Appointment of Academic Director

The T.M.C. Asser Institute, a prestigious centre for international and European law, is searching for a visionary scholar to lead as its next Academic Director. Located in The Hague, the "international city of peace and justice," the institute is renowned for its cutting-edge research and strong ties to global legal networks. The new Academic Director will steer the Institute’s strategic growth, shaping the future of international legal discourse.

About the Institute

The T.M.C. Asser Institute is at the forefront of legal research in international public and private law as well as European law. Through a combination of fundamental, policy-orientated, and commissioned research, it addresses the critical legal challenges of today and tomorrow. By fostering dialogue and collaboration between academia, legal practitioners, and policymakers, the Institute plays a vital role in global legal governance.

With its headquarters in The Hague, the Institute benefits from close connections to international courts, tribunals, embassies, and NGOs. These relationships provide fertile ground for research and professional education and allow the Institute to maintain its influence in international law circles.

Position Overview

The new Academic Director will assume leadership at an exciting time. They will oversee the Institute’s strategic direction, ensuring alignment with the University of Amsterdam’s (UvA) strategic agenda while promoting a robust financial future. This role involves shaping the Institute’s research agenda, which currently centres on "Rethinking Public Interests in International and European Law," spanning topics from state accountability to the regulation of disruptive technologies.

In addition to overseeing research activities, the Academic Director will engage deeply with the Institute’s external partners and serve as the public face of the organization. From leading research initiatives to ensuring educational excellence, the Academic Director will be key to advancing the Institute’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Guide the development and execution of the Institute’s strategic policy and ensure alignment with UvA’s strategic agenda.
• Research Excellence: Ensure the highest quality of research output by overseeing performance evaluations, mentoring staff, and facilitating talent development.
• External Engagement: Represent the Institute in legal academia, public discourse, and policy-making while expanding the Institute's international networks, particularly in The Hague.
• Educational Impact: Lead and coordinate the Institute’s PhD programs and professional education activities, ensuring the highest academic standards.

Profile

The Academic Director will be a recognised scholar in the field of either international public law, European law, or international private law. The ideal candidate will have experience leading research teams, a proven ability to secure external funding, and a strong commitment to academic teaching. Candidates should have deep networks in academia and the international legal community, particularly in The Hague.

In addition to their academic leadership, the new director should embody inclusive and results-orientated leadership, with a keen awareness of international societal and political developments. A strong entrepreneurial spirit, intercultural sensitivity, and a commitment to fostering collaboration within a diverse and international team are key to success in this role.

Candidates with limited Dutch language skills must possess a strong grasp of Dutch academic and administrative culture and be prepared to attain an advanced level of proficiency in the Dutch language within two years of starting, aligned with their role’s demands and responsibilities.

Terms of Employment

The Academic Director will be employed at the T.M.C. Asser Institute in The Hague, which is financed through the University of Amsterdam.

An employment contract comprising an appointment as Academic Director at the T.M.C. Asser Institute as well as a professorial appointment (HGL 2) at the UvA Law School is offered. The appointment as Academic Director is for a period of five years with the possibility of extension.

The employment contract is for 38 hours per week. Depending on relevant experience at the start of the employment, the base monthly salary will range from €6,894 to €10,038 (HGL 2 CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten) and will be supplemented with a leadership bonus based on a 38-hour workweek, excluding an 8% vacation allowance and an 8.3% yearend bonus. The Dutch Universities Collective Labour Agreement (CAO Nederlandse Universiteiten), as well as Dutch law in general, will be applicable to the contract.

How to apply

An executive search exercise is being undertaken by Perrett Laver to assist the Appointment Advisory Committee in identifying the widest possible field of qualified candidates and assisting in the assessment of candidates against the requirements for the role.

Informal enquiries and questions can be directed to Dr. Valia Sakkoula on +31 (0)6 39 089 910  or by email on valia.sakkoula@perrettlaver.com.

Applications should consist of a full CV and motivation letter, and can be uploaded at https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/, quoting reference number 7047.

The closing date for applications is Friday 18th October at 9am. The selection interviews will take place in November.

A management assessment may be part of the application procedure.

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