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Background

From time-to-time New Zealand Bridge appoints a Chef de Mission responsible for our international team. Jonathan Westoby has fulfilled the role with passion, commitment, and professionalism. But every role comes to an end. Jonathan has advised us following the conclusion of the World Championships in Denmark (August 2025) he will be stepping down. We have accepted his resignation knowing notwithstanding his decision to step down from this role that he will continue to support the International Committee and any incoming Chef de Mission.

 

Are you Interested

If you are interested in this role, which will take effect on the conclusion of the World Championships can you send a CV to Kris Wooles, chair of the International Committee. (email:kwooles3@gmail.com).The deadline for submissions of interest will be 5pm Friday 4th July with the intention of making a decision by the end of July. The International Committee will submit their recommendation to the NZB Board and may seek to conduct an online interview if it is deemed appropriate.

 

Applicants will need to demonstrate the following characteristics: - highly developed interpersonal skills: skills in communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, stress management & negotiation skills- and of course knowledge of the game at a high level.

 

The International programme runs over a four year cycle and the initial appointment would be 3 years to complete the current cycle with any extensions to be negotiated by mutual agreement.

 

Reasonable expenses incurred by the Chef de Mission are reimbursed and a small stipend paid annually.

 

Set out below is a summary of the expected role.

 

Principal Accountabilities

 

1. Engender and foster an environment of excellence in the International Team through the use of interpersonal, communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, stress management & negotiation skills.

 

2. Actively plan and co-ordinate all International Team requirements including but not limited to travel, accommodation, documentation, uniforms etc.

 

3. Maintain awareness of the budgetary and funding issues relevant to each International Event in which NZ Bridge will be represented.

 

4. Assist the Board of NZ Bridge (in the absence of a National Coach) in the process of selecting Non-Playing Captains of the Representative Teams.

 

5. Act as Non-Playing Captain of one Representative Team when travelling to an International Event.

 

6. Maintain effective liaison and two-way communication between International Teams, Non-Playing Captains and the International Committee.

 

7. Act as the lead spokesperson for the Team, both in New Zealand and overseas, attending any Conference associated with an International Event.

 

8. Undertake responsibility for interaction with the media and representation of NZ Bridge at Official Team functions.

 

9. Assign duties and responsibilities to other Team Officials as required.

 

10. Oversee the behaviour of members of the Team with the authority to discipline or suspend any member whose conduct is considered detrimental to the Team and / or the reputation of NZ Bridge.

 

11. Report to the Board of NZ Bridge, via the International Committee as applicable, on all matters associated with the International Teams other than those of specific team performance and work in collaboration with the National Secretary, Head Director, and Event Manager.

 

12. To organise and manage team selection for international events. This may be via trials or selection, or a combination of both depending on the quality and/or quantity of entries.

 

13. Such other duties as may be required to fulfil this role.

 

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