Education builds democracies. As Director of the European Wergeland Centre, you will lead our work for democracy, participation and human rights both across Europe and in Norway.
Read more in Norwegian and apply here
Developing and maintaining a culture of democracy and human rights is a continuous process that cannot be achieved without education playing a key role. With its head office in Norway and partnerships with teachers, authorities and organisations across Europe, the European Wergeland Centre (EWC) promotes education as one of the most important tools to strengthen democratic citizenship, a culture of democracy, and human rights.
Established by the Council of Europe and the Norwegian Government, the Centre has since 2008 developed into a European resource centre with projects in more than 15 countries. With stable core funding, the centre is well positioned for further growth and development. We are now looking for a Director who will lead and develop the European Wergeland Centre further, both in Norway and internationally.
As Director, you will lead and motivate an international team of about 20 dedicated colleagues with strong professional commitment and integrity. You will be responsible for strengthening the Centre’s role as a national and European resource for education in democracy and human rights, and for ensuring that the Centre has a clear and relevant voice in this field. The role includes representing the Centre in the public sphere, building connections between practice, research and policy as well as contributing to visibility and engagement in Norway and across Europe.
You will be part of an international and collaborative environment that values trust, teamwork and professional freedom, working together to strengthen democratic participation. The broader team includes a diverse group of international and Norwegian experts, who you will oversee and manage. You will work with and report to the Board, which is composed of international and Norwegian members.
We are looking for:
- A value-driven, strategic leader, with a passion for strengthening and safeguarding democracy through education.
- Experience leading and developing teams in organisations that combine professional expertise with a social mission.
- Knowledge of the field, with solid experience from education, human rights or public affairs, and an understanding of how these areas are connected.
- A good understanding of the interplay between politics, public administration, civil society, and stakeholder management in Norway.
- A good understanding of how both international and national politics affect the education sector and of European cooperation and the role of education in it.
- Background may be from the public sector, academia, international cooperation or a non-profit organisation.
- Excellent communication skills and a relevant international network.
- Relevant higher education. Proficient in both English and one of the Scandinavian languages (Norwegian, Danish, Swedish) as working languages.
The position is a fixed-term appointment for five years, with a probationary period of up to six months. There is a possibility of renewal for another five years. The Director reports to the Board. Workplace: Oslo.
Read more in Norwegian and apply here
For more information, please contact Visindi:
Dyveke Hamza, tel. +47 458 38 167, or Marianne Bakken, tel. +47 410 91 376.
All enquiries are treated confidentially. Applications with CV should be uploaded as soon as possible at www.visindi.no, with the final deadline being the 21th of December.