Ei-iE

Education International is seeking applications for the position of Deputy General Secretary (DGS), which will become available in EI Head Office at the beginning of 2026. Deputy General Secretaries are appointed by the Executive Board on the recommendation of the General Secretary.

The profile for this position includes the following:

• Successful experience in a senior leadership position in one of EI’s member organisations.
• Substantial experience in the teaching profession and our union movement.
• Significant international experience in EI, the international trade union movement and with international agencies or NGOs.
• A strong personal commitment to the aims of Education International and to its policies on quality education for all, gender equality and social justice.
• Excellent inter-personal skills.
• The capacity to represent the General Secretary on EI committees, with member organisations and to engage in advocacy in the international community.
• Experience in communicating with the media and in promoting trade union social equity policies would be an advantage.
• Outstanding organisational and managerial skills and the ability to motivate colleagues.
• An excellent command of English, and at least one other official EI language.

Responsibilities

The Deputy General Secretary is entrusted with aspects of the implementation of EI’s quinquennial strategic and operational plans and is allocated tasks related to the governance and administration of EI.

The Deputy General Secretary forms part of the organisation’s senior management team and reports to the General Secretary.

Specifically, the DGS will supervise middle management (directors) in three areas: Research, Policy and Advocacy, Capacity Building and Solidarity programmes, and Campaigns and Communications. While it is anticipated that the successful candidate will assume responsibility for specific aspects of the programme and its administration, the successful candidate may be required to assume responsibility for a wide range of issues contributing to the implementation of EI goals, as directed by the General Secretary.

The DGS will be based in the EI Head Office in Brussels. However, he or she will be required to travel abroad regularly to carry out duties. It should be noted that on occasion their work can fall outside normal hours during the week and even include weekends and legal holidays.

EI is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Summary

Reporting to the General Secretary, the Deputy General Secretary oversees and is responsible for ensuring the implementation of EI’s quinquennial programme, and allocated tasks related to the governance and administration of EI. The Deputy General Secretary forms part of the organisation’s senior management team.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supporting and advising the General Secretary in the implementation of the Strategic Plan;
• Supervising and mentoring the Directors of: Campaigns and Communication (C&C), Research Policy and Advocacy (RPA), and Capacity Building and Solidarity (CBS);
• Responsible for specific aspects of the programme and its administration;
• Representing the General Secretary on EI advisory bodies and with member organisations;
• Promoting EI and its policies in the media;
• Managing, and motivating staff under their supervision;
• Other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong personal commitment to the aims of Education International, to trade unionism, to the promotion of education and to the EI policies on gender equality and social justice and quality education for all;
• Significant experience in an education trade union senior leadership role;
• Strong oral and written communications skills in English and at least one other EI language
• Advanced understanding of educational policy issues;
• Ability to prioritize complex and competing demands;
• Ability to function in a diverse, multicultural environment;
• Ability to provide expert advice and judgement pertaining to all organisational and policy matters.

Working Arrangements

The DGS will be based in the EI Head Office in Brussels. However, he or she will be required to travel abroad regularly to carry out its duties. Work that falls outside normal hours during the week, and at the weekend will be expected.

Applications

Applications, which should contain details of relevant qualifications and experience, should be addressed to the General Secretary, emailed to [email protected] and must be received by August 1, 2025.