Erasmus University of Rotterdam seeks to appoint a new Rector for the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS). The successful candidate will be an inspiring collaborative leader with the ability to build cohesion within a multidisciplinary and international institute, as well as spot trends and opportunities and raise the position of ISS externally. Moreover, the Rector is part of the strategic team of deans and directors, and will work closely with the Executive Board to develop and implement the strategy and vision of the Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR).

Erasmus University Rotterdam aspires to be an equitable and inclusive community. We nurture an open culture, where everyone is supported to fulfill their full potential. We see inclusivity of talent as the basis of our successes, and the diversity of perspectives and people as a highly valued outcome. EUR provides equal opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, functional impairment, citizenship, or any other aspect which makes them unique. We look forward to welcoming you to our community.

The International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) is an international graduate school of policy-oriented critical social science and one of the largest centres for higher education and research in Development Studies in the world, and the largest in Europe. Founded in 1952, ISS is based in The Hague and offers post-graduate teaching programmes conducted in English at MA and PhD levels. In addition to its teaching and research, ISS is active in the field of advisory and institutional capacity strengthening in development policy. ISS activities are characterized by an interdisciplinary approach, and engagement with partners in the global South, Europe, The Netherlands as well as the city of the Hague. ISS is motivated by a desire to be societally relevant and bring about social change. The majority of ISS students come from the global South. The Institute positions itself as a focal point for the international cross-cultural exchange of ideas and dialogue on issues of global development and social justice in academic and public debates.

Tasks

The Rector

• formulates and implements ISS strategy and strengthens the national and international impact of the Institute;
• is responsible for providing leadership to the Institute, its staff, and students and stimulates  teambuilding processes within the Institute;
• monitors the performance of full professors;
• leads the Institute’s engagement with EUR and the development of its missions, vision, and academic profile within the broader EUR context. The Rector attends the meetings of the EUR Board of Deans (‘College van Decanen’) with the Executive Board  (EB),  Strategy Board, and the Doctoral Board (‘College voor Promoties’);
• is responsible for maintaining and structuring relationships between the Institute and the outside world. This includes maintaining existing networks and creating new networks in the Netherlands (knowledge partners and ministries), within international development-oriented institutions (e.g., UNDP, ILO, UNCTAD, World Bank, UNRISD) and with other potential partners and sponsors, including those at EU-level and within international organisations;
• represents the Institute externally and takes the lead in branding, marketing, and fundraising;
• deals pro-actively with policy developments and changes in funding policies relevant to ISS;
• maintains and strengthens the position and impact of ISS within relevant political circles both nationally and internationally;
• provides the principal liaison with the Institute Council (IC).

The Rector

• is an academically robust and publicly engaged professor, internationally renowned in development studies’ research and education and with a solid track record in attracting external research funding;
• is a charismatic and visionary leader with proven management and leadership skills, capable of guiding ISS in successfully transforming institutional strategy into practice;
• is an excellent team player with proven communication skills;
• is a networker with proven skills and a clear track record in influencing policy circles in the global South and the global North (including relevant ministries, agencies, and other decision-makers);
• has a strong commitment to the social impact of development studies/social sciences, capacity development, and the role of multidisciplinary approaches to research and teaching;
• has familiarity with the Dutch and/or international Higher education and research environment, organisations, and priorities;
• comprehends fully the relationship between international development, international cooperation, and the opportunities and challenges posed by the changing (inter)national policy developments;
• has a commitment to improving and strengthening diversity and inclusion within the ISS community;
• is fluent in English and (in the case of candidates with no knowledge of Dutch) willing to learn  Dutch.

The appointment shall be for a period of four years, with the possibility of one renewal. The candidate is requested to live in The Hague or its vicinity. The maximum salary is €10.272 gross per month (with full-time employment), with a dean’s allowance, in accordance with salary scale H1 Collective Labor Agreement Dutch Universities. The compensation package is competitive relative to European salaries and includes several secondary benefits, which include a holiday allowance of eight per cent, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3 per cent, and a generous number of vacation days (41 days per year with a 40-hour working week). A good pension provision and excellent collective insurance options. For more information, please visit: http://www.eur.nl/en/working/eur-employer/employment-conditions.

The International Institute of Social Studies is committed to building and sustaining a community based on inclusiveness, equity and diversity and believes this will contribute to our mission and vision of being the best institute in our field.  ISS is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from candidates of all genders, ethnicities and nationalities. Given the current composition of the ISS academic staff and priorities relating to staff diversity, the Institute encourages applicants originating from the Global South and applications from minority candidates.