British Institute of International & Comparative Law Seeks New Director

The British Institute of International & Comparative Law (see information about the Institute here) is looking to recruit a new Director.

The Institute, the UK’s leading centre for the advancement of the understanding and practical application of international law, will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2008. The present Director, Professor Gillian Triggs, will be returning to Australia shortly to take up the post of Dean of the Law School at the University of Sydney, and the Institute is now seeking a dynamic individual with global vision as her successor.

The Institute, a community of legal scholars and practitioners, is an independent charitable body which seeks to support the international rule of law in global problem-solving, to foster a comparative understanding of all national legal systems, and to provide a forum for public debate on international law through its well-established research, events and publications, of which its best known is the International and Comparative Law Quarterly. The Institute’s unique strength is to combine a diverse community of scholars with practitioners in the world’s leading legal marketplace. It serves as an unrivalled focal point for its substantial membership.

Following a period of dramatic growth in the range and depth of its work, the Institute has consolidated its leading position and reputation. It aims to combine the highest standards of scholarship with a high degree of practical relevance for the world of the 21st century. The research staff of the Institute undertakes a wide range of work, including major research projects for a variety of government and private bodies, which seek to address
some of the key issues which have become of increasing public interest – such as the establishment of the rule of law in post-conflict states, international humanitarian law, international trade, the World Trade Organisation and global poverty, and evidence before international courts and tribunals.

The Institute’s work ranges across public and private international law, comparative law, European law and human rights. Research is currently streamed into the following 3 programmes:

  • International Law programme
  • Law and Development programme
  • European and Comparative Law programme

Within these programmes there are a number of specialist practitioner groups enabling the members of the Institute to discuss current issues at an expert level. The Director, who reports to the Board of Trustees, has overall responsibility for the Institute’s activities, including shaping its research programme and directing its research, managing its staff of some 30 academics, interns and administrators, and representing the Institute externally to government, the legal profession, corporations, non-governmental organisations and the public. In all probability the successful candidate will have a background in law, but could have experience in government, public bodies or other institutions. Candidates should feel comfortable representing the Institute in public and in the media, working with the Institute’s Development Director in attracting major funding for its programmes, and have a proven record in managing people and organisations.

A competitive salary is offered, which, depending on age and experience, is likely to be at the upper end of the UK academic range. Written applications with full curriculum vitae and the names of three referees should be made in confidence to: Ruth Eldon, Institute Secretary, BIICL, 17 Russell Square, Charles Clore House, London WC1B 5JP. Tel. + 44 (0) 20 7862 5151. For further particulars e-mail: r.eldon@biicl.org. For more information on BIICL’s activities see www.biicl.org. Applications should be received by 22 June 2007. First interviews will be conducted shortly thereafter.