Director, UNU-IIAOC

Barcelona. Position: Professional (D-1). INSTITUTE: UNU-IIAOC. CLOSING DATE: 31 July 2011. ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: United Nations University International Institute for the Alliance of Civilizations (UNU-IIAOC). REFERENCE NUMBER: 2011/UNU/IIAOC/DIR/22.
United Nations University seeks a founding director for its new institute established in 2010 in Barcelona, Spain with the support of the Government of Spain. The Institute will carry out research, postgraduate teaching and knowledge sharing on the crucial issues related to the Alliance of Civilizations. Note: This announcement is available, via the PDF files in the right sidebar, in Arabic, English, Spanish and French.
United Nations University’s Mission
The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars, engaged in research, postgraduate teaching and capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of the UNU is to contribute, through research, postgraduate teaching and capacity development, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States. The UNU serves as a think-tank for the United Nations system, contributes to capacity development, particularly in developing countries and serves as a generator of new and creative ideas.
UNU-IIAOC Objectives
The mission of UNU-IIAOC will be to contribute to the analysis and resolution of pressing challenges related to the alliance/dialogue of civilizations. The overarching concern of the Institute’s work will be the promotion of the good governance of cultural diversity and of democracy and human rights. Its research, teaching, advanced training and capacity development, and dissemination of knowledge activities will focus on: (a) education; (b) youth; (c) media; and (d) migration. The Institute will be located within the Historic Site of the Hospital de la Santa Creu I Sant Pau in Barcelona, Spain.
Responsibilities
The Director is the Chief Academic and Administrative Officer of UNU-IIAOC and has overall responsibility for the direction, organization, administration and programmes of UNU-IIAOC under the direction of the Rector of UNU. The Director’s qualifications should lend to UNU-IIAOC the necessary prestige in the international scholarly community; guaranteeing scientific excellence through internal quality control and providing leadership and guidance for the conduct of UNU-IIAOC activities.
Required Qualifications
-Ph.D. or equivalent in the natural, social sciences or the humanities that will provide the candidate with an understanding of the main issues related to the alliance/dialogue civilizations;
-Strong background of research and publications in areas related to the issues of civilizational dialogue;
-Proven record of effective leadership and management experience at a senior level in academic or research institutions;
-Candidates should have good communication skills and the ability to work with colleagues of diverse national and cultural backgrounds and with communities in industrialized and developing countries;
-Proven commitment to issues of human development and welfare;
-Fluency in English and at least one official language of the United Nations, preferably Spanish.
Remuneration
Approximate net salary (tax-exempted) of US$100,258 p.a. (single status) to US$108,822 p.a. (with dependants) plus post adjustment. Post adjustment is subject to change. The post carries the standard set of UN entitlements/benefits, including participation in the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, the possibility of participation in a health insurance programme, education grant for eligible children, removal expenses and home leave. For more information please visit: http://www.un.org/. Staff members of the United Nations are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Rector and may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint suitable candidates at a lower category. Applications from suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged.
Duration of Contract
This is a full-time employment. Initial appointment would be on a fixed-term appointment of a four-year term with the possibility of renewal for a further four years on the basis of excellent performance. The mandatory retirement age for United Nations staff is 62 years old.
Starting Date
It is expected that the appointee will take up the position by end of 2011.
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should submit their applications, preferably by e-mail or mail, and must include the following:
-a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position and indicating how the applicant would plan to organize the programmes of UNU-IIAOC with a strong emphasis on applied and/or user-focused research;
-latest curriculum vitae with a complete list of publications attached with a completed and signed UNU Personal History Form (P.11). Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations; and
-full contact information of three referees.
The application must also indicate the reference number of the vacancy announcement (2011/UNU/IIAOC/DIR/22). Closing Date : 31 July 2011.
Send applications to:
UNU-IIAOC Director Selection Committee
c/o Office of the Rector, United Nations University Headquarters
53-70, Jingumae 5-chome, Shibuya-ku
Tokyo 150-8925, Japan
Fax: +81 3 3499-2828, E-mail: unuiiaocdir@unu.edu. All applications/nominations will be acknowledged.