Overview

As one of the world's most influential legal institutes, the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL) combines world-class applied research with a charitable ethos to serve and advance international law, comparative law, and the rule of law. Our research shapes governments and international organisations, influences policymakers, and guides businesses across jurisdictions. Through discussion sessions, training programmes, conferences, and our prestigious International and Comparative Law Quarterly, we bridge academic excellence with real-world impact.

Following Professor Spyros Maniatis's successful tenure, we seek a new Director and Chief Executive Officer to guide BIICL through a pivotal moment in its history. Reporting to the Chair of Trustees, the postholder will provide strategic, financial, and operational oversight whilst serving as our principal representative on the global stage.

Responsibilities and expectations

The Director and CEO will lead BIICL in setting strategic direction, ensuring academic excellence, safeguarding independence and rigour, and promoting BIICL’s mission to advance the rule of law globally. The role includes strategic vision, entrepreneurial drive, and the ability to secure sustainable funding through diversified income streams while inspiring high-performing teams and maintaining BIICL's reputation.

Ideal candidate

The ideal candidate will bring intellectual credibility in international and comparative law through academic scholarship, senior legal practice, or policy experience. They must be a proven leader with senior management experience, capable of inspiring high-performing teams whilst maintaining our reputation for academic excellence. Essential qualities include strategic vision, entrepreneurial drive, and the ability to secure sustainable funding through diversified income streams while preserving BIICL's independence and rigour. We seek an individual who embodies our core values of integrity, collaboration, and leadership; an ambassador for the organisation whilst fostering a collegial culture that supports openness, accountability, and commitment to our mission. The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator, able to articulate complex legal concepts to diverse audiences, and command respect at the highest levels.

We offer

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of international legal scholarship and policy whilst leading an institution that plays a vital role in advancing the rule of law globally. The Director and CEO will have a unique platform to influence legal thinking, drive organisational growth, and ensure BIICL continues to set the standard for excellence in international and comparative law.

How to apply

We hope you share our excitement about this transformative role and the opportunity to lead BIICL into its next chapter of global influence and impact. We look forward to receiving your application.

BIICL is being supported in this appointment process by the executive search firm Perrett Laver. Perrett Laver will assist in the assessment of candidates against the requirements for the role and in identifying the widest possible field of qualified candidates.

Applications should consist of a full curriculum vitae along with a covering letter of application addressing the role and person specification. Completed applications should be uploaded at https://PLusPortal.PerrettLaver.com quoting reference number 8024. For informal inquiries, please contact Cathy Long at cathy.long@perrettlaver.com.

The deadline for applications is 9:00am BST on Monday 13th October 2025.

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