The InitiativeThe Research and Program Support Center is a new investment being pursued by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) and the International Ethics Board for Accountants (IESBA) to enhance the Staff's research and technical activities, thereby ensuring the quality of Staff recommendations to the Boards. The objectives of the Research and Program Support Center include providing:
Center of Excellence for research and analysis: producing facility and methodology for structured research programs, data gathering, and analysis. This may include conducting or supporting market scans, stakeholder surveys, post-implementation reviews, and project-specific research.Standard-setting support: stakeholder engagement mapping, establishing policy and process supporting Staff technical documents, project team editorial and comment analysis process support, and implementation guidance support as appropriate.Support to organizational structures: Stakeholder Advisory Council activities and other ad hoc requests.OpportunityWe are seeking a highly talented individual to shape, launch, and lead the new Center and its activities. The newly created position, Director, Research and Program Support Center, serves an essential role in the executive leadership team of the Standard Setting Boards (SSBs) and as a resource to the Program and Technical Directors. The Director of the Center is a cross-SSB position focused on the delivery and enhancement of research, analysis, and policy support to meet the needs of the IAASB and the IESBA teams. The Director, Research and Program Support Center operates within the overall strategic orientation of the Managing Director (MD), as determined in consultation with the independent SSB Chairs/Co-CEOs. Reporting to the Managing Director, the Center's Director is expected to work in close collaboration and partnership with the IAASB and IESBA Program and Technical Directors, other Directors, and the Chief of Operations. The position offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic, collaborative, multi-cultural, and collegial environment, and to advance the caliber of the standard-setting of the SSBs.
Key ResponsibilitiesFulfilling the duties and responsibilities of the Director role will require strong working relationships both with the Program and Technical Directors and other Directors, given the interrelationship between the SSBs' projects and the research and support needs of the SSBs.Essential duties and responsibilities include:
- Developing an overall strategy and operating plan for the Center to meet its objectives.
- Developing and implementing a work program in the core activity areas of the Center, in particular the provision of structured research, standard-setting support, and support to organizational structures.
- Identifying, developing, and implementing, when appropriate, standard operating practices
- Participating in the SSB Executive Leadership Team, Management Advisory Team, and Planning Committee meetings as and when required
- Recruiting and developing talent (permanent and seconded) that results in the Center having the necessary skills and competencies to meet its objectives.
- Executing new imperatives, as identified by the SSB Chairs/Co-CEOs, MD and/or Program and Technical Directors.
Professional Experience & QualificationsThe ideal candidate will be a senior-level individual with relevant experience in the role and identified responsibilities. The candidate should understand the standard-setting environment plus have a strong background in academic research and literature reviews. Direct experience in developing and implementing a research program and with the operation of standard setting or similar boards or committees is highly desirable. The candidate will be self-motivated, dynamic, proactive, collaborative, and diligent.It is expected that the Director will be confident and competent in dealing with others at both the executive level and at more junior levels. In addition, the Director will have excellent negotiation and diplomacy skills to achieve consensus from a range of viewpoints. In addition, the ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
- Excellent organizational and project management skills.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to evidence gather empirical and qualitative data.
- Perform research methods and academic methodologies.
- Commitment to quality processes and products.
- Ability to build relationships, and work in a multi-cultural environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of seniority.
- Ability to collaborate and promote teamwork.
- Strong decision-making skills, and ability to challenge the status quo, anticipate and champion change, take initiative, and innovate.
- Ability to engage with and manage multiple priorities and work to internally and externally imposed deadlines.
- A strong sense of accountability.
- At a minimum, a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in accounting or other relevant field. A PhD or equivalent is preferred.
Location and CompensationPrimary Location (New York City) Salary Range: $200,000 - $245,000This role will be hybrid.IFEA is an equal employment employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.#IESBA #IAASB