Deputy Director

Deputy Director of the Institute

The British Institute of International and Comparative Law is one of the leading independent research centres for international and comparative law in the world. Its research, events and publications are based on deep scholarly knowledge and strong practical experience that can be applied to many situations. It seeks to make an impact around the world through the operation of international and comparative law and the rule of law. It has undertaken a number of recent innovative strategies that have led to the foundation of the Bingham Centre for the Rule of Law and the creation of new research positions.

The Institute is looking to appoint a Deputy Director to provide clear organisational leadership at a senior level and to support the Institute Director in the management of the Institute.

This is a new post, which offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced senior administrator to create, enhance and implement key strategies of the Institute, and to make a difference to the work of an important research charity. The person appointed is expected to work well in partnership with highly talented and dedicated legal scholars and administrative staff, as well as legal practitioners.

Job Description

The Deputy Director will have three key roles: organisational management across the Institute; management and coordination of research funding applications; and support to the governance and external relationships of the Institute. The person will report to the Institute Director, and have additional responsibilities as may reasonably be required.

1. Organisational Management

Provide strong leadership and strategic direction, and provide high level support to the Institute Director, to ensure efficient and effective decision-making:

  • Develop and implement coherent and consistent strategies across the Institute, including overall oversight of human and physical resources, and provide high quality operational planning in consultation with staff.
  • Coordinate strategies and effective development of the Bingham Centre, as it expands, in cooperation with the Centre Director.
  • Coordinate, administer and provide strategic direction to teaching or training courses undertaken by the Institute, including the Bingham Centre.
  • Supervise budgets and cost centres in coordination with the Finance Director.
  • Devise and implement methods to improve access, filing and storage of the Institute's materials.
  • Manage some staff and assist in their professional development.
    Provide administrative and management support and assistance to the Institute Director.

2. Management and coordination of research funding applications

Create a significant increase in external research funding for the Institute:

  • Develop and implement appropriate strategies to ensure increased external research funding:
  • Locate and distribute appropriate and relevant information to researchers about research funding in areas of work of the Institute, and actively encourage applications.
  • Management of funding applications, including the creation of templates for applications and costings.
  • Management of the funding obtained, including ensuring appropriate and timely periodic reports and communications.
  • Develop relationships with funders, in concert with the Development Director.

3. Governance and External Relationships:

Provide high quality and effective service to all those interacting with the Institute to ensure a positive public profile for the Institute:

  • Provide prompt, efficient and confidential administrative support for the Institute's Board of Trustees, including its Chair.
  • Engage effectively with the members, Trustees and Advisory Council of the Institute.
  • Engage appropriately with external organisations, individuals and others.
  • Determine and implement decisions on appropriate responses to complex enquiries in an informed and timely manner through a variety of media.
  • Develop and implement strategies for the management of the public profile of the Institute, including the Bingham Centre.

Person Specification

It is expected that the successful applicant will demonstrate, and have evidence of the following:

  • Management and leadership experience at a senior level, ideally in a higher education or a professional environment.
  • Ability to lead, motivate and involve people and groups in an inclusive way across organisations, including in small workplaces or teams.
  • Undertaking day-to-day operational management in a supportive and consultative manner.
  • Development and implementation of strategies, project management and management of change in an effective and appropriate way.
  • Understanding of what is involved in conducting high quality academic research, and some experience in successfully obtaining, coordinating and managing research funding.
  • Knowledge of financial management, budgeting and reporting systems, and some experience in fundraising.
  • Experience of managing human and physical resources and IT systems.
  • An ability to supervise and support staff and assist in their professional development.
  • A good degree in any relevant field.
  • Excellent interpersonal and management skills, with tact, diplomacy and effective consultation abilities.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, especially in dealing with professionals and those with expertise, including report writing and public presentations.
  • Ability to work on own initiative, to prioritise work effectively, to be a creative innovator and problem-solver, and to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
  • An ability and willingness to work collaboratively and collegially with colleagues.
  • In addition, the following attributes are desirable:
    • Experience of working with legal researchers and legal practitioners, or their equivalent; and
    • Knowledge of charity law, compliance and risk management.

This post is a full-time post. A salary package up to £60,000 is expected, depending on qualifications and experience. It is hoped that the person appointed will commence in early 2012.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to the Institute's Director, Professor Robert McCorquodale at r.mccorquodale@biicl.org or + 44 (0)207 862 5151.

All applicants must send the following by 20 February 2012, preferably by email to jobs@biicl.org:

  • A full curriculum vitae;
  • The name and addresses of three referees;
  • A covering letter setting out their reasons for applying and how they consider that they meet the criteria for this post.