SCAR is seeking to appoint an Executive Director. The successful candidate will play a leading role in the development of SCAR.
Job Details
| Job title: | Executive Director |
| Job reference: | SCAR 2017/1611ED |
| Date posted: | 24 October 2017 |
| Application closing date: | 29 November 2017 |
| Location: | Cambridge, UK |
| Salary: | The starting salary will be from £57,764 up to £73,015 (ED Band) depending on qualifications and experience |
| Package: | Flexible working, pension scheme, generous holiday allowances |
| Job category/type: | Professional |
Job Description
Formed in 1958, the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) is an interdisciplinary body of the International Council for Science (ICSU), and currently includes 43 member countries and 9 ICSU unions. SCAR is a Company limited by Guarantee and registered as a Charity in the United Kingdom. The Directors of the Charity are a President, Vice-Presidents and Immediate Past President.
SCAR’s vision is to be an engaged, active, forward-looking organization that promotes, facilitates, and delivers scientific excellence and evidence-based policy advice on globally significant issues in, from and about Antarctica. This is a crucial and exciting time for SCAR as the role of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean in the Earth System, and the importance of understanding and conserving Antarctic systems, gather momentum on the international scientific and geopolitical stages.
SCAR has established a Secretariat in Cambridge, U.K., staffed by an Executive Director and appropriate staff, responsible to the Directors.
The role
We are seeking to appoint an Executive Director who has the vision and demonstrable track record and leadership/management skills to help deliver SCAR’s success and shape the implementation of SCAR’s Strategic Plan. The Executive Director is also responsible for the day-to-day management of the SCAR Secretariat. The post will support the implementation of the SCAR Strategic Plan, take responsibility for day-to-day management of the SCAR Secretariat, administer the organisation’s finances and service the SCAR Executive Committee and Delegates with duties as assigned by them. The post will play a leading role in the development of SCAR through its key activities of facilitation of science and the provision of evidence-based advice in, from and about the Antarctic and Southern Ocean.
Key criteria
Applicants are welcome from any area of research or research leadership/management currently represented in the Antarctic and/or Southern Ocean. Applicants will have a PhD degree in a scientific discipline relevant to research in the Antarctic or the Southern Ocean; an established track record as a leader/manager of international scientific activities; extensive experience in international scientific research and collaboration; excellent communication and organizational skills; a high level of computer literacy and proficiency in English; a thorough understanding of the institutional management skills required both in small office and in international policy settings; and a thorough understanding of the requirements of staff leadership, management and development. The post holder will demonstrate that they are already on a trajectory as a leader of science organisations and therefore have the clear potential to further SCAR’s vision. Previous experience in establishing and directing an international science organisation would be a major asset, as well as success in international fund-raising. Applicants will be required to undertake significant overseas travel and must be able to do so.
The successful candidate is expected to assume the post as soon as possible after the interview (to be held in January 2018).
What we can offer you:
- A dynamic, international research facilitation setting in one of the most crucial areas of Earth System Science.
- Unparalleled opportunities to facilitate the activities of Antarctic scientists and their colleagues across the globe.
- Excellent prospects for contributing to evidence-based decision making about science, science policy and conservation policy in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean through the Antarctic Treaty System.
- Opportunities to interact with several organisations of the United Nations and with NGOs and industry bodies with interests in or about the Antarctic and Southern Ocean.
- A beautiful and historic office setting at the Scott Polar Research Institute in the heart of Cambridge, UK.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of the role and for application requirements.
Informal enquiries can be made to the SCAR President Prof Steven Chown or to the SCAR Vice-President (Administration) Prof Terry Wilson.