The South American Institute for Resilience and Sustainability Studies (SARAS) based in Bella Vista, Maldonado, Uruguay, is an interdisciplinary research center that produces knowledge and builds capacities around sustainability and the processes and mechanisms that guarantee the essential ecosystem services for human well-being (SARAS Institute).

SARAS was designed to generate critical points of view that point to the construction of sustainable futures for South America through innovative approaches, a combination of disciplinary domains (social, natural, exact sciences, and humanities), diverse knowledge, and interaction between art, science, and politics. It emerged as a joint initiative of the University of the Republic (Udelar), the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC), the Municipality of Maldonado (Uruguay), the University of Wageningen (Netherlands), and the Resilience Alliance (USA). SARAS is directed by a Scientific Advisory Council (hereinafter CCA) and a Board of Directors (AC) and has a team of associated researchers from different institutions in several countries. The executive director of SARAS, to which this call corresponds, coordinates, articulates, and supervises the activities of SARAS.

This call is open for academics from Udelar and/or from national or international institutions whose affiliated institutions consider the performance of the functions involved in this call to be compatible with those they perform at that institution. We are looking for a person with a solid background in natural sciences, social sciences, and/or humanities, especially related to Sustainability, Socio-ecosystems, and/or Resilience.

The ideal candidate is an independent, innovative person with proven experience in team management and recognized international activity. The ability to work in Spanish and English and the ability to work with natural scientists, social scientists, artists, humanists, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs is essential.

The main tasks of the position will be, on the one hand, the conduct of the basic functions of SARAS and, on the other, the promotion, articulation, and supervision of the academic lines of work. The SARAS management will coordinate the set of bodies that make up the Institute: The Scientific Advisory Council, the Foundation’s Board of Directors, the network of associated researchers, and the executive team or staff. It will also promote greater articulation between all of these.

The director or director will have a substantive role in the vision and leadership of the future of the Institute, which includes its operational, financial, and political sustainability as well as its insertion in the local, national, regional, and global environment. It is estimated, for these tasks, a weekly dedication of 30 hours and a hybrid work modality are contemplated, between virtual and face-to-face. SARAS is not expected to be remunerated for their performance.

1. Coordinate the work of the CCA, defining dates and modalities of meetings, as well as its internal agenda of activities and products and the selection of new members.
2. Act as a link between the Executive Team, Research Associates, and the CCA and CA; identifying mutual demands and agreeing with agendas roles and staff goals.
3. Support the executive team in operational decisions, organization, and internal agreements and in searches for temporary staff.
4. Represent the institute in negotiations with national and international organizations as necessary.

5. Establish goals and priorities in the search for short and long-term financing.
6. Propose an economic sustainability strategy accompanied by a functional structure of the executive team appropriate for the medium term (5 years)
7. Facilitate the activity of autonomous researchers within SARAS (current and those who will join in the short term), seeking to promote a modular way of working.
8. Define the activities of the next annual thematic cycles with an agenda of events/products, including the search for funds for it.

Those interested in the call have until March 31st. (inclusive) to complete their data and Curriculum Vitae (including names and contact information of three referents), as well as a motivation letter describing their potential contribution as Director of SARAS, where the institution in which they work is also indicated (which, if selected, would accept the reassignment of part of their functions to those established in this call). Call closed

In case of being selected, the appointment as Executive Director will become effective once said Institution has accepted the compatibility of the functions established in this call and those that the academic performance in that Institution.

The selection of applicants will be in charge of a committee made up of Esteban Jobbágy (Interim Executive Director), Jorge Marcone (Director of the Scientific Advisory Council), Micaela Trimble (Representative of the Associated Researchers in the Board of Directors), and Cecilia Fernández (Representative of Udelar in the Board of Directors).

Interviews will be held with the pre-selected people, and documentation proving merits may be requested.

The selected person is expected to start his duties in May 2022.

In case of doubts or queries about the call, please refer to Fiorella Polcaro at email: fiorella.polcaro@saras-institute.org

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