Secretary General At World Organization of the Scout Movement

Scouting is the world’s leading educational youth Movement empowering 57 million young people and volunteers to be active global citizens and agents of change in their communities. Since we were founded in 1907, the Scout Movement has continued to grow and is now active in over 200 countries and territories worldwide.

The World Organization of the Scout Movement provides direct support to its global membership, providing opportunities to build friendships, experiences, and skills for life, shaping young people’s futures.

Our work is wide ranging. Young people must be heard and empowered to make decisions about the world they are inheriting. Their voices are key towards sustainable development in environmental action, peace, social justice, humanitarian action, gender equality, and much more. We promote youth leadership at World Scouting’s international events and through delegations at major global forums.

We are creating transformative learning experiences for young people, everywhere and we’re looking for an inspiring, dynamic leader to step into the role of Secretary General – a unique opportunity to lead an impactful global organisation and help our growing Movement empower young people.

You will be an exceptional communicator, with experience gained in global organizations at executive team level, such as international non-governmental organizations or other non-profits of scale and complexity. A track record of working on youth focused initiatives or in the humanitarian sector would be an advantage.

Politically savvy, you’ll be experienced at influencing internal and external stakeholders across different countries and cultures and thrive in this setting. Experience of the Scout movement is desirable but not essential.

You will fit right in if you are a leader who:

• Thrives to lead our diverse and multicultural organisation.
• Feels equally at home brainstorming ideas with young people around a campfire or networking with big-name stakeholders at global forums.
• Is passionate about addressing the challenges facing young people in non-formal educational settings and thrives in working alongside volunteers.
• Aligns with our values of diversity, gender equality, and inclusion.
• Is a confident communicator and a great listener.
• Can inspire and represent 57 million Scouts at the highest level while staying true to our Movement’s core values.
• Can navigate complex governance structures and build the capacity of organisations.

If you seek purpose in what you do, be it in your personal or professional life, join us in shaping the future of Scouting to inspire the next generations of leaders and agents of positive change. Together, we can empower young people with the skills, values, and confidence they need to be ready for life.

For a confidential discussion about the position, please contact Fiona Wansborough, Partner on fiona.wansborough@gatenbysanderson.com / +44 (0) 7585 989 576 or Jacqueline Lau, Principal Researcher on jacqueline.lau@gatenbysanderson.com.