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The governance and policy manager is a senior strategic and operational role responsible for leading, coordinating, and strengthening all governance-related functions across World Physiotherapy. Reporting directly to the CEO, the role ensures the organisation consistently meets the highest standards of governance, compliance, transparency, and accountability, in line with its global mission and constitutional framework.

The postholder serves as a key advisor to the CEO, board, and leadership structures, ensuring governance systems are robust, efficient, and appropriate for an international membership organisation. The role works closely with member organisations (MOs), regions, and speciality groups to enhance governance practices, ensure policy alignment, and support coherent decision-making across the global network.

The role also contributes to organisational direction by actively participating in the development and implementation of the World Physiotherapy strategic plan and supporting alignment with regional and other strategic plans.

1. Governance leadership and oversight

• Lead, coordinate, and oversee all governance functions and activities across World Physiotherapy.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with the constitution, bylaws, policies, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Regularly review and update governance frameworks, systems, and processes to align with international best practices.
• Provide authoritative advice and interpretation on governance matters to the CEO, board, and leadership structures.
• Develop and implement governance improvement initiatives to enhance organisational effectiveness and accountability.
• Work collaboratively with the World Physiotherapy development and membership divisions to ensure organisational cohesion and effective delivery of the global mission.

2. Board and executive support

• Support and coordinate the development of high-quality board papers, briefings, and decision-support materials.
• Support the full lifecycle of board meetings, including agenda setting, documentation, logistics, and action tracking.
• Ensure timely circulation of clear, accurate, and structured information to support informed decision-making.
• Maintain and manage official governance records, including minutes, resolutions, and statutory documentation.
• Monitor follow-up actions and ensure implementation of board decisions.

3. General meeting (GM) management

• Plan, coordinate, and deliver all World Physiotherapy global and regional general meetings in accordance with constitutional requirements.
• Develop and manage timelines for GM preparation, including submission, review, and distribution of papers.
• Oversee the drafting and quality assurance of reports, motions, and official documentation.
• Ensure accurate recording of proceedings, decisions, and outcomes.
• Verify compliance with all procedural and constitutional requirements for general meetings.

4. Regional elections coordination

• Plan and oversee regional election processes, ensuring alignment with organisational rules, timelines, and standards.
• Develop and implement clear election procedures and guidance for regions in line with the constitution.
• Ensure elections are conducted transparently, fairly, and consistently across all regions.
• Provide advisory support to regional executive committees on governance and election matters.
• Maintain comprehensive records of election processes, results, and compliance.

5. Policy development and management

• Lead the drafting, review, and implementation of governance and organisational policies.
• Ensure policies are consistent, up to date, and aligned with strategic priorities and international standards.
• Provide expert policy advice and interpretation to the CEO, board, MOs, regions, and speciality groups.
• Establish and maintain systems to monitor policy implementation, compliance, and effectiveness. 

6. Strategic planning and alignment

• Contribute to the development, implementation, and monitoring of the World Physiotherapy strategic plan.
• Support alignment between global strategy and regional and other relevant strategic plans.
• Provide governance input into strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with constitutional and policy frameworks.
• Monitor and report on governance-related strategic objectives and outcomes.

7. Support to member organisations, regions, and specialty groups

• Provide expert governance and policy advice to MOs, regions, and speciality groups.
• Develop practical tools, templates, and guidance to strengthen governance capacity across the network.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and promote best practices in governance globally.
• Respond to governance queries and provide timely, solution-oriented support.

8. Stakeholder engagement and communication

• Act as a central liaison on governance matters between the CEO, board, committees, and membership.
• Ensure consistent and transparent communication of governance processes, decisions, and requirements.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Work closely with the communications and marketing team for the delivery of all key communications.

9. Continuous improvement and risk management

• Identify governance risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Lead initiatives to enhance governance maturity and organisational performance.
• Monitor global trends in governance and advise on relevant improvements.
• Support organisational risk management processes related to governance and compliance.

Person specification

Education and qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in law, public administration, governance, business administration, international relations, or a related field.
• Postgraduate qualification (eg master’s degree) in governance, public policy, law, MBA, or related discipline (desirable).
• Professional certification in governance, compliance, or company secretariat (eg Chartered Governance Institute or equivalent) is an advantage.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development in governance or non-profit management.

Essential experience and skills

• Extensive experience in governance, policy, or organisational management, preferably in an international or membership-based organisation.
• Strong knowledge of non-profit governance frameworks and best practices.
• Proven experience supporting boards and senior leadership.
• Experience managing complex governance processes (eg elections, general meetings).
• Excellent organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to produce high quality formal documentation.
• Ability to work effectively across diverse cultural and geographic contexts.

Desirable

• Experience working with global professional associations or health related organisations.
• Familiarity with constitutional frameworks and regulatory environments in international organisations.
• Experience engaging with stakeholders across multiple regions.

Personal attributes

• Highly organised, proactive, and detail oriented.
• Strong integrity and commitment to transparency and accountability.
• Collaborative, diplomatic, and skilled in stakeholder management.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strategic thinker with a practical, solution oriented mindset.

 Impact of the role

This role is critical to ensuring World Physiotherapy operates with excellence in governance and policy. The governance and policy manager supports effective decision-making at the highest level, strengthens organisational credibility, and contributes to a cohesive, well-governed global network aligned with its strategic objectives.

Only candidates invited for interview will be contacted.