December 15th, 2014

Search for CTO’s next Secretary-General starts

London-based recruitment firm Prospectus Ltd. hired to manage the process.

LONDON, 15 DECEMBER 2014 – Recruitment for the next Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) has started, with London-based recruitment agency Prospectus Ltd. hired to manage the process.

The CTO’s Secretary-General is appointed for a four-year term renewable, by decision of the Executive Committee, and the next Secretary-General is expected to start in September 2015.

“I believe that no one should lead an organisation as prestigious as the CTO for as long as eight years, as there is a danger that it becomes a personal fiefdom, and so it is important that a cycle of leadership is maintained.” stated current Secretary-General Professor Tim Unwin during the recent annual meeting of the organisation’s Council held on 11 September 2014 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Taking over in September 2011, Professor Unwin championed and led the organisation’s work in key ICT4D areas, such as ICTs for people with disabilities, and youth and ICTs.

According to the Constitution of the CTO, the Secretary-General is the public face of the Organisation and is responsible for its office leadership, giving direction and clarity to the Organisation’s strategic development. Recent Secretaries General of the CTO include Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah (Ghana, 2003 – 2011) and Dr David Souter (UK, 1995 – 2003).

The candidate selection process that is just starting is expected to take at least 3 months, and candidates will undergo a rigorous process to include screening interviews and a psychometric assessment.