DIRECTOR, THE ABDUS SALAM INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR THEORETICAL PHYSICS (ICTP)

The Director is the chief academic and administrative officer of the ICTP, reporting through the Steering Committee to the Directors-General of UNESCO and IAEA, as well as to the Government of Italy. Administratively located within the Natural Sciences Sector (SC) of UNESCO and reporting to its Assistant Director-General, this is a key position of scientific leadership and management.

ICTP's mandate is to (1) foster the growth of advanced studies and research in physics and mathematics, especially among researchers from developing countries; (2) provide an international forum for the exchange of information and ideas among scientists from the North and South; and (3) maintain excellent research facilities for visitors, associates and fellows, principally from developing countries, who participate in the Centre's research and training activities.

The annual ICTP operating budget is over EUR 23 million, with 150 regular staff and 200 temporary staff, visitors to ICTP programmes exceed 6,000 per year. Well over 100 Nobel laureates have participated in ICTP programmes.

The incumbent will specifically\: 

• provide intellectual and organizational leadership and strategic guidance to the institution, to assess and improve its relevance and impact; 
• leverage ICTP's physical and human resources to maintain the high calibre of science within the Centre, and to promote advanced scientific research and education, especially in developing countries; 
• achieve these goals in conformity with the concept of “science for development”; and 
• engage with the scientific community both in developed and less developed countries to address emerging global issues and science for development.

For further information on the specific above-mentioned programmes, candidates may consult our website\: https\://en.unesco.org/, and/or the following documents\: 37 C/4 (UNESCO’s Medium-Term Strategy, 2014–2021) and 39 C/5 (Approved UNESCO’s Programme and Budget for 2018–2019).

Education

• Ph.D. in physics, mathematics or one of the fields of interest to ICTP.

Work Experience

• At least 15 years of international experience in high-level scientific research in physics, mathematics or other fields of interest to ICTP.  
• Distinguished academic stature as demonstrated by publication record in one or more of the field of interest to ICTP.

Skills/Competencies 

• Recognized capacity and experience for visionary management in a multinational environment working under culturally complex and challenging conditions. 
• Good understanding of science and technology and innovation needs of developing countries. 
• Capacity to provide intellectual leadership to guide staff and motivate teams in a multicultural environment. 
• Sophistication in dealing with a broad range of complex issues, involving scientists and diplomats alike, within and outside the organization in different countries.

Languages

• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.