The MSWord formated announcement for the following recruitment can be accessed at: www.russellreynolds.com/sites/default/files/execopdocs/director-ceps-instead-1206-006ge.doc
a shorter version is available from http://www.ceps.lu/job_viewer.cfm?tmp=89
Position Specification: Director CEPS/INSTEAD Private and Confidential # 107658 Our Client CEPS/INSTEAD (Centre d’Etudes de Populations, de Pauvreté et de Politiques Socio-Economiques / International Networks for Studies in Technology, Environment Alternatives, Development) is one of several state-funded public research institutes in Luxembourg. Established in 1989, it conducts research in the field of socio-economic policy design on a national and international level including data collection and evaluation. Next to its research activities, it offers a post-graduate program (IMPALLA) on socio-economic research in cooperation with 4 other universities in Europe. Its mission is to serve the government as well as public and private institutions in Luxembourg with guidance and advice on matters and decisions involving socio-economic aspects.
In more detail, the following goals have been defined for CEPS/INSTEAD: • Realisation of national and international socio-economic studies and research projects • Collection of cross-sectional and longitudinal data • Setup and management of internationally comparative databases • Coordination of national and international research networks • Organisation of post-graduate training relevant to social policy analysis
These activities are being conducted in several distinct research areas: • Social policy • Labour economics and demography • Poverty, inequality, and income distribution • Health, education, and well-being • Social geography, spatial development, and mobility • Quantitative methods for micro-data analysis
To fulfil its mission, the institute currently employs 128 scientists from a multitude of disciplines, amongst others economists, sociologists, psychologists, political scientists, geographers, social policy analysts and statisticians. The current organization is set up as three research departments and several supporting units (e.g. library, technical platforms, HR, Finance etc.). CEPS/INSTEAD has increased its diversity in the past years and employs scientists from all over the world with the goal to create a diverse and interdisciplinary research environment with an international focus. CEPS/INSTEAD has an annual budget of EUR 16 million, with 60% government funding, 20% from performance-based public funding, and 20% to be obtained from private funding sources. Working languages are English and French.
CEPS/INSTEAD is currently facing several challenges that will determine the future of the institute: • The centre needs to prepare for an increasing need for competitive research funding • The centre needs to evaluate, realign and focus its research activities in order to raise its profile – in Luxembourg as well as internationally. • The centre needs to sharpen its profile, creating a distinct value proposition to its staff and to the scientific community. Due to the recent retirement of the previous director, CEPS/INSTEAD is now seeking to recruit a successor to this position.
The Role The institute is seeking to recruit a new director who will have a two-fold mission: Next to providing day-to-day scientific and administrative leadership and management to the institution, the future incumbent will tackle the immanent challenges to create a healthy, modern, and striving research institution. He/she will collaborate in developing a clear vision and strategy for the future of CEPS/INSTEAD in the Luxembourg and European research landscape, which the administrative board will then approve in accordance with law and regulations. At the same time, he/she will contribute to build a strong reputation in Luxembourg and in the international scientific community. The future incumbent is an experienced academic personality and manager with the ability to quickly evaluate existing weaknesses, address them openly in a multi-stakeholder environment, and jointly find pragmatic and feasible solutions to them. He/she brings an entrepreneurial mindset, an innovative spirit and the drive to shape and turn around an institution in crisis and develop an innovative and holistic strategy for the centre’s future.
The director heads the executive board, which comprises a scientific director and an administrative director as his direct reports. The director himself reports to the administrative board of CEPS/INSTEAD. In addition, the centre has a scientific advisory board that advises the organisation on scientific issues and decisions.
In more detail, specific tasks of the director include:
• Implement a holistic strategy for the future of CEPS/INSTEAD as a socio-economic research institution: o Set the scientific direction of CEPS/INSTEAD, focusing and realigning its research priorities o Ensure financial stability and funding o Ensure smooth and efficient day-to day operations, including cooperation with support staff • Implement decisions taken by the administrative board • Develop and issue performance contracts; ensure their implementation • Evaluate research standards and research output, identify improvement areas and increase output quality to an international level where needed • Establish, maintain and shape internal and external relations with financial, scientific, and other cooperating partners (such as the Fonds National de Recherche, government bodies, and private companies) • Recruit and/or appoint staff to the leadership positions of the institute, in cooperation with the administrative board • Evaluate and consolidate activities and consulting services to public institutions along with the holistic strategy of CEPS/INSTEAD; define target clients and adapt services to their needs • Increase national and international visibility and reputation of CEPS/INSTEAD’s research activities.
