The International Council for Science (ICSU) invites applications for the post of Director of its Regional Office for Africa (Sub-Saharan Africa), which was established at the National Research Foundation (NRF), Pretoria, South Africa in 2005. ICSU is a non-governmental organisation with a global membership of national scientific bodies (119 Members, representing 139 countries) and International Scientific Unions (30 Members). ICSU mobilises knowledge and resources of the international scientific community to strengthen international science for the benefit of society. Activities focus on three areas: International Research Collaboration; Science for Policy; and Universality of Science. Further information about ICSU can be found at www.icsu.org. The Regional Office for Africa is responsible for promoting and facilitating the increased participation of African countries and scientific organisations in the activities of ICSU and its Members. It also ensures that ICSU¹s strategy and activities are responsive to the needs of the African region. Thus, the Office is assisting in strengthening science and building scientific capacity in Africa. The Office receives strategic and scientific guidance from the ICSU Regional Committee for Africa (RCA). The RCA develops strategic plans and approves work plans for the Office. Members of the Regional Committee are nominated by ICSU National Members in Africa. The Director is responsible for the activities of the Regional Office under the direction of the ICSU Executive Director. The staff of the Office currently consists of a total of four persons. The Director is appointed for a term of three years, renewable, under the general conditions applicable to staff at NRF. The successful candidate should have a PhD degree in a scientific discipline (or equivalent experience), and a minimum of 5 years¹ experience in scientific research and administration, including experience of international research collaboration. She/he should be fluent in written and spoken English; some knowledge of French and/or Portuguese is an advantage. The candidate should have excellent skills in strategic planning as well as management abilities, including the capacity to administer financial resources and exercise appropriate supervision and control. She/he should have the ability to work with people from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds and be prepared to travel internationally. Prior knowledge of ICSU and its major partners, such as UNESCO and the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS), and of African regional initiatives for science would be an additional advantage. Applications including (1) a CV, (2) a letter outlining the strengths the candidate can bring to the ICSU Regional Office and (3) the names and addresses of three referees should be sent to: Professor Deliang Chen, Executive Director, International Council for Science (ICSU), 5 rue Auguste Vacquerie, 75116 Paris, France, e-mail ROA_director@icsu.org. Applications from citizens of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa are invited and should be received no later than 20 February 2010. It is expected that the Director will start his/her appointment on 1 May 2010.