Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the Scottish Government’s economic and community development agency for the north-west part of Scotland, has vacancies arising in 2008 for new board members.

HIE is inviting anyone with knowledge and understanding of the principles of economic and/or community development in the Highlands and Islands to apply.

Board appointments involve interesting and challenging work and offer an unrivalled opportunity to contribute to building sustainable growth across the Highlands and Islands.

The agency has statutory powers to promote and assist economic and social development, enterprise, skills, business competitiveness and environmental improvement and to advise Scottish Ministers on all related matters.

Membership of the HIE board will involve an element of travel to a range of locations throughout the Highlands and Islands and, from time to time, elsewhere.

Remuneration is £10,065 per annum, non-pensionable, for a commitment of two days per month. Reasonable travel and subsistence, and dependant carer expenses will be reimbursed.

It is hoped to make five appointments. Three will be for a period of three years, from 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2011. Two will be for a period of three years and six months, from 1 October 2008 to 31 March 2012.

Successful candidates will be appointed for an initial period as above with the possibility of re-appointment subject to evidence of effective performance and satisfying the skills, knowledge and personal qualities required at the time of reappointment.

Board members’ duties include:

• approving the annual HIE operating plan and overseeing the delivery of planned outcomes;
• ensuring that arrangements are in place to evaluate HIE’s principal programmes and activities;
• monitoring HIE’s financial position, and
• ensuring that HIE operates, and encourages the adoption of, sound environmental policies and practices to promote sustainable development.

Successful candidates will have lived and/or worked in the Highlands and Islands and be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of sustainable economic and/or community development and their application in the Highlands and Islands. Other key attributes include strong leadership skills, the ability to take a strategic view, communication skills, and experience of effective partnership working.

For more information, please see HIE job vacancies.