General Director NIPA

Leading a transformational journey to position NIPA as a regional leader in vocational and professional education and to leverage business and innovation strategies to create a lasting impact on the workforce in St. Maarten.

GENERAL DIRECTOR (GD)

This is an opportunity to lead a transformational journey to position NIPA as a regional leader in vocational and professional education and to leverage business and innovation strategies to create a lasting impact on the workforce in St. Maarten.

ABOUT NIPA

The National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA) is the sole government-recognized institution in Sint Maarten offering advanced vocational and technical education to secondary school graduates and adults in the workforce. Our programs, ranging from short-term qualifications to full four-year apprenticeships, are tailored to meet the needs of the labor market and the broader St. Maarten community. With a commitment to high-quality education, NIPA fosters essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, and technological proficiency. NIPA aims to create a supportive, success-driven environment, ensure accessibility to educational and career opportunities, and form strong partnerships with the business community to enhance St. Maarten's position in the tourism industry.

ROLE SUMMARY

The General Director is responsible for directing, guiding, and overseeing the activities aimed at organizing, executing, and evaluating the educational and developmental policies of NIPA. This role includes the implementation of educational programs, supporting tasks within the prevailing funding system, and making strategic decisions in collaboration with the NIPA'S Board. The General Director represents the institution in the local educational field, assists in directing professionalization activities for teachers, and supervises the entire educational staff. The ideal candidate will be responsible for strategic innovation, revenue growth, and operational excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Growth & Financial Sustainability: Develop and execute a strategic business model that ensures financial resilience and growth through diversified revenue streams and strong industry collaborations.

Pursue Academic Excellence: Implement and document a systematic approach to meet accreditation preconditions, ensuring high standards across all programs.

Enhance Program Quality and Efficiency: Improve the quality and delivery of NIPA's program offerings and increase the overall efficiency of the institute through continuous assessment and refinement

Improve Financial Controls: Reinforce robust financial controls, develop viable business projects, institutionalize an effective fee collection method, implement a student grant application system, and foster a culture of financial independence, creativity, and innovation.

Innovation & Strategic Thinking: Drive the adoption of cutting-edge education. models, digital solutions, and workforce development programs to meet market demands.

Enhance Educational Offerings and Learning: Enhance program offerings, improve student learning outcomes, and support teaching excellence through targeted initiatives and support.

Human Resource Management: improve the human capacity to effectively manage operations by developing staff capabilities and fostering a professional, collaborative working environment.

Stakeholder Engagement: Strengthen NIPA's engagement with stakeholders, including industry partners, community organizations, and governmental bodies, to support the institution's goals and initiatives.

Reporting and Accountability: Provide regular reports to the SBOD on performance, challenges, and opportunities, and ensure timely and accurate reporting on operational and financial metrics.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor's degree in Education, Educational Administration, Public Administration or Business Administration with a focus on education management or related field. A Master's degree is preferred.

Experience: Proven experience in a senior leadership role within an educational institution.

Demonstrated expertise in financial management, business development, and strategic planning.

Strong understanding of educational policies, curriculum development, and funding systems.

Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a diverse team of educators and support staff. Strong leadership and strategic planning skills.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities In-depth understanding of local legal frameworks and corporate governance principles.

SKILLS AND PERSONALATTRIBUTES

Strategic and innovative thinking to anticipate industry changes and implement forward-thinking solutions.

Ability to foster a positive and productive organizational culture Familiarity with Sint Maarten culture, or readiness to adapt and immerse.

Analytical, communicative, financially savvy, responsible, stress-tolerant, decisive, and embodies high professional integrity.

Fluency in English is required and proficiency in Dutch is a plus, alongside excellent negotiation, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Committed to continuous improvement and innovation.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

The position is offered an one year Performance-Based Contract, with the possibility of renewal based on achieved performances during September each year.

Remuneration is competitive and will be negotiated with the successful candidate The position may require occasional travel to attend meetings, conferences, and site visits.

HOW TO APPLY

If you meet the qualifications/requirements and are interested in applying for this position, we invite you to apply.

Reference: application General Director - NIPA

The deadline for submitting your resume and motivation is March 31, 2025.

All applications should be submitted along with the following documents Cover letter with short motivation

Updated Curriculum Vitae; Certified copies of all academic transcripts, professional membership qualifications, and certifications, Names of three referees, two of whom have closely supervised your performance at work during the last 5-10 years.

Note A clean police record and a comprehensive assessment are mandatory for the selection process. Only candidates shortlisted will be contacted for interviews.