Candidate Profile In terms of the performance and personal competencies required for the position, we would highlight the following:
Experience § Has obtained a PhD in a discipline touching upon socio-economic issues, e.g. economic science/econometrics, social science, political science, geography, statistics or ideally a combination of those. § Brings an excellent academic track record in the socio-economic field and a good understanding of common, modern IT-based research methods. § Has experience in the management and strategy development of research-related institutions in the public or private sector. § Has worked effectively in a public multi-stakeholder environment and is able to communicate with scientific and administrative stakeholders. § Ideally has experience of change management and turnaround of a public institution. § Has an excellent command of French and English. Other language skills, especially German, are a plus. § Ideally brings knowledge of the Luxembourg society and research landscape.
Setting and implementing strategy § Implements and contributes to further development of a well-founded and innovative strategy for CEPS/INSTEAD, creating a competitive advantage for the centre. § Identifies opportunities quickly, prioritises systematically and incorporates them into a strategic plan. § Breaks down strategy into clear and feasible plans and tasks for each department and employee, and pursues relentless implementation. § Develops a unique value proposition and brand for the centre’s future positioning in the research community. § Has a sense and understanding of market and customer needs (e.g. government, public and private institutions) and is able to adapt the centre’s services to those needs. § Possesses excellent communication skills to deliver the centre’s strategy in a consistent and compelling way to staff and internal and external stakeholders.
Executing for results § Has a track record of meeting and exceeding targets and expectations. § Drives a public sector organisation relentlessly towards achieving agreed-on results. § Develops and implements organisational processes to measure and manage performance transparently, such as introduction of KPIs and continuous reporting, adapted to the needs of a public institution. § Is excellent at keeping momentum and motivation to move forward when setbacks occur. § Is creative in overcoming challenges.
Leading teams § Takes responsibility for his management team and the staff at CEPS/INSTEAD, has strong personal ethics and values. § Has the ability to motivate the administrative and scientific boards, his/herpeers, and employees to achieve and exceed results. § Is able to lead interdisciplinary, multi-functional teams. § Shows and creates inspired commitment, encourages active involvement and contribution of ideas; delegates tasks and responsibilities where appropriate. § Develops common goals between himself, the management team and the research teams. § Gets personally and actively involved in sourcing, selecting, developing, and retaining talent for key positions at CEPS/INSTEAD.
Building relationships and using influence § Works effectively in a multi-stakeholder environment associated with public sector structures. § Has strong interpersonal and communication skills and works well with a variety of cultures in a highly diverse environment. § Has a people-focused leadership style, connecting to superiors, peers, and employees as well as to outside stakeholders in government, other research institutions, and companies in the private sector in various countries. § Has the ability to convince people and to collaborate with them effectively. § Possesses excellent networking skills, as they are indispensable for this role and they are a key enabler for success.
CEPS/INSTEAD is an equal opportunity employer and ensures that no applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of sex, disability, religious belief, marital status, colour, race or ethnic origins. 1206-006GE
Application Instructions
To apply, please send your full application along with a supporting statement, briefly highlighting your experience and skills against the requirements of the role, to cepsinstead@russellreynolds.com. All applications will be acknowledged. The closing date is 17 August 2012.
All applications should include the following: § the reference number 1206-006GE in subject line; § a short covering letter of not more than two A4 sized pages explaining why this appointment interests you and how you meet the appointment criteria and competencies as detailed in the candidate profile; § a CV with educational and professional qualifications and full employment history, where possible giving details where applicable of budgets and numbers of people managed, relevant achievements in recent posts, together with reasons for absence within the last two years; § current remuneration; § names of at least two referees who may be contacted at short list stage, i.e. before final interview; § day-time and mobile telephone contact numbers and preferred e-mail address for all correspondence, which will be used with discretion.
Contact Dr. Anne Wichels-Schnieber Russell Reynolds Associates Stadthausbrücke 1-3 / Fleethof 20355 Hamburg Germany Tel: +49-40-48-06-61-0 Direct: +49-40-480 661-20 Fax: +49-40-48-06-61-40 anne.wichels-schnieber@russellreynolds.com
Christoph Gottschalk Russell Reynolds Associates Stadthausbrücke 1-3 / Fleethof 20355 Hamburg Germany Tel: +49-40-48-06-61-0 Direct: +49-40-48-06-61-11 Fax: +49-40-48-06-61-40 christoph.gottschalk@russellreynolds.com
Bernhard Sohnke Russell Reynolds Associates Maximilianstrasse 12-14 80539 München Germany Phone: +49-89-24 89 81-0 Direct: +49-89-24 89 81-32 Fax: +49-89-24 89 81-59 bernhard.sohnke@russellreynolds.com