Secretary General of UArctic

UArctic (University of the Arctic) is an international network of universities, colleges, research institutes, and other organizations committed to education, research, and collaboration in and about the Arctic. UArctic brings together members from across the circumpolar North and beyond to strengthen knowledge exchange, capacity building, and sustainable development.

The UArctic International Secretariat is hosted by the University of Lapland in Rovaniemi, Finland. We are now seeking a visionary and experienced leader to serve as Secretary General of UArctic and Head of the UArctic International Secretariat.

The Secretary General serves as the chief administrative officer and legal representative of UArctic and plays a key role in ensuring effective governance, strategic coordination, and organizational sustainability across the global UArctic network.

The position is located at the UArctic International Secretariat in Rovaniemi. The Secretary General reports to the President of UArctic, the UArctic Board of Governors, and the University of Lapland. UArctic is legally registered as an association in Finland (UArctic ry). Approximately 20% of the position is allocated to duties defined by the leadership of the University of Lapland.

What you will do

• Lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of the UArctic International Secretariat.

• Ensure the implementation of UArctic's Constitution, Bylaws, and strategic decisions made by the Board of Governors and the Assembly.

• Provide executive support to the President and Board in the preparation, coordination, and documentation of meetings, decisions, and initiatives.

• Lead UArctic together with the President, Executive Vice-President, and the Senior Executive Management Group.

• Facilitate communication and collaboration among UArctic governance bodies, including UArctic staff, member institutions, and external partners.

• Oversee member recruitment and member engagement processes.

• Support the implementation of UArctic's strategic objectives, particularly in governance, partnerships, and long-term sustainability.

• Represent UArctic in international forums and stakeholder relations.

• Serve as the principal legal officer of UArctic ry and ensure compliance with Finnish legislation, applicable international regulations, and UArctic governing documents.

• Act as authorized signatory of UArctic ry in official legal and contractual matters.

• Ensure responsible financial stewardship, including budget preparation, financial reporting, and oversight of internal controls.

What We Offer

We offer a unique opportunity to lead one of the most significant international higher education and knowledge networks focused on the Arctic region. You will work at the heart of international Arctic cooperation and contribute to strengthening research, education, and sustainable development across the circumpolar North and beyond.

What we expect from you

The successful candidate will have:

• An advanced degree in a relevant field.

• Proven leadership experience in an international, university-based, governmental, intergovernmental, or comparable organization.

• Strong knowledge of governance structures, legal frameworks, and financial administration.

• Excellent intercultural communication, negotiation, and diplomatic skills.

• Fluency in English.

• Proficiency in Finnish and in additional languages is considered an asset.

We also value:

• Familiarity with Arctic issues and northern cooperation networks.

• Demonstrated experience and success in supervisory and people leadership roles.

• Excellent collaboration, networking, and teamworking skills.

• The ability to lead complex international partnerships and stakeholder processes.

• Experience working in multicultural environments and across different sectors.

Further information on the position

For further information about the position, please contact Director of Internationalisation Services Mari Putaansuu (mari.putaansuu@ulapland.fi, +358 44 478 0249). Enquiries are welcome on 17 September 2026 between 9:00 and 10:00 (EEST) and on 22 September 2026 between 14:00 and 15:00 (EEST).

Address: Yliopistonkatu 8, 96300 ROVANIEMI Duration of employment: permanent from March 2027 or as agreed Work hours: full-time employment Trial period: 6 months Salary: The starting monthly salary level is approximately 7499-7693e. The salary is determined on the basis of level 14 for other expert and support staff, from the salary system of the general collective agreement for universities (Sivista). In addition, a salary component based on personal performance is paid, up to a maximum of 50%.

Appointment

The Secretary General is appointed by the leadership of the University of Lapland in collaboration with the UArctic Board of Governors, in accordance with the UArctic Constitution and Bylaws.

University of Lapland

The University of Lapland is an international science and art university located in the City of Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle. Our university creates new knowledge, skills and competence from the arctic perspective – for the North and for the world. Our fields of education and research include educational science, law, art and design, social sciences, and northern and arctic perspectives. Our strategic choices focus on global arctic responsibility, sustainable tourism, future services and governing distances.