The Arctic Council has opened the recruitment process for a new Director of the Arctic Council Secretariat (ACS), inviting experienced professionals from across the Arctic states to apply for one of the most important administrative leadership roles supporting Arctic cooperation.

Based at the Fram Centre in Tromsø, Norway, the Arctic Council Secretariat provides administrative, organizational and communications support to the work of the Arctic Council, its rotating Chairships, Senior Arctic Officials (SAOs), Working Groups, Permanent Participants and Observers. Established as a standing secretariat in 2013, it plays a central role in ensuring the continuity and effective functioning of the Council's activities.

The Director reports to the Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials and is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Secretariat. The role includes overseeing finance, human resources, communications, strategic planning and daily operations, while also providing guidance and support to the Council's biennial Chairships and meetings.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate extensive leadership experience, strong management and organizational skills, and a thorough understanding of international cooperation and Arctic affairs. Excellent communication abilities and fluency in English are essential, while knowledge of another Arctic language is considered an advantage. As the Secretariat is an international organization serving the Arctic Council, applicants must be citizens of one of the eight Arctic States.

The recruitment follows the announcement that Mathieu Parker, who has led the Arctic Council Secretariat since 2021, will be stepping down after five years in the position. During his tenure, the Secretariat supported the Council through a particularly challenging period marked by significant geopolitical developments while continuing to facilitate the work of the Arctic Council and its subsidiary bodies.

The Arctic Council remains the leading intergovernmental forum for cooperation among the eight Arctic States, Indigenous Permanent Participants and Arctic stakeholders on issues related to sustainable development and environmental protection. Although it does not address military security, its work continues through six Working Groups covering areas such as climate, biodiversity, pollution, emergency preparedness and sustainable development.

Applications for the position are being accepted through the Arctic Council Secretariat. Further details, including qualifications, responsibilities and application procedures,are available on the Arctic Council website.

Source: Arctic Council