development, particularly those posed by the potentially catastrophic changes in our climate. IISD must be an opportunistic organization, able to capitalize on issues as they emerge and to respond to our partners, like‐minded organizations, governments and the private sector. The Strategic Plan is designed to build on our strengths IISD 2009 Board of Directors while remaining flexible and able to Daniel Gagnier (Chair), Chief of Staff, Office of the Premier accommodate new initiatives. of Quebec, Canada. John Forgách, Chairman, Equator LLC, Brazil. Four key leverage points for change Roger Gibbins, President and CEO, Canada West have been identified as the major Foundation, Canada. themes for IISD’s work over the next Isabelle Hudon, President, Marketel, Canada. five years: i) Trade, Energy, and Charles Loewen, CEO, Loewen Windows, Canada. Måns Lönnroth, former Managing Director of MISTRA, the Climate Change; ii) Advancing Swedish Foundation for Strategic Environmental International, North American and Research, Sweden. Canadian Responses to Climate Claude Martin, Honourary Advisor and past Director Change; iii) Conservation of Natural General, WWF‐International, Switzerland. Capital; iv) Transparency, Gordon McBean, Chair, Policy, Institute for Catastrophic Accountability and Connectivity in Loss Reduction, Canada. Global Governance. In addition to Patricia Moles‐Rivero, Brazil Country Manager, Petra Foods Pte., Brazil. these four major themes, there are Mark Moody‐Stuart, Chairman, Anglo‐American plc, two fundamental outcomes to which United Kingdom. we believe our work must contribute Papa Kwesi Nduom, entrepreneur, Ghana. in order for sustainable development Maureen O’Neil, President and CEO, Canadian Health to be achieved—poverty reduction Services Research Foundation, Canada. and gender equity. David Runnalls, President and CEO, International Institute for Sustainable Development, Canada. Governance Bruce Sampson, Chair, International Centre for Sustainable Cities, Canada. The Institute is governed by an Bruce Schlein, Vice President, Environmental Affairs, Citi, international Board of up to 25 United States. members members, elected for Vicky Sharpe, President and CEO, Sustainable three‐year terms, usually renewable Development Technology Canada, Canada. once. The Board meets twice yearly. Emőke J.E. Szathmáry, President Emeritus and Professor, University of Manitoba, Canada. The Board is a body independent Tensie Whelan, Executive Director, Rainforest Alliance, from management and responsible United States. for the governance of the Institute on H.E. Erna Witoelar, UN Special Ambassador for Millennium Development Goals for the Asia Pacific Region, behalf of the members. The primary Indonesia. role of the Board is to establish the Milton Wong, Chairman, Perceptronix, Canada. strategic direction of the Institute,

Executive Brief, President and Chief Executive Officer, International Institute for Sustainable Development

4 develop the policies by which the Institute will operate (including defining the limitations/boundaries under which management will operate), and provide oversight and advice to the President and CEO. There are four Board Committees: Executive, Audit, Fund Development, and Nominating. The President and CEO is a member of the Board and of all Board committees.

Management IISD carries out its work through a staff complement of 71 full‐ and part‐time staff located in its four offices. IISD’s flexible staffing model also includes 40 Associates and 90 freelance writers as part of its Reporting Services Program. The President and CEO chairs a Corporate Management Team, composed IISD Senior Management Team of the Vice President/Chief Operating

Officer; the Secretary‐Treasurer/Chief David Runnalls, President and CEO (departing). William Glanville, Vice‐President and Chief Financial Officer; the Director of Human Operating Officer. Resources and Administration and on a Ian Seymour, Secretary‐Treasurer and Chief rotating basis, one Program Director. Financial Officer. The Corporate Management Team Sue Barkman, Director, Development and operates out of IISD Headquarters in Community Relations. Winnipeg, Manitoba. Heather Creech, Director, Global Connectivity. John Drexhage, Director, Climate Change and The six Program Directors have primary Energy. Janice Gair, Director, Human Resources and authority for direction and financing of Administration. projects in their own program. Three of Langston James “Kimo” Goree VI, Director, the programs are directed from outside Reporting Services. of the Winnipeg headquarters (Climate Mark Halle, Director, Trade and Investment, and Change and Energy in Ottawa; Reporting European Representative. Services in New York; and Trade and László Pintér, Director, Measurement and Investment in Geneva). Members of the Assessment. Henry David (Hank) Venema, Director, program teams are also geographically Sustainable Natural Resources Management. distributed among the offices, and include Associates who work from locations world‐wide.

