National Coordinator – Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence (GGPE)

The Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence (GGPE) is a national, mission-driven initiative operating under the auspices of the Office of the Governor-General. The Programme exists to recognise exceptional human achievement and to cultivate leadership, service and social impact among Jamaica’s youth, including within the diaspora.

Through its two flagship arms, the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards (GGAA) and the I Believe Initiative (IBI), the GGPE honours excellence while intentionally investing in the next generation of leaders. The Programme is funded through sponsorships and donations and is guided by the principles of excellence, integrity, stewardship and service.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We invite applications from suitably qualified and experienced leaders for the role of National Coordinator , the principal executive responsible for the strategic direction, operational excellence and long-term sustainability of the GGPE.

This is a senior, high-visibility leadership role with accountability for:

• Strategy and execution across the GGAA and IBI programmes
• Governance, financial stewardship and reporting to the Advisory Board
• Resource mobilisation and partnership development
• Delivery of national and diaspora ceremonies and initiatives
• Protection of the reputation and integrity of the Office of the Governor-General

The National Coordinator translates approved strategy into measurable impact while ensuring that all programmes, ceremonies and engagements reflect the prestige and standards of King’s House.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Programme Management

• Lead the design and delivery of all GGPE programmes, including:
• Governor-General’s Achievement Awards (local and diaspora)
• I Believe Initiative (IBI) Ambassadorship Programme
• Summer of Service (SOS)
• Youth Consultative Conference (YCC)
• Parenting Programme
• Develop and execute annual strategic and operational plans.
• Ensure programme impact is measured, documented and reported.

Governance, Accountability & Reporting

• Report directly to the GGPE Advisory Board.
• Provide monthly updates and quarterly financial and operational reports.
• Prepare and present the Annual Report inclusive of outcomes and financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with governance standards, donor requirements and Jamaica’s Data Protection Act.

Resource Mobilisation & Financial Stewardship

• Develop and manage annual budgets and multi-year projections.
• Secure and diversify funding through sponsorships, grants and partnerships.
• Exercise prudent financial management in alignment with Board-approved limits.

Stakeholder & Partnership Development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Custodes, sponsors, donors, ministries, NGOs, diaspora partners and media.
• Coordinate the Annual Stakeholders’ Reception.
• Serve as principal spokesperson for the Programme, as appropriate.

Team & Organisational Leadership

• Lead the GGPE Secretariat, directly supervising a Project Officer and Executive Secretary.
• Provide leadership to the IBI Ambassador network locally and internationally.
• Foster a values-driven, high-performance culture grounded in integrity, professionalism and excellence.

REQUIREMENTS

The Ideal Candidate Will Bring

• A postgraduate qualification in Management, Business Administration, Finance or a related discipline (or equivalent senior executive experience).
• Minimum fifteen (15) years’ senior leadership experience within a foundation, non-profit, donor-funded or mission-driven organisation.
• Demonstrated success in strategy execution, governance, and financial sustainability.
• Proven experience in fundraising and partnership development.
• Experience engaging Boards, senior leaders, government stakeholders and high-profile partners.
• Strong financial acumen and sound judgment in governance environments.
• Executive presence, diplomacy and unquestioned integrity.
• Experience overseeing high-profile, protocol-sensitive programmes or events.
• Knowledge of non-profit governance frameworks, donor reporting obligations, youth development models and recognition/awards systems is highly desirable.

Special Conditions

This is a senior executive role requiring:

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and public holidays, particularly around official ceremonies and engagements.
• Travel across all parishes of Jamaica.
• Representation of the Programme at high-level stakeholder engagements.
• Strict adherence to confidentiality, ethical standards and conflict-of-interest requirements.

What This Role Represents

This is not simply an operational post. It is an opportunity to steward a respected national platform for recognition, youth empowerment and social impact, and to strengthen its visibility and sustainability both locally and across the diaspora.

If you are a strategic leader who understands governance, values public trust, and can mobilise people and partnerships toward measurable impact, we invite you to apply.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 20, 2026