Call for applications: Mountain Research Initiative – Executive Director (80%)

The Director of the Mountain Research Initiative (MRI) manages the Coordination Office with vision and innovative spirit, promoting research collaboration and scientific community development in the domain of sustainable mountain development at local, regional and global levels. Through targeted funding as well as communications and administrative support, the Office implements projects that link diverse researchers, explore areas of mutual interest, and generate common action. It keeps the research community informed, and works with research organizations and funding agencies to ensure that mountain topics are recognized and addressed.

The MRI Director is a 80% position under a fixed-duration contract (up to 3 years and renewable, dependent on funding) with the University of Bern and subject to the regulations of the Civil Service of the Canton of Bern. The position will be available on 1 April 2017. Other start dates can be negotiated.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute MRI’s current program with significant scientific guidance: supporting the development of mountain observations; promote common understanding of mountain social-ecological systems; sustain a coherent, interactive research community; identify and foster critical research; enhance the visibility of mountain concerns within existing scientific organizations and events.
• Monitor MRI’s strategic environment to identify and pursue opportunities for promoting and implementing MRI’s vision: maintain appropriate relationships with major national, regional and global research funding programs and research institutions, as well as Swiss funding, research and government organizations; draft funding proposals as necessary to support MRI’s activities; and advocate for the mountain research community in relevant research and policy arenas.
• Support the Initiative’s Science Leadership Council (SLC) through information, consultation, periodic meetings, and assist SLC members to promote and coordinate global change research in mountain regions.
• Manage MRI funding: develop budgets, oversee disbursements and verify financial reports; and develop other reports for funding and control agencies
• Supervise staff; comply with the host institution’s regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Five or more years of experience in senior strategic, operational, financial, and human resources management of interna tional scientific programs.
• Demonstrated scientific track record illustrating commitment to mountain regions and peoples.
• Familiarity with Swiss and international mountain policy processes and institutions; existing network of contacts.
• Excellent intercultural communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Spoken and written proficiency in German or French and English.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates are invited to submit a full CV and letter of intent to rolf.weingartner@giub.unibe.ch by November 15, 2016. Please send all documents in one pdf file only.

Call for Applicaton