Additional information about the IISD can be found at http://www.iisd.org.

Financial

IISD’s budget for FY 08/09 was slightly above CAD $15 million. Funding comes from a broad international base of more than 70 donor sources. Two major categories of income are received: operating grants and designated grants.

Multi‐year core operating grants are received from the Government of Canada through Environment Canada, the Canadian International Development Agency, and the International Development Research Centre, and from the Government of Manitoba. These totaled CAD $3,301,000 in the 2008‐2009 fiscal year; future levels

Executive Brief, President and Chief Executive Officer, International Institute for Sustainable Development

5 will be subject to the agreements reached with each of these agencies at their respective renewal dates, which vary from 2010 to 2012. The agreements have typically been for a blend of operating grants and contributions in support for research that is consistent with the interests and priorities of the funders. Designated grants are received from numerous governments outside Canada, United Nations agencies, foundations and the private sector. These finance specific projects related to our strategic objectives. These totaled CAD $11,232,000 in the 2008‐2009 fiscal year. The graphics below illustrate our 2003‐2009 financing trends, 2008‐2009 revenue and expenses by activity area, and 2008‐2009 designated grant revenue by donor category. IISD’s most recent annual report, including consolidated financial statements, is available at http://www.iisd.org/about/annual_report/ . The 2008/2009 annual report will be posted as of June 24, 2009.

Executive Brief, President and Chief Executive Officer, International Institute for Sustainable Development

6

Executive Brief, President and Chief Executive Officer, International Institute for Sustainable Development

7

The President and Chief Executive Officer Responsibilities: Acting with the staff and Board, the new President and CEO is expected to:

. Provide leadership to the total organization in the achievement of the Institute’s vision, mission and objectives. Enable the 2010‐2015 strategic plan’s new focus on being an agent for transformative change to achieve sustainable development.

. Be a lead advocate for sustainable development in its many dimensions in both Canadian and international fora.

. Represent the Institute to outside parties, build partnerships, advance the cause of sustainable development, promote and add value and credibility to the IISD brand.

. Cultivate and steward donors, with the objective of preserving and augmenting financial support for the Institute from governments, international organizations, foundations, and the private sector.

. Preserve and enrich the intellectual core of the IISD, at the local, national, and global levels. Lead a decentralized team of highly motivated, accomplished, and independent program managers.

. Chair the Corporate Management Team, and with this team, design and approve all aspects of the organizational structure, the management system and any significant management actions of the organization, and appointments and compensation policies. Recommend plans and budgets to the Board.

. Support the Board of Directors and its standing committees in exercising their governance responsibilities, by providing appropriate and timely advice, background information and briefing materials.

. Travel extensively to international destinations for IISD business (in excess of 50 days/year) and maintain a presence in both Winnipeg and Ottawa.

. Model the ethical values of the Institute.

The ideal candidate The new President and CEO will have at least 15 years solid management experience and experience in corporate or institutional governance. She/he will have worked with other countries, including developing countries. She/he must be fluent in English (verbal and written) and possess reasonable capabilities in one or more other languages (French is desirable).

Executive Brief, President and Chief Executive Officer, International Institute for Sustainable Development

8

This position calls for an outstanding leader with a deep personal commitment to sustainable development; visionary outlook solidly grounded in pragmatic strategy; fundraising prowess; breadth of knowledge and experience; ability to work at very senior levels; sound judgment; and a relentless commitment to excellence, rigorous analysis, and integrity.

He/she must be . Known and respected in international sustainable development (or related) policy circles, with extensive national and international networks, including connections in developing countries. International in experience and outlook, transcending national or regional background to speak to global perspectives and needs.

