Head of Economic Development Policy

Sainthelena; New York (NY); On-site; USD 119,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

St Helena's Economic Development Portfolio is modernising financial services, growing tourism, and opening the island to new investment. As Head of Economic Development Policy, you will turn strategy into results that people and businesses can feel, delivering the vision of the SEDS and creating an enabling government environment.

You will work with ministers and councils to shape legislation, lead a high‑performing team, manage budgets, and identify funding sources beyond UK aid, ensuring

Qualifications

• Degree in economics, international development, public policy or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in economic development with delivering a work plan.
• Proven track record of writing and implementing policy and strategy.
• Senior leadership experience, building and developing high-performing teams.
• Experience managing budgets, resources and funding.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to present difficult messages clearly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Project or programme management qualification (PRINCE2 or MSP) would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Own the Economic Development Delivery Plan, including budgeting, strategic planning and Monitoring & Evaluation.
• Advise the Director, Chief Secretary and Minister for Economic Development on all aspects of economic development policy.
• Engage with Executive Council, Legislative Council, businesses and partners to build support for change.
• Remove barriers that hold back local businesses and population growth, working across government.
• Turn policy into legislation where needed, working with the Attorney General's Chambers.
• Develop strategies for new and existing economic sectors.
• Promote St Helena internationally, keeping the investment prospectus, website, and promotional materials current.
• Identify funding sources beyond UKG Assistance and lead bids where appropriate.

Skills

Economic development

Policy writing

Policy implementation

Senior leadership

Budget management

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Degree in economics / international development / public policy

Job description

St Helena’s Economic Development Portfolio are modernising financial services, growing tourism, opening the island to new investment, and looking to support new economic sectors to create economic growth. We need a senior policy leader to turn strategy into results that people and businesses can feel. As Head of Economic Development Policy, you will deliver the vision of the SEDS, to create an enabling environment where people and businesses thrive, preserve what makes St Helena unique, and help improve how government delivers.

What you will do

• Own the Economic Development Delivery Plan, including budgeting, strategic planning and Monitoring & Evaluation.
• Advise the Director, Chief Secretary and Minister for Economic Development on all aspects of economic development policy.
• Engage with Executive Council, Legislative Council, businesses and partners to build support for change.
• Remove barriers that hold back local businesses and population growth, working across government.
• Turn policy into legislation where needed, working with the Attorney General's Chambers.
• Develop strategies for new and existing economic sectors.
• Promote St Helena internationally, keeping the investment prospectus, website, and promotional materials current.
• Identify funding sources beyond UKG Assistance and lead bids where appropriate.

What you will bring

• A degree in economics, international development, public policy or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience in economic development, including delivering a work plan.
• A track record of writing and implementing policy and strategy.
• Senior leadership experience, building and developing high-performing teams.
• Experience of managing budgets, resources and funding.
• Strong analytical skills and the confidence to present difficult messages clearly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

A project or programme management qualification, such as PRINCE2 or MSP, would be an advantage.

Why join us

This is a rare chance to influence a whole economy at a scale where your work is visible. You will work closely with ministers, shape legislation, and see your decisions make a direct difference to the community.

The St Helena Public Service welcomes all applications from across our whole community, including our St Helenian diaspora wishing to return to St Helena. If you are a St Helenian currently living and working overseas, please contact us at [e-mail] to discuss how we can support you. SHG positively accepts applications from all members of the community, regardless of age, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief and will consider all applications on the basis of merit assessed against the role profile and person specification. All appointments are subject to the successful candidate providing satisfactory clearances, which include a medical check, vetting / DBS clearance and references. SHG reserves the right to have information provided on or with the application independently verified. Benefits are subject to change and may vary according to role.