SLICES-RI - prefiguremaker of executive direction

Note: Please be aware that this position is primarily focused on the establishment phase of SLICES-Research Infrastructure (RI) to become an European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) rather than the ongoing operational management once the ERIC is officially created. The Prefiguremaker of executive direction will play a crucial role in the strategic planning, coordination, and execution of tasks leading up to the ERIC's creation in 2025/2026. The responsibilities outlined in the job description are tailored to guide the organization through the preparatory stages, and the role's emphasis will evolve as the ERIC transitions from its inception to full operation. Once the ERIC is created, it will be possible to apply for the position of Executive Director of SLICES-ERIC, to offer continuity.

The SLICES-RI is a research infrastructure included in the ESFRI 2021 roadmap and spans over 16 European countries. It offers a range of services for experimental research into various aspects of Digital Sciences. It covers post-5G/6G networks, cloud/edge/IoT continuum, distributed computing, from small connected objects to the large data centres of tomorrow, pervasive AI, IoT, integrated sensing and communications, security, energy efficiency, data management and, in the perspective, quantum computing. This infrastructure will enable end-to-end experimentation with software and applications at all levels of the software layers, from event capture (sensors, actuators) to data processing and storage, including management of radio transmissions and dynamic deployment of proximity services (Edge Computing). It will allow experimenters to work on all key areas of future Digital Sciences, enabling reproducible research on networks that can be programmed at all points. This infrastructure is distributed.

As soon as the SLICES-RI ERIC is created (in 2025 or 2026), this large-scale infrastructure will be managed and operated by this legal structure. The SLICES-RI ERIC is being set up by the SLICES-RI partners as part of the European SLICES-PP (Preparation Phase) project coordinated by Inria (French national research institute).

Before the official creation of the ERIC, an interim Coordination and Management Office (CMO) will be hired. When ERIC is officially created (target 2025/2026), the various members of the interim CMO will have the opportunity to apply for the equivalent position within the ERIC. The Prefiguremaker of executive direction. The Prefiguremaker of executive direction will be in charge of the operational management of SLICES activities during the establishment phase of SLICES-RI to become an ERIC, including supervising and leading the interim CMO, identifying and assessing risks, and providing contingency plans.

The interim CMO is located at Campus Cyber, La Défense (Paris, France). By 2024, it is expected to include a Prefiguremaker of executive direction, a Technical Director and a Project Manager. In 2025, it is planned to reinforce the team with a Data Manager and Open Science Officer and a Communication Manager. Followed in 2026 by a legal assistant, a financial assistant and an administrative assistant. This provisional recruitment plan is subject to change according to the needs of the team and the progress of ERIC's creation.  

The Prefiguremaker of executive direction will supervise the members of the interim CMO, when they have been recruited/appointed, in particular the Technical Director, the Project Manager, the Communication Manager, the legal, financial and administrative assistants to ensure the transition to the ERIC.

• End to end coordination of all aspects and activities of the SLICES-RI during its establishment phase to become an ERIC,
• Administrative, accounting, financial, legal and human resources management,
• Drawing up a strategic plan and business plan, in collaboration with the interim Supervisory Board of the project,
• Implementation of the strategic evolution validated by the interim Supervisory Board,
• SLICES-RI infrastructure’s coordination during the establishment phase with the Technical Director and with the support of the Project Manager,
• Approval of the technical roadmap with the support of the Project Manager and Technical Director,
• Coordinate the implementation of energy efficiency and environmental protection/sustainability in technical design and operation of SLICES-RI,
• Engagement with stakeholders, government bodies, and the wider research community to enhance collaboration,
• Promotion and representation of SLICES in interactions with other research and production infrastructures,
• Strategic liaising and cooperation of SLICES-RI with other RIs included in the ESFRI roadmap and more in general with relevant RIs at the EU level,
• Reporting to the interim Supervisory Board and other relevant instances.

• Supervise all the activities of SLICES-RI during its establishment phase to become ERIC,
• Coordinate the preparation of grant and investment applications,
• Engage with stakeholders, government bodies, and the wider research community to enhance collaboration,
• Represent SLICES-RI ERIC in external forums, fostering partnerships, and promoting the infrastructure's visibility,
• Coordinate positioning and representation of SLICES-RI at public events and with the media,
• Defend SLICES-RI's actions by dealing with shareholders and national node activities,
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external
• Prepare decisions relative to all financial, legal and administrative aspects,
• Develop comprehensive operational plans to achieve the goals and objectives set in collaboration with interim Supervisory Board,
• Set and achieve ambitious annual fundraising targets, in collaboration with the interim Supervisory Board, to secure financial support from foundations, corporations, individuals and public funding sources,
• Work with the interim CMO on the organization and oversee all external communications, including the website, marketing materials, newsletters and social media content,
• Build and lead an efficient team dedicated to fulfilling SLICES-RI’s mission by successfully implementing programs and engaging communities,
• Manage a culturally diverse staff, customer base and community, with different skills, cultures and spoken languages.

• A significant professional experience in a similar position or as a senior manager is required
• Good interpersonal skills and know how to manage a team
• Proven ability of security funding at national and European levels
• Solid knowledge and experience in the management of human, financial and material resources
• Organizational skills and autonomy
• Solid knowledge in performance indicators and financial analysis techniques
• Solid knowledge financial and/or strategic partnership development techniques
• Curiosity and the ability to cultivate oneself
• Knows how to take decisions and risks at the right time
• Good team spirit, dynamic and comfortable representing an organization publicly
• Appetite for scientific and IT fields
• English fluent, both written and spoken, equivalent to C1 level
• Written and oral expression techniques and public speaking

• Subsidized meals
• Partial reimbursement of public transport costs
• Leave: 7 weeks of annual leave + 10 extra days off due to RTT (statutory reduction in working hours) + possibility of exceptional leave (sick children, moving home, etc.)
• Possibility of teleworking (after 6 months of employment) and flexible organization of working hours
• Professional equipment available (videoconferencing, loan of computer equipment, etc.)
• Social, cultural and sports events and activities
• Access to vocational training
• Social security coverage