Beschreibung

The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies is looking for a:

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (F/M/D)

CENTRE: Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights in Geneva

CONTRACT: permanent (open-ended contract)

Work rate: 80% - 100%, THAT IS 32 - 40h/WEEK

Application deadline: 26.06.2026

Contract start: no later than 01.09.2026

About the Institute:

The Geneva Graduate Institute, founded in 1927, is a world-renowned centre of excellence for the study of international relations and development. Located in Geneva, Switzerland, the institute offers a stimulating, multicultural and interdisciplinary academic environment. It offers master’s and doctoral programmes and conducts cutting-edge research on major global challenges.

About the centre:

The Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (ADH) in Geneva is a joint centre of the University of Geneva and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID).

The ADH’s mission is to promote better protection of human rights and respect for international humanitarian law in situations of armed conflict, violence and crises, as well as to contribute to the prevention of serious violations of international law and to the promotion of justice and accountability.

To this end, the ADH develops continuing education teaching activities, conducts research projects and policy engagement work, and organises conferences, specialised training, expert meetings and dialogue initiatives with academic, institutional and international partners. Its activities contribute to the visibility of the founding institutions at international, federal and local levels.

The ADH’s activities focus notably on international humanitarian law, human rights, international criminal law, transitional justice, as well as contemporary issues related to the prevention and repression of serious violations of international law.

Your role:

Under the authority of the co-presidents of the Academy, the executive director ensures, within the framework defined by the agreements between the founding institutions and the organisational regulations, the operational, administrative and strategic management of the Academy.

The position requires a management profile in an academic context, focused on the operational management of complex academic and scientific activities. It involves supervising teaching, in close collaboration with the MAS programme director and the person responsible for this sector, as well as overseeing and supervising research projects.

This position is not intended for candidates wishing to take on a teaching or research role: the holder does not assume any academic teaching duties nor direct research functions.

The holder is involved in developing strategic orientations with the co-presidents and the Academy Council, within the framework of cooperation between UNIGE and IHEID, and ensures their implementation by managing all operational activities of the Academy. They are also responsible for mobilising external funding for projects and activities defined within the strategic priorities, as well as maintaining and developing relationships with donors and partners of the Academy.

Your main responsibilities:

Institutional leadership and management

Ensure the operational management and overall coordination of the Academy’s activities; Supervise the administrative, academic and scientific teams of the Academy; Guarantee effective, collaborative institutional functioning in accordance with the procedures of the founding institutions; Ensure proper human resources management, referring to the internal procedures in force.

Administrative and financial management

Ensure the management and monitoring of the Academy’s administrative and financial affairs; Prepare and monitor annual budgets, financial reports and management documents; Monitor institutional funding, grants and projects financed by external donors; Ensure compliance with applicable accounting, budgeting and HR procedures.

Academic and scientific supervision

• Supervise teaching, continuing education, research and policy engagement activities;
• Ensure academic quality and strategic coherence of programmes and projects;
• Coordinate with the various academic and scientific committees of the Academy.

Institutional development and partnerships

Support the co-presidents in developing institutional relations and strategic partnerships; Coordinate fundraising activities and donor relations in connection with the co-presidents; Support the development and implementation of the Academy’s academic, scientific, institutional and strategic initiatives; Contribute to the visibility and institutional positioning of the Academy with its academic, institutional and international partners.Profile sought:

Education

Master’s degree required; A doctorate in law or equivalent title or experience in a field relevant to the Academy

Professional experience

Proven experience (minimum 5 years) in management or leadership roles within academic institutions, research centres, or similar institutions; Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary teams; Proven experience in administrative and financial management, including budget preparation and monitoring; Experience coordinating complex academic, scientific or institutional projects; Experience in partnership development and fundraising is an asset.

Skills and personal qualities

Excellent leadership, organisational and coordination skills; Excellent time management, prioritisation and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously; Ability to manage demanding environments and multiple deadlines; Sense of responsibility, diplomacy and discretion; Very good interpersonal and communication skills; Ability to unite and work in an academic and international environment; Willingness to primarily promote and support the Academy while keeping in mind its fundamental nature as a joint centre of the University of Geneva and IHEID; Listening skills, initiative, autonomy and flexibility.

Language skills

Excellent command of French and English, both spoken and written (minimum C1 level); Knowledge of other languages, particularly German, is an asset.

Institutional knowledge

Good knowledge of the academic world and/or international Geneva; Knowledge of the functioning of Swiss institutions and the FDFA is an asset.

What we can offer you:

A position of responsibility at the heart of international Geneva; A stimulating academic and international environment; A dynamic and committed team; Varied activities with a strong institutional and international dimension;

Our recruitment process if you are selected:

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in one or more interviews as well as possible additional assessments.

How to apply?

We invite you to submit a complete application in PDF format with the following documents:

1) a cover letter

2) a Curriculum Vitae

3) relevant diplomas

4) work certificates

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organisation. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, marital status, disability, race, national origin, colour, sex, sexual orientation or religion.

For more information, candidates are invited to consult the Institute’s website: graduateinstitute.ch

Please note that applications received by post will not be considered.