The International Science Council (ISC) and International Society for Urban Health (ISUH) invite applications for the post of Executive Director of the Urban Health and Wellbeing (UHWB) programme, which was renewed for a 10-year period in 2025.

The UHWB programme is an interdisciplinary affiliated body of the ISC and is co-sponsored by the ISC and the ISUH. The International Programme Office (IPO) is hosted by the Institute of Urban Environment (IUE) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and is based in Xiamen, China.

The programme includes projects that are interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary and collaborative, mobilizing a systems approach to enhance cities’ systems intelligence for urban and planetary health.

The IPO is led by an Executive Director, who is appointed by the co-sponsors, in consultation with the Chair of the Urban Health Scientific Committee and the Director-General of IUE.

This position is based in Xiamen, China, and requires regular regional and international travel. The Executive Director will be a full-time employee of IUE.

Responsibilities

The Executive Director heads the International Programme Office that provides the secretariat of the programme and is responsible for the delivery of UHWB mission and ensuring its global impact. The main responsibilities of the Executive Director are to:

l Provide strategic, operational and intellectual leadership for the programme and manage the IPO, currently comprising a team of a science officer and an administrative officer, with the possibility of recruiting additional staff and colleagues of IUE.  

l Lead the development of the programme’s strategic plan, in consultation with the Scientific Committee (SC).

l Implement the strategic plan, ensuring the timely delivery of outputs and quality, impact and visibility for the programme.

l Engage the Scientific Committee on all strategic scientific issues and support the work of the SC including through regular online and in-person meetings.

l Report to the co-sponsors of UHWB on the overall development of the programme and strategic considerations.

l Represent the programme in relevant platforms, meetings, conferences and fora internationally, engage urban scientists and stakeholders across the world in the implementation of the UHWB’s science and implementation plans and in relevant policy processes.  

l Participate in networking, partnerships and expanding the reach of the UHWB program globally, with a particular focus on the Global South.

l Fundraise and mobilize resources for the programme.

l Maintain excellent cooperation with the host institution, ensure compliance with the host’s administrative rules and regulations and report on financial, administrative, legal and human resources matters.

l Supervise student and postdoctoral research to advance the mission of the UHWB, time-permitting.

l Carry out additional activities that may be required to ensure the success of the programme.

Requirements

Education

l PhD in a natural, social, medical or engineering science discipline related to urban health and wellbeing.

Work Experience

l A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience, with a focus on conducting and managing research programmes, including at least 3 years at the international level.

l Proven managerial and leadership experience

l A proven track record of successfully establishing and maintaining partnerships at a global, local and community level.

l Solid experience in connecting with leading experts and institutions on Urban Health and Wellbeing related agendas.

l Demonstrated experience in fundraising and grant management.

Skills and Competencies

l A strong knowledge of the subjects dealt with under the programme, as demonstrated through quality publications in scientific journals.

l Excellent strategic and organizational skills, including the ability to establish plans and priorities and to implement them effectively.

l Strong management skills including capacity to provide intellectual leadership and guidance to staff, ability to build trust, manage, lead and motivate a diverse team in a multicultural environment, demonstrating respect for diversity. Capacity for managing financial and human resources in complex environments and projects.

l Demonstrated ability to engage and build relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders.

l Excellent interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to work in multicultural environments while upholding objectivity, impartiality and sensitivity to gender equality and diversity issues.

l Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with a proven ability to represent institutional priorities. 

Languages

l Excellent knowledge of English and working knowledge (or willingness to learn) Mandarin.

Eligibility

Applications from international candidates are welcome.

How to Apply

Submit to ISC:

https://council.science/news/vacancy-executive-director-uhwp/

Applications should include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), which should address the job description, qualifications, knowledge and skills requirements outlined in the vacancy information, and a Curriculum Vitae (maximum 4 pages), including the name and contact details of three referees. Please upload your cover letter and CV as a single file (PDF (preferred) or Word format) via the dedicated online application form on ISC website.

The closing date for applications is 7 September 2025.

The salary of the Executive Director of UHWB will be based on experience and qualifications. The initial contract of employment will be three years’ duration, renewable. The preferred starting date would be before the end of 2025.