Global Company Secretary

PIDG is seeking a highly accomplished and internationally experienced leader to assume the position of Head of Corporate Secretariat, following a comprehensive review and restructuring of its group organisation structure. This senior role is pivotal in spearheading the transformation of PIDG’s Corporate Secretariat function, ensuring rigorous governance that aligns with the organisation’s new organisational structure and global ambitions.

This role is responsible for setting the strategic direction and leading the transformation of the Corporate Secretariat function, embedding a world-class governance culture across all PIDG entities and jurisdictions.

The successful candidate will bring a proven track record of delivery of corporate secretariat leadership on an international scale, demonstrating an ability to navigate complex, multi-jurisdictional environments and to implement best practices in corporate governance. They will be accountable for critically evaluating and enhancing the governance model, embedding robust controls and establishing a high-performing, global Corporate Secretariat function that delivers expert support to the Board, PIDG Owners, the Executive team and key stakeholders across multiple geographies.

This role demands expertise in developing and maintaining sophisticated governance frameworks, a comprehensive understanding of legal and regulatory standards across various jurisdictions, and experience advising Boards and Executive leadership in diverse, international contexts. The Global Head of Corporate Secretariat will be instrumental in shaping PIDG’s governance culture, ensuring that it reflects world-class standards, supports the organisation’s strategic objectives, and sustains its reputation for transparency, accountability, and operational excellence on a global stage.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to the Board of Directors by ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, organising effective governance frameworks and promoting transparency and accountability.
• Manage all CoSec activities for the PIDG Group post reorg including ownership of CoSec delivery across Mauritius, Kenya, Singapore, UK and Morocco.
• Advise the Chair and the Board to ensure they are operating in accordance with rules and regulations.
• Facilitate effective interaction and dialogue between the Owner-Members, the Board of Directors and Management; contribute to consensus building among Owner-Members; and provide support services to the Board, Board Committees and Management.
• Facilitate efficient communication between the Board, its committees, Management, Owner-Members.
• Support the Chair in ensuring the effective operation of the Board, including advising on procedures and meeting conduct.
• Develop and maintain corporate governance frameworks, ensuring the group complies with the UK Corporate Governance Code (where applicable) and other relevant codes or standards.
• Monitor changes in legislation and regulation affecting the group’s operations, advising the Board accordingly and ensuring appropriate internal processes are updated.
• Organise and administer Board meetings, committee meetings and annual Owner-Members’ Meetings, including preparing agendas, distributing papers, taking minutes and ensuring decisions are implemented.
• Organise and administer meetings with Trustees.
• Manage statutory compliance, including maintaining statutory registers (e.g. registers of members, directors, secretaries and shareholders), filing requirements (i.e. Companies House) and ensuring proper record-keeping in all jurisdictions.
• Supervise legal entity governance management, ensuring all Board members adhere to the regulatory and statutory requirements, articles of association, bylaws and other founding documents.
• Facilitate Board evaluation and assist with Board succession planning.
• Build, manage and develop a high-performing, global Company Secretariat team, providing leadership, coaching and professional development to ensure best-in-class delivery.Set and oversee the implementation of sophisticated, multi-jurisdictional governance frameworks, with authority to establish standards and processes group-wide.
• Work closely with HR, Legal, and senior leaders on Board recruitment, appraisals, and strategic governance initiatives.

Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated ability and expertise in building, managing, and developing global Company Secretariat teams and structures across the various regions in which PIDG operates.
• Extensive experience as Head of Corporate Secretariat or Senior Corporate Secretary in global organisations with complex, multi-jurisdictional legal entity structures.
• Proven track record of leading transformation and setting strategic direction for governance functions in international organisations.
• Expert at facilitating efficient communication at board and executive levels across diverse international jurisdictions.
• Skilled in organising and administering board, committee, and international Owners meetings, managing statutory compliance, and maintaining robust governance frameworks in line with UK and international standards.
• Experienced in supervising legal entity governance and ensuring compliance with statutory obligations and founding documents in multiple countries.
• Demonstrated background in project finance, infrastructure, and international development, with strong familiarity with donor-funded environments.
• Effective at leading board evaluation and succession planning initiatives from a global perspective.
• Strong track record of collaborating with HR and Legal functions, as well as senior leaders in matrix organisations, to drive strategic solutions.
• Recognised for building strong cross-border relationships and influencing stakeholders diplomatically in multicultural environments.
• Experience advising at Board and Executive level, with the ability to influence and shape governance culture at the highest levels of the organisation

Professional Attributes

• Strategic and pragmatic – able to balance robust governance with commercial and operational realities and ‘hands on’ in approach.
• Culturally intelligent – comfortable working across geographies and building relationships with stakeholders from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Collaborative and influential – able to engage diplomatically and build consensus in complex environments.
• Proactive and resilient – thrives in a fast-moving, evolving organisation.
• Committed to purpose – motivated by PIDG’s mission to drive sustainable development and inclusive growth.

Qualification and education requirements

• Educated to degree level.
• Qualified Chartered Secretary (CGI or equivalent)

Please fill out the form on the 'Application' tab at the top of this panel.