The Strategic Generalist operates within the Department of Special Projects as a
CEO-adjacent execution partner, responsible for translating high-level vision into structured, de-risked initiatives. The role exists to manage
non-routine, first-of-their-kind, and ambiguous strategic projects until they are mature enough for clean handover into core operational departments.
This position is not operational by design. Its value lies in
clarity creation, sequencing, governance discipline, and decision-readiness across initiatives that do not yet fit within existing organizational structures.
Key ResponsibilitiesB. Execution Under Ambiguity & Pilot ManagementC. Cross-Functional & External Stakeholder CoordinationD. SME Engagement & Resource OrchestrationE. Governance, Handover & Exit DisciplineF. Reputation, Discretion & CEO Protection
- Strategic Framing & Initiative Design
- Translate CEO directives and strategic ideas into structured Initiative One-Pagers outlining objectives, context, scope, success criteria, assumptions, and risks
- Define problem statements, hypotheses, and decision paths for initiatives lacking internal precedents
- Establish early-stage governance logic and execution sequencing before operational ownership exists
- Lead initiatives through Build & Pilot phases, testing assumptions in real-world conditions
- Drive progress without compromising governance, documentation, or institutional credibility
- Generate decision-grade evidence required for approvals, scaling, or termination
- Act as the primary interface between Special Projects and internal stakeholders (Finance, Legal, HR, Operations, PMO)
- Coordinate with external entities including ministries, regulators, international partners, and consultants
- Ensure alignment across stakeholders with conflicting incentives or timelines
- Identify when specialist expertise is required and define clear, time-bound SME scopes
- Manage SMEs without surrendering ownership of initiative logic or strategic direction
- Balance speed, cost, and quality in external resource utilization
- Develop Transition Packs including SOPs, governance models, role definitions, and decision histories
- Prepare initiatives for seamless handover into operational departments or spin-off structures
- Ensure Special Projects exits initiatives deliberately, not gradually
- Handle sensitive initiatives and relationships with strict confidentiality
- Maintain professional judgment and discretion in high-stakes environments
- Protect the credibility, positioning, and authority of the Office of the CEO at all times
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree required; postgraduate qualification is a strong advantage
- Exposure to strategy, consulting, transformation, or special projects environments
- Proven experience in cross-functional coordination and initiative delivery
- Experience working with senior leadership or CEO-level stakeholders
- Comfort operating without established playbooks or precedents
- Exceptional structuring and synthesis capability
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- High ownership, reliability, and discretion
- Outcome-driven with a bias toward clarity and decision-making
Seniority & Representation Expectations
- Acts as a trusted extension of the Office of the CEO
- Represents the organization professionally with senior internal and external stakeholders
- Demonstrates judgment, maturity, and composure in high-pressure or politically sensitive contexts
Career Path / Role Evolution
This role is designed for individuals who aspire to become
senior strategic leaders, transformation heads, or general managers. Exposure across diverse initiatives provides accelerated learning, executive visibility, and strategic breadth not found in traditional line roles.
