United Nations University Rector

RECTOR
INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT
(DUTY STATION: TOKYO, JAPAN)

About United Nations University (UNU): The UNU is the academic arm of the United Nations (UN) system. Its mission is to contribute through collaborative research and postgraduate education, dissemination of knowledge and advisory services, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems of human survival, development and welfare that are the concern of the UN, its Peoples and Member States. The UNU functions as a think tank for the UN system and for UN Member States providing knowledgebased policy advice.

The Position: The UNU is searching for a new Rector. The Rector is the chief academic and administrative officer of the UNU and has overall responsibility for the direction, organization, administration and the programmes of the UNU. The position carries the rank of UN Under-Secretary-General (USG). The Rector is appointed by the Secretary-General of the UN after consultation with Director-General of UNESCO. The position requires extensive overseas travel. The continuing development and activities of the UNU places ever-increasing demands on the incumbent.

Required qualifications: Advanced university degree, preferably a Ph.D. in a discipline related to the human sciences, sciences of life, the earth and the biosphere. The successful candidate must have a prominent academic profile with evidence of high quality research work in the course of his/her career. Demonstrated management experience as the head of a university or research centre is required. Fluency in English and a working knowledge of French are essential.

Desirable qualifications and characteristics: Experience in the academic world and with international scientific cooperation. Established profile in the international community and successful track record of fund raising. Knowledge and appreciation of and commitment to the principles and ideals of the UN and with a wide grasp of the problems of the modern world. Capability to maintain close cooperation with individuals, governments and with research and teaching institutions worldwide. Great drive and initiative to achieve the goals of UNU. Some knowledge of other UN official languages is desirable.

Remuneration: Competitive net salary (tax-exempted) and allowances at a senior level (USG) within the UN system, including post adjustment. Post adjustment is subject to change. The post carries the standard set of UN entitlements/benefits, including participation in the UN 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://sas.undp.org/portal/alias_SAS/ lang_en-GB/tabID_3379/DesktopDefault.aspx.

Address applications to: UNU Rectorship Nominating Committee, United Nations University, 53-70, Jingumae 5-chome, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8925, Japan. Nominations or letters of application, including full curriculum vitae and list of publications, and should clearly indicate the above reference number. Applications must be sent by post to the above address. No email or fax applications will be accepted.

Application deadline: 15 June 2011
It is expected that the appointee will take up the position by September 2012. The initial appointment will be for a five-year term, with the possibility of a second term. Applications from women candidates are particularly encouraged. Please visit www.unu.edu/employment for more information.