Appointment of President of the Council of the Magna Charta Observatory
The Magna Charta Observatory of Fundamental Values and Rights (MCO) invites applications or nominations for membership of its governing council with a view to them being appointed to the position of President of the Governing Council. The current President, Patrick Deane, finishes his term in March 2027. The person identified for appointment as President of the Governing Council, if he or she is not already a MCO member, will initially be appointed to the next available vacancy on the Governing Council.
About MCO:
As a global guardian of values and rights in higher education, the MCO is committed to supporting signatory universities and fostering effective university systems worldwide in accordance with the Magna Charta Universitatum 2020. Information about the MCO can be viewed at here.
Since adopting its ambitious strategy in 2015, the MCO has seen significant achievements. The I000th university signed the Magna Charta Universitatum in November 2025. Signatories are located in 94 countries. The visibility of the Magna Charta is now much greater and the MCO has increased its engagement with signatories through initiatives such as the Living Values project, research projects and its future generations activities. It also plans to strengthen its engagement with global and regional kindred bodies. Details of these are available on the MCO’s website.
The MCO was founded by the University of Bologna and the predecessor of the European University Association. It has global reach and is governed by a Council comprising 15 members. The Governing Council normally meets twice each year (once virtually and once in person).
The President will be a member of the MCO’s small Executive Committee which normally meets twice each year and may also be involved in one or more of the committees of the Council. The President may be called upon to represent the MCO at conferences and meetings of other bodies.
The staff of the MCO comprise a half-time Secretary General and a half-time Administrator. They organise events, coordinate a network of Ambassadors, engage with a range of international kindred bodies and work with signatory universities on a range of initiatives.
The 2025 – 2030 strategy has five main strands of activity:
The Living Values project
Research and repository project
Next generation activities
Academic Freedom
Autonomy
The observatory is funded by voluntary donations from signatory universities and a grant from the University of Bologna.
About the Position:
Candidates must have served as a University President/Rector/Vice-Chancellor or an equivalent (CEO) role in one or more universities or international higher education bodies, have demonstrated their commitment to the principles and values set out in the MCU, have experience of working internationally, have evidence of effective leadership and outcomes, be fluent in the English language and should be able to speak with impact.
The term of appointment is 4 years, renewable once, depending on performance.
The role is unremunerated. Travel and accommodation expenses are met.
Candidates needing more information are invited to email the Secretary General, David Lock, on davidjohn.lock@unibo.it
How to apply or make a nomination:
Apply via this form
Submit a summary CV (max 2 pages) and a statement (max 1000 words) detailing your experience and how you can further the MCO’s strategy.
Nominate an individual who meets the criteria.
The deadline for submission of applications and nominations is 15 September 2026.
