ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING

The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) is an intergovernmental organization established on 20 May 1875 by the treaty commonly known as the “Metre Convention”. The headquarters of the BIPM is in the Pavillon de Breteuil, a magnificent site within the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, in the vicinity of Paris, France. The BIPM headquarters has over 60 staff members and more than 30 secondees, visiting professionals, and contractual personnel from different parts of the world.

The BIPM’s mission is to work with the National Metrology Institutes (NMI) of its Member States, the Regional Metrology Organizations (RMO), and strategic partners worldwide and to use its international and impartial status to promote and advance the global comparability of measurements through the maintenance and dissemination of the International System of Units (SI) and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The BIPM operates a world-class scientific laboratory at its headquarters charged with the realization and comparison of measurement standards in the fields of mass, time and frequency, electricity, ionizing radiation, and chemistry.

The current Director's term will be end of 2025 at the latest. There may be a short period of knowledge transfer at the BIPM headquarters before this date. The organization's governing body, the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM), is therefore inviting applications for the appointment of a new Director of the BIPM for a (5) five-year term starting on 01 October 2025 latest. The appointment may be renewed.

The Director acts as chief of staff and legal representative of the organization in the execution of its activities and is responsible for initiating and implementing specific policy adopted by the CIPM on matters related to international metrology.

The Director is supported by the BIPM headquarter management team (comprising Department Directors and Heads of Service) and exercises his or her functions under the authority of the CIPM bureau.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition to the overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations, the Director has the following key responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership:

• Provide scientific and managerial leadership for the BIPM headquarters, fulfilling its mission and objectives and collaborating with the CIPM to develop and implement the BIPM Work Programme and strategic plans.
• Foster innovation and excellence in metrology research and standards and ensure that the BIPM headquarters provides results.

2. Scientific and Administrative Oversight:

• Manage the staff of the BIPM in accordance with the regulations and rules adopted by the CIPM.
• Ensure adherence to the provisions of the Metre Convention and internal regulations.
• Oversee the BIPM headquarters’ scientific and technical functions and represent it in international forums, scientific meetings, and consultative committees.

3. Financial Stewardship:

• Manage the BIPM’s financial resources (annual budget of about 14 million Euros), including budget preparation and financial reporting and ensuring its long-term financial sustainability.
• Implement the financial regulations and ensure transparency and accountability, optimizing resource allocation to support the BIPM’s mission and mandate.

4. Collaboration and Advocacy:

• Maintain relationships and serve as an advocate and communicator with all stakeholders and interested parties, including NMIs, RMOs, the scientific community, policymakers, other international organizations, the media, and the public worldwide.
• Advocate for metrology standards and their impact on global trade, industry, and scientific research and promote the BIPM’s work through effective communication and outreach.
• Represents the organization in dealings with governments and other intergovernmental bodies in particular to build consensus on the international measurement system.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate must demonstrate that he or she possesses the following experience, competencies, and skills:

Education

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in science, economic sciences, public or business administration, or related areas. Holding a PhD in Science constitutes an asset.

Work experience

• Outstanding record of achievement in science and technology, with proven leadership and management capabilities in a research-based environment.
• A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional experience in a scientific environment, including a minimum of 10 years at a senior leadership level at national or international level.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategies, regulatory frameworks, policies, and procedures.
• Experience in leading and motivating staff in a multicultural environment demonstrated through managing by example and providing value-driven advice.
• Proven track record of efficient management of public funds and budget management, whether at the national or international level.
• Experience building and maintaining partnerships with other research institutions, government agencies, industry stakeholders, and international organizations to advance scientific goals and promote knowledge sharing.
• Experience in fostering a culture of innovation and scientific excellence, supporting research initiatives and collaborative projects within the organization and with external partners; and,
• Experience in ensuring that all activities conducted adhere to relevant legal and ethical standards, including safety regulations, data integrity, and responsible research practices.

Skills and competencies

• Strong strategic, conceptual, and analytical capacities, with a high sense of objectivity and professional integrity, diplomacy, tact, and political astuteness.
• Capacity to provide intellectual leadership to guide staff to build trust among, manage, lead, and motivate staff in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Strong management and organizational skills to establish plans and priorities and effectively implement them.
• Excellent judgment for informed decision-making.
• Good interpersonal and representational skills and demonstrated ability to advocate and engage with staff and stakeholders/partners at all levels within and outside the organization.

Languages

• Fully proficient in English with a working knowledge in French (or a willingness to reach a working knowledge of French within one year).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT AND BENEFITS

• Initial 5-year contract, renewable.
• Living accommodation is provided at the historic premises of the BIPM, Pavillon de Breteuil, within the picturesque Domaine National de Saint-Cloud.
• Competitive gross annual salary, depending on qualifications and experience, plus allowances subject to eligibility.
• Privileges and Immunities applicable in France; salaries and allowances exempt from income tax in France only.
• 37 days paid holidays per year.
• Contributory pension scheme and private health insurance which can be extended to dependants.
• 1-year of probation period.

More information on the Benefits & General Conditions of Employment at the BIPM

APPLICATIONS

As part of the application process for this position, applicants are invited to submit the following documents before the closing date of the vacancy announcement (i.e., 31st October 2024 at 23:59 CET in France):

• A full curriculum vitae (CV)
• A cover letter
• Name of (3) three referees (referees will only be contacted for shortlisted candidates).

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application to be sent by email to:

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to a face-to-face interview.

The BIPM is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.