Managing director (F/M/D)

L'Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement recrute un/une

CENTRE : Hoffmann Centre for Global Sustainability (HCGS)

CONTRACT: Permanent

ACTIVITY RATE: 100% 40 h / w

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 30.08.2024

STARTING DATE: as agreed

Introduction of the Centre:

The newly created Hoffmann Centre for Global Sustainability (HCGS) at the Geneva Graduate Institute invites applications for a managing director position. The HCGS will position itself as one of the leading research and policy hubs in Europe dedicated to integrated. We seek a highly motivated Managing Director to contribute to this endeavor.

The Hoffmann Centre for Global Sustainability will conduct cutting-edge academic research on the complex interactions between natural, economic, social, legal and political systems and inform, through research and outreach, decision-making on global sustainability for a peaceful, equitable and sustainable world for current and future living communities.

The Hoffmann Centre for Global Sustainability will develop and integrate several research programmes:

• Political Economics of Sustainable Governance
• Sustainable Trade and Development
• Finance for Climate and Nature
• Environmental Governance
• Climate Energy and Technology
• Resources and Development
• Food and Agrarian Studies

A cross-cutting Data Lab for Climate and Nature will be launched in parallel. This integrated structure will allow the Center to explore in a systemic way all dimensions of sustainability and to focus on the interplay between nature, the economy, society and (geo)politics.

The mission of the Managing Director of the HCGS is to guarantee the high-quality execution and coordination of all activities of the Center, and to ensure a smooth cooperation with the other bodies of the Institute and external partners.

Key responsibilities:

• Supports the Directors of the Centre in the implementation of the strategic direction of the Centre.
• Oversees / implements the executive and administrative management of the
• Oversees / implements the financial and administrative management of the Centre, including budget execution of the Centre and projects, procedures and administrative processes and the efficient management of resources.
• Autonomously manages the core budget, payments and reimbursements, as well as those of non-core funding lines (competitive academic funding, donors’ transfers, etc.).
• Oversees /implements the Centre team and new appointments, selected by the Centre’s Directors and in coordination with Human Resources.
• Ensures the proper follow-up and execution of instructions related to Human Resources (work permits, vacations, contract deadlines, commitment requests, budget validations, leave requests, etc.), acts as the reference person for extraordinary cases (disputes, warnings, dismissals).
• Independently runs or coordinates the running of all the logistics and administrative support for research projects hosted by the center, including the managing of hiring, HR, events, financial reporting, space bookings, infrastructure and IT requirements, equipment purchases, expense reimbursements, etc.
• Acts as the administrative line manager for staff directly employed on Centre projects.
• Takes the lead on the periodic reporting of Centre activities, autonomously drafting reports based on the inputs provided by the Centre researchers.
• Oversees / implements the communication strategy (internal/external) of the Centre, to maintain and increase its
• Is the first port of call for external and internal communications of the Center.
• Based on Directors’ requests, coordinates the production of outreach and marketing materials.
• Liaises directly with all external and internal relevant stakeholders: suppliers, funding agencies, donors and funders, publishers, external academics, internal bodies of administration, staff and researchers, etc.
• Autonomously coordinates / implements all procedures for the organization of regular or sporadic academic conferences, events and visits.
• Provides support for the drafting of grant proposals, including budgeting, the internal accounting validation, ensuring compliance with funders' requirements, and liaising with the Research Office, among others.
• Manages all office space and IT infrastructure allocated to the Centre.
• Manages the interaction with the Direction and the administration of the Institute.

To be successful in this role, you should have:

• Graduate degree (MA, MSc, PhD or equivalent) in economics, environmental studies, administration or other relevant areas;
• Relevant working experience managing operations of at least 5years;
• Excellent (native-level) written and spoken English, fluent in French;
• Project and personnel management experience of at least 5 years;
• Experience in customer relations, public relations and/or institutional relations;
• Good negotiation and conflict resolution skills;
• Team spirit, creativity and self-starter personality;
• Ability to prioritize work and deliver output under tight deadlines;
• Independence, flexibility and resourcefulness for problem-solving;
• Good knowledge of the academic system and of International Geneva (not exclusionary).

What you can expect from us:

• A cosmopolitan community
• Working with students, and researchers from diverse background
• Pioneer in the exploration of global issues
• A flexible, considering, inclusive and international working environment with a collaborative atmosphere

How to apply

We invite you to submit a complete file in PDF format in English with the following documents:

• A motivation letter.
• A detailed CV with a list of publications, if applicable.
• Two samples of writing of the candidate’s choosing (this could be an academic article whether published or not, an outreach piece, an op-ed, a report, etc., under the condition that is authored by the candidate)
• A copy of your university and graduate (if applicable) degree certificates, alongside a copy of the official transcripts.

Experiences outside of the academic world will also be valued in the assessment of applications, and gaps in the CV due to family or health conditions will be taken into account. Members of minoritized groups in academia are strongly encouraged to apply.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, marital status, disability status, race, national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

For more information, candidates are encouraged to consult the Institute's website: www.graduateinstitute.ch

Please note that offers received by post or direct email won't be considered.