. An articulate, authoritative and compelling communicator, who can unify people from diverse backgrounds around a motivational agenda and convene new levels of engagement and interest through strategic alliances, mergers, and coalitions. A natural networker who will bring new contacts to the organization.

. Approachable, empathetic and inclusive, at ease collaborating with colleagues from all corners of the world and sectors of society. As comfortable with leaders in small, remote communities and youth, as with senior politicians and civil servants, United Nations diplomats, and corporate and NGO executives. Cross‐culturally sensitive, with a diplomatic presence and a good sense of humor.

. A strategic and critical thinker, with a proven grasp of the complexities of sustainable development in multiple dimensions, and a keen sense of the policy environment of sustainable development. Placing a high premium on integrated and forward‐looking analysis, multi‐stakeholder deliberation, and formal review and continuous learning. Self‐confident in perspective, but an active listener who can learn from others and adapt to new knowledge.

. A leader with a collegial bent who can inspire and provide clear direction to a globally distributed network of staff, and who will nurture the strengths of the highly motivated and knowledgeable management team and program directors.

. Adept at leveraging the political role, organizational culture, and operations of a knowledge‐oriented NGO to effect change towards sustainable development, and with a proven record of influencing major change, in NGO or other sectors. The International Institute for Sustainable Development is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of applicants in this search.

Executive Brief, President and Chief Executive Officer, International Institute for Sustainable Development

9

Compensation

Compensation arrangements will be comparable with other similar international non‐profit organizations. IISD provides an extensive health insurance plan including life insurance, short and long‐term disability insurance, extended healthcare, dental‐care, vision‐care coverage, employee assistance plan, and health spending account. IISD also provides a group RRSP plan. The initial term of office will be five years.

Residency Requirements and Relocation Support

International candidates are welcome to apply. Residency in Canada (with a presence in both Winnipeg and Ottawa) is required. Candidates must presently hold or be eligible to obtain authorization to accept employment in Canada. Information on employment and residency in Canada is available at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp. The IISD will assist with the formal immigration application process, as required, by providing the necessary employer documentation. The IISD will assist spouses to explore career opportunities and with employer research and contacts if a relocation is required. Financial assistance will be provided to offset some of the costs if relocation is required.

Application and Selection Process To apply: The IISD Board has established a six‐member Search Committee. Wrangellia Consulting is assisting them. All inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in the strictest of confidence to:

Stephanie Cairns, Principal Wrangellia Consulting 336 Arnold Avenue Victoria, British Columbia Canada V8S 3L7 1 250 360 0456 [email protected]

Close of competition is September 30, 2009, 17:00 Pacific.

Applications must include: i) cover letter outlining personal motivation and qualifications as these relate to the job responsibilities and ideal candidate profile detailed above;

Executive Brief, President and Chief Executive Officer, International Institute for Sustainable Development

10

ii) resume; and iii) names and contact information for three references (we will seek permission from candidates prior to contacting any references).

Do not include additional materials. Please submit electronically in pdf format.

All applications will be acknowledged on receipt. Only long listed candidates will be contacted subsequently. Selection process: We will assess all applications based on our needs and against the backgrounds of other candidates. We will contact up to a dozen candidates in early November to arrange a preliminary conversation, the next step in our process. Preliminary discussion. If you are on this list, the purpose of our first conversation will be to explore your interest and fit for the position, and to provide you with the opportunity to gather all of the information you need to determine the seriousness of your application. Following this stage, all candidates will be asked to confirm their intent in principle to accept the position should it be offered to them, and their desire to proceed further. At this time, candidates will be asked to confirm formal references and to give permission for them to be contacted.

Interview and references. A short list of final candidates will be invited to an interview. These interviews have been scheduled for November 25, 26, and 27 at IISD’s headquarters in Winnipeg, Canada. Please make note of these interview dates, and let us know in your cover letter if they present difficulties. Board approval and offer. The Search Committee will bring its recommendations to the IISD Board at its January 19‐20, 2010 meeting. Following this meeting, an offer will be extended to our preferred candidate. Desired start date. We hope to have the new President and CEO in place between April and June, 2010. A transition period with the retiring President and CEO is planned.

Executive Brief, President and Chief Executive Officer, International Institute for Sustainable Development