LEDIG STILLING VED UIT NORGES ARKTISKE UNIVERSITET
President, University of the Arctic (UArctic)
Deadline: 14.06.2026
Publisert
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The appointment is made in accordance with Norwegian State regulations and guidelines at UiT. At our website, you will find more information for applicants.
According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.
UArctic
UArctic is a network of universities, colleges, research institutes, and Indigenous organizations dedicated to education and research in and about the North, with more than 200 member institutions across the circumpolar region and beyond.
UiT The Arctic University of Norway is a multi-campus research university and the northernmost university of the world, and a member of the UArctic network. Our central location in the High North, our broad and diverse research and study portfolio, and our interdisciplinary qualities make us uniquely suited to meet the challenges of the future.
Together, we invite applications for the position as
President for University of the Arctic (UArctic)
We are seeking an exceptional, high-level leader to guide this unique circumpolar network into its next phase of strategic development and international engagement. At a time of growing global attention to the Arctic and increasing complexity in the region, the President will provide clear direction and strong representation across academic, governmental, and international forums.
The President will be appointed and employed by UiT The Arctic University of Norway, for a six-year term, renewable once following review, and will report to the UArctic board. Residence in Tromsø or in Norway is not required.
About UArctic
UArctic builds and strengthens shared resources and collaborative structures that enable its members to better serve their communities and regions. Through cooperation in education, research, mobility, and outreach, UArctic enhances human capacity in the North, supports viable communities and sustainable economies, and advances diverse knowledge systems, including Indigenous knowledge.
Created through the Arctic Council, UArctic serves as an Observer to the Arctic Council and collaborates with key Arctic and international partners.
Constituted as an international association incorporated in Finland, with its Secretariat based in Rovaniemi, UArctic operates as a distributed academic network rather than a single-campus institution.
The Opportunity
The President provides strategic leadership for UArctic and advances its mission and long-term sustainability. The role requires strategic clarity, institutional credibility, and the ability to engage effectively at senior levels of international and Arctic policy dialogue.
Accountable to the UArctic Board and working closely with the Assembly, the Secretary General, Vice-Presidents, and member leadership, the President will:
Lead the development and implementation of UArctic’s strategic direction.
Strengthen collaboration and shared purpose across its member institutions in education, research, mobility, and knowledge exchange.
Ensure sound governance, accountability, and financial stewardship.
Expand partnerships, mobilize philanthropic support, and secure resources to sustain and grow UArctic’s activities.
Reinforce UArctic’s international profile and strategic positioning.
Serve as spokesperson and advocate for Arctic education, research, and Indigenous collaboration.
The President represents UArctic with governments, universities, Indigenous organizations, international bodies, philanthropic partners, and funding agencies. The role demands sound judgement, diplomatic skill, and the ability to build trust across diverse political and institutional environments throughout the circumpolar region.
Candidate Qualifications and Profile
The successful candidate will bring:
Leadership experience within higher education, research organizations, international institutions, or complex networks.
A strong understanding of Arctic issues and the circumpolar context.
An established and credible network across Arctic academic, governmental, political, and Indigenous communities.
Experience in strategic planning, governance, and international collaboration.
A demonstrated ability to build partnerships and secure support.
Financial literacy and experience overseeing budgets and accountability frameworks.
The capacity to foster consensus and mobilize diverse partners across cultures and knowledge systems.
Excellent communication skills in English, additional Arctic languages are an asset.
Location and Eligibility
Candidates must reside in an Arctic state and demonstrate sustained engagement in Arctic affairs.
The President will be appointed and employed by UiT The Arctic University of Norway. Residence in Tromsø or in Norway is not required.
The role requires the ability and willingness to travel regularly throughout the circumpolar region, including Nordic countries, in support of UArctic’s mandate.
Inclusion and diversity
UiT The Arctic University i Norway is working actively to promote equality, gender balance and diversity among employees and students, and to create an inclusive and safe working environment. We believe that inclusion and diversity is a strength and we want employees with different competencies, professional experience, life experience and perspectives.
If you have a disability, a gap in your CV or immigrant background, we encourage you to tick the box for this in your application. If there are qualified applicants, we invite least one in each group for an interview. If you get the job, we will adapt the working conditions if you need it. Apart from selecting the right candidates, we will only use the information for anonymous statistics.
Term of Appointment
The President is appointed for a six-year term, renewable once following review.
Application and Nomination Process
Application deadline is June 14, 2026. The application must be submitted digitally via www.jobbnorge.no, and shall include:
CV and application letter
Diplomas and transcripts
Written references
Contact information to 2-3 references
All documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language.
Applications will be reviewed, assessed, and interviews conducted by a committee including members from UiT, other UArctic institutions, and representatives of the UArctic board. The formal appointment to the position will be made by UiT’s board, following consultation with the UArctic board.
This recruitment process reflects the shared governance of the position, whereby the President is employed by UiT and reports directly to the UArctic board.
For questions about the position, you may contact:
Vice-rector Martin Fortier, Université Laval (UArctic Board member). martin.fortier@vrr.ulaval.ca, tel +1 418 655 5233
We offer
A good working environment with dedicated colleagues
Flexible working hours and a state collective pay agreement
Pension scheme through the Norwegian state pension fund
The formal position at UiT will be a senior position, with remuneration between 1,2 and 1,5 MNOK per year, depending on qualifications. There will be a 2 % deduction for contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK).
