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Head of Science Programmes at ICSU, Paris (France), Deadline: 11 Aug 2014

Vacancy: Head of Science Programmes

The International Council for Science (ICSU) is seeking a Head of Science 
Programmes, to develop and deliver ICSU's science initiatives.

Vacancy: Head of Science Programmes

Location: Paris, France
Closing date: 11 August 2014 (midnight CET)

ICSU is a non-governmental scientific organization with a global 
membership. ICSU members include 121 national scientific bodies (mostly 
national academies of science), 31 International Scientific Unions, and 22 
International Scientific Associates. Activities focus on three areas: 
International Research Collaboration; Science for Policy; and Universality 
of Science. This position offers a unique opportunity for the successful 
candidate to support global scientific collaboration, join the ICSU 
management team and further ICSU’s mission to strengthen international 
science for the benefit of society.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Head of Science Programmes will 
manage the development and implementation of ICSU’s scientific and 
science for policy initiatives, as defined in its Strategic Plan.  He/she 
will line manage the science staff and take on project management 
responsibility for specific projects. He/she will also be responsible for 
supporting two of ICSU’s policy committees (the Committee on Scientific 
Planning and Review and the Committee on Freedom and Responsibility in the 
conduct of Science), collaborating with the Chairpersons to help the 
committees meet ICSU’s strategic needs.  He/she will work closely with 
the Executive Director and the other members of the management team, for 
example on strategy development, providing the scientific input for 
fundraising and media engagement.

The ICSU Secretariat, located in Paris, is a small international team of 
18 people and currently also hosts the interim Secretariat for Future 
Earth. The ability to work in close cooperation with others is essential, 
both with Paris-based staff and with ICSU staff located in the three 
regional offices (South Africa, Malaysia and Mexico).  International 
travel will be necessary in this role.

ICSU is seeking candidates with the following:

Qualifications and knowledge

     An advanced scientific degree (Doctorate or equivalent) in a relevant 
natural or social science discipline and a broad interest in science and 
science policy.
     A minimum of 10 years’ experience in international research 
management and coordination.
     Experience of working with stakeholder groups, including policy 
makers, businesses and civil society with a particular emphasis on 
improving the relationships with the scientific community.
     Knowledge of relevant intergovernmental partner organisations and 
processes, including UN structures, would be an advantage.
     Demonstrated team management experience.
     Full command of written and spoken English; working knowledge of 
French and knowledge of other languages is considered an advantage.

Skills

     Ability to turn abstract concepts and early ideas into implemented 
projects.
     Analytical skills and ability to summarise scientific information.
     Action-oriented and able to work on own initiative.
     Excellent skills in consensus-building across diverse communities, in 
a complex, international and interdisciplinary environment.
     Proven writing skills.

The salary will be dependent on the experience and qualifications of the 
candidate.

Applicants are requested to address the above description, qualifications, 
knowledge and skills requirements in a cover letter and attach a 
curriculum vitae with the name and contact details of three referees. They 
are invited to indicate how serving in this position would support their 
own future science management career objectives. Applications (preferably 
in one combined PDF file) should be sent via email, with ‘Head of 
Science Programmes’ in the subject line, to recruitment@icsu.org and 
addressed to Dr Steven Wilson, Executive Director, International Council 
for Science (ICSU). Please indicate where you saw this job advertisement. 
The closing date for applications is 11 August 2014 (midnight CET).

For more information on ICSU, please visit: www.icsu.org