Director ECCSEL ERIC

Lead the development and the overall operation of a Pan-European CCUS research infrastructure.

Leadership of Pan-European Research Infrastructure within Carbon Capture, Transportation, Utilisation and Storage.

In this position you will act as the Chief Executive Officer and legal representative of ECCSEL ERIC. Main work location is in Trondheim/Norway, where the Director should preferably spend minimum 60 % of his/her time.

The Director is expected to: 

• Lead the scientific and technical development as well as the overall management and operation of the distributed research infrastructure.  
• Shape the future of ECCSEL as the European mechanism for coordinated investments in carbon dioxide capture, storage and utilization research facilities through strategic planning, potential scope extension, fundraising efforts and focused interaction, by building on the current statutes, plans and strategy of ECCSEL. 
• Build strong and effective pan-European and further international relationships, with a broad range of stakeholders within and outside the consortium.  
• Collaborate effectively with the Service Providers (i.e. the research facilities which are part of ECCSEL) ensuring improved utilization rates, a high quality of the infrastructure and efficient procedures. 
• Collaborate effectively with the ECCSEL General Assembly, the Research Infrastructure Coordination Committee (RICC), the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), Industry Advisory Group and the Ethics and Environmental Advisory Board.   
• Direct and manage the ECCSEL Operations Centre (OC) in Trondheim, including direct management of the OC staff located in Trondheim and other locations across the Member countries. 

The ideal candidate should: 

• Have a higher university degree, preferably in Technology or Natural Sciences.
•  Preferably demonstrate knowledge and skills relevant to CO2 capture, transport, utilisation and storage, or other relevant sectors.
•  Demonstrate management capabilities, including experience in financial/budgetary management, organizational development and team leadership.
  
• Demonstrate leadership skills and the capabilities to lead an international organization.
  
• Demonstrate experience in successful project development within a competitive research-funding landscape.
  
• Have practical experience of stakeholder engagement with industrial, national and European governmental and research communities.  
  
• Have excellent communication and negotiation skills. 
  
• Have at least 5 years` relevant experience, preferably from both scientific and industry sectors.

The candidate should be able to articulate a convincing strategic vision for ECCSEL and demonstrate the leadership ability to implement ECCSEL’s developing strategy, within the general strategy adopted by the ECCSEL ERIC General Assembly and set out in the ERIC statutes and related documents. She/He should have organisational and management skills to deliver on a complex initiative. 
Experience from the European Research Area, ESFRI process and/or other relevant international arena, as well as on key funding mechanisms available, is desirable. Good connections with relevant key European universities, research institutes, industry and governmental bodies, will be desirable. 

The candidate should be fluent in oral and written English. 

Regular travel to service providers, national nodes of ECCSEL and stakeholders to build international relationships is an important part of the role.  

The Director will be appointed for a five year period and can be re-appointed once. A competitive salary, based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate, will be offered. Employment will be in Norway and follow Norwegian employment law.

To submit an application, please send your CV and a short Cover Letter – also confirming your plan for having Trondheim as your main office location -  via www.mercuriurval.com. Closing date for receipt of applications: October 27th 2023.
  
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly by our recruitment partner Mercuri Urval (MU) and should be prepared to participate in interviews with members of the ECCSEL Recruitment Committee. 

For more information, please contact our Executive Search advisors at MU; Mr Svein Mellemsæter, phone: + 47 404 92 684, or Ragnhild Rabbe Sandven, phone: +47 941 21 369. All contacts will be treated in full confidentiality.

The job announcement and information on how to apply can be found here: CEO/Director - CCUS - Mercuri Urval