About the International Centre for the Human Sciences (CISH)
The International Centre for the Human Sciences (CISH), under the aegis of UNESCO, is a leading research and international cooperation institution dedicated to promoting the role of the humanities in responding the challenges of contemporary social transformations. The Institute serves the international community and contributes to UNESCO debates by high-quality research, contributions to public debate and an active role in international academic exchanges. It advocates for the importance of the humanities and contributes where relevant to capacity development. CISH activities are set within UNESCO’s programmes in the social and human sciences, and relate in particular to the Management of Social Transformations (MOST) programme. Activities span all areas of the humanities (history, philosophy, languages and literature, the arts), in interdisciplinary collaboration with the social and natural sciences, as they relate inter alia to the thematic priorities identified by the MOST Intergovernmental Council: currently, social inclusion, environmental change, migration, peace and governance, and digital transformations. CISH is based in Byblos (Jbeil), Lebanon.
Responsibilities of the Director
The Director is the chief academic and administrative officer of CISH and has overall responsibility for the direction, organization, administration and programmes of CISH under the direction of the Governing Board. The Director oversees the fundraising, development and strengthening of research programmes and ensures that research outputs are of the highest quality and policy recommendations are channeled effectively to UNESCO, policy-makers and other stakeholders.
More specifically, the Director shall:
- Provide leadership and guidance for the conduct of CISH activities;
- Identify and supervise innovative international research in the humanities as they bear on contemporary social transformations, within the overall Strategy of the MOST programme;
- Maintain excellent international donor relationships, increase and diversify funding;
- Oversee the recruitment of personnel, research associates, and other professionals formally connected to the work of CISH, and ensure academic excellence in all activities;
- Promote gender equality and gender mainstreaming throughout CISH research programmes;
- Report to the Governing Board in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations on the activities of the Institute and the execution of its programme of work.
Required Qualifications
The Director should have academic qualifications that lend to CISH prestige in the international scholarly community, guarantee scientific excellence, and provide leadership and guidance for the conduct of CISH activities.
Candidates must have:
- A doctoral qualification in a humanities discipline, or in a social science discipline with significant interdisciplinary humanities experience;
- A strong international research background and publications in relevant areas;
- Experience in supervising researchers and supporting them to achieve scientific excellence and impact;
- Strong international fundraising skills and past success in securing support from multiple funders;
- A distinguished record of effective administration and research programme leadership, with evidence of research excellence, and cost-effectiveness;
- Experience in sound financial and human resource management;
- The ability to interact with colleagues of diverse cultural backgrounds and ages, and with political representatives and communities in both industrialized and developing countries;
- Proven sensitivity to gender issues;
- Fluency in English or French, along with the ability to communicate professionally in the other language. Competence in Arabic will be a significant asset.
Applications from suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged.
Terms and Conditions
The salary and other terms and conditions for the position will be defined by the Government of Lebanon commensurately with the experience and qualifications of the appointee. Applications for appointment on the basis of secondment may also be considered.
Selection Process
Applications should be submitted electronically by 31 August 2018 to the following address: CISH.Director.Recruitment@gmail.com.
Applications should comprise a detailed curriculum vitae, at least three academic references, and a cover letter outlining the applicant’s vision for CISH.
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by the Governing Board of CISH in September 2018. The new Director is expected to take office on or around 1 January 2019.
To read this vacancy in Arabic, click here.
To read this vacancy in French, click here.