Director-General at International Institute of Higher Studies in Criminal Sciences

Position: Director-General

Duty Station: Siracusa, Italy

Post Level (UN Equivalent): D - 1

Duration of initial contract: 2 years

Salary Level: Management, Italy

The International Institute of Higher Studies in Criminal Sciences (ISISC) is seeking a General Director, who will be responsible for all aspects of the research, training and administrative functions of the Institute.

About the Organization

The International Institute of Higher Studies in Criminal Sciences (ISISC) – www.isisc.org – is an Italian organization dedicated to education, training, and research in the fields of international and comparative criminal justice and human rights. It has been a major contributor to the development of more effective criminal justice systems worldwide, and in the strengthening of respect for human rights and the Rule of Law. It has done so by conducting groundbreaking research, by bringing together scholars and experts to develop the next generation of laws, and by training practitioners and students.

ISISC is an Italian not-for-profit foundation acknowledged by a Decree of the President of the Republic of Italy. It is also a Non-Governmental Organization recognized by a Decree Law of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Established in Siracusa, Italy in September 1972 by the International Association of Penal Law, the Institute enjoys consultative status with the United Nations and the Council of Europe, as well as a special cooperation agreement with the United Nations Office in Vienna.  It is one of the eighteen organizations comprising the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network.

Since its establishment in 1972, ISISC has organized more than 510 conferences, training and educational seminars, and meetings of experts, which have been attended by over 37,000 jurists from 165 countries, including over 5,000 academics from 518 universities.

In particular, it has organized training seminars for government officials, judges, prosecutors, police officers, academics, and lawyers, with a particular focus on the Arab World, Africa and the Balkans. Many of the 4,500 jurists from these countries who have participated in ISISC’s educational programs have become prominent actors in government, the judiciary and academia, as well as leading activists in the international human rights movement. The Institute has also provided post-graduate instructional courses and specialization courses in international criminal law, European criminal law and other subject areas.

In addition, the Institute has played a significant role in the development of modern international criminal law and international human rights law. Important aspects of the development of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, the Convention against Torture, and the Arab Charter on Human Rights were completed at the Institute.
In the course of its work, the Institute has collaborated with 41 Inter Governmental Organizations, including the United Nations, the European Commission, the Council of Europe, the League of Arab States, the Organization of American States, and specialized bodies such as United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, the United Nations Development Program, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the International Monetary Fund, numerous Italian and foreign governmental bodies, and 97 NGOs and civil society organizations worldwide.

These activities have resulted in 146 published volumes of scholarly and scientific research, as well as conference proceedings relating to international criminal justice, comparative criminal law, human rights and country-specific issues of criminal law and procedure. These publications are in English, Italian, French, Spanish, Arabic and Dari. ISISC’s publications in Arabic are considered the leading texts in the fields of human rights and international criminal law.

ResponsibilitiesThe Director-General will be the Chief Operating Officer of the Institute, working under the direction of the President. He will be responsible for: (a) developing, directing and managing  and  being  accountable for the development of research and training programs of the Institute; (b) ensuring the development and effective implementation of the Institute’s strategies, plans and priorities; (c) leading the development and implementing of agreed fundraising strategies with public or private donors, with a focus on International and regional organizations and national governmental agencies; (d) overseeing the timely implementation, monitoring and evaluation of operations and programs; (e) developing and maintaining excellent working relationships and strategic partnerships with relevant institutions, at both the national and international level; and (f) ensuring  that ISISC operates in compliance with all legal rules and regulations related to an international NGO and as an Italian private foundation.

In addition, the Director-General will be responsible for overseeing the administrative and financial functioning of the Institute, including: (a) preparing budgets; (b) assigning and monitoring performance parameters and critical indicators; (c) reporting on budget/program performance, (d) recruitment staff; and (e) evaluating staff performance.

Competences
PROFESSIONALISM: Extensive experience in management and oversight; proven ability to organize, conduct and supervise capacity building programs, technical assistance seminars, organizing international conferences, and the production of publications, reports and papers.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Proven ability to develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed upon strategies; identify priorities activities and assignments, and adjust priorities as required; allocate staff and resources, and establish appropriate time schedules for the completion of projects; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitor and adjust plans as necessary.

COMMUNICATION: Posses excellent communication skills, both oral and written, in particular the ability to explain and when necessary defend complex issues to staff, senior officials and members of intergovernmental bodies; ability to prepare written reports that are clear, concise and meaningful.

LEADERSHIP: Proven track record of excellent management and technical leadership skills, as well as the ability to delegate appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; proven record of building and managing teams, and creating a positive work environment, including the ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff, and design skills enhancement initiatives to ensure effective transfer of knowledge/skills; demonstrated flexibility in leadership by performing and/or overseeing change initiatives, including the analysis of complex human resources, budgetary, financial or administrative management policy and programmatic issues.

MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Ability to lead and supervise staff. Ability to motivate staff and to encourage good performance; ability to coordinate and monitor the work of others.

EducationLaw degree. Additional degree and/or educational experience will be an advantage.

Work Experience and qualificationsMore than 15 years of progressively responsible and relevant national and international experience in international organizations, of which at least 5 years must be at the international management level. Comprehensive knowledge of UN and EU policies, procedures and operations is highly desirable.
 In addition:
• Proven financial and human resources management experience;
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising and networking for outreach and strategic partnership engagements;
• Experience working with Government officials and intergovernmental organizations, donors at all levels;
• Experience working at regional levels and international levels;
• Experience managing multi-cultural teams;
• Experience in public speaking.

Languages
English and Italian are the working languages of the Institute. Fluency in English, i.e. oral and written proficiency, is indispensible. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

How to apply
Interested candidates should send their applications to president@isisc.org  along with an extended curriculum vitae and three letters of recommendation.