Professors and Centre Director of the Centre for Sustainable Futures, The University of the South Pacific

The Organisation

The University of the South Pacific (USP) is the premier dual sector University serving the Pacific region and only one of three regional universities of its kind in the world.  USP endeavours to Shape Pacific Futures by shaping Pacific minds to overcome the development challenges that we face, through research, innovation and future-proof thinking. Uniquely governed by its twelve member countries, USP is not only a higher education and research institution, but also a regional integration organisation that provides services within the communally agreed structured regional mechanisms geared towards benefiting the lives of the Pacific People.

The Centre for Sustainable Futures will be a new research centre, supported and initially funded by the Aotearoa New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZMFA).  The centre will consolidate and strengthen regional efforts in producing Pacific leaders who are equipped, empowered, and able to lead the transition to a sustainable future for the Pacific.

The Opportunity

We are seeking five visionary academic leaders, ideally at Professorial level, to lead five broad areas of sustainability within the Centre, with one taking a general leadership position as Centre Director.  These individuals will lead the creation of an enabling and empowering environment for the future of the Pacific Islands and Ocean, integrating a holistic forward thinking strategic approach to climate finance and resilience.

The five areas of sustainability appointed candidates will take leadership of are:

• Innovative science and engineering for sustainable and scalable solutions
• Sustainable stewardship of blue economies
• Pacific leadership for sustainable communities
• Risk informed strategic development planning
• Integrated finance for sustainable futures

As the senior core of the Centre for Sustainable Futures you will have the expertise, skills and leadership qualities required to establish the centre and build momentum toward realising the goals of the Aotearoa New Zealand International Climate Finance Strategy (ANZICFS).

You will be a visionary in your respective field, leading one of the five areas of sustainability within the Centre and inspiring critical work on the South Pacific frontline of climate and sustainability research, engagement and teaching.  You will be committed to creating a more sustainable society, driven by ethics and embodying human ideals and values with a strong sense of purpose.

The Centre for Sustainable Futures will form from the merger of four existing institutions at USP, and as such, you will have the skills required to convene existing colleagues and resources under your respective area of sustainability within the Centre.  Your leadership will include oversight of researchers and lecturers leading academic programs and trainings, as well as advocates that will focus on creating networks with key stakeholders.

You will work closely with regional organisations such as: the Pacific Resilience Partnerships; the Pacific Regional Environment Programme; the Pacific Fusion Centre; the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency; and the Pacific Islands Development Program.  Your ability to work with external organisations in applied areas, leveraging existing connections and forging new ones, will be critical.

The Professors and Centre Director will be responsible for:

• Establishing and leading the Centre for Sustainable Futures as a solution to the ANZICFS goals.
• Setting the standard for high quality research, impact, teaching and engagement throughout the Centre.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of Centre wide strategy.
• Establishing a multidisciplinary outlook and ensuring collaboration is present throughout the areas of sustainability within the Centre.
• Developing and fostering robust and mutually beneficial global, regional and industry partnerships and funding for research

The People We Seek

The successful candidates will likely be senior academic research leaders with a strong presence in the global sustainability landscape.  Applicants must have a PhD, excellent research record, learning and teaching activities in a university context and strong leadership, people management, interpersonal and communication skills.

Applications close: 16 September 2024

To apply: please click on ‘APPLY NOW’ and using reference USPpsf0724, addressing your cover letter and resume to Andrew Norton of Fisher Leadership, or call 1300 347 437 for further information.

Apply now