Open Call for Hosting the KUNO Secretariat (2026–2030)

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The KUNO network hereby issues an open call to all member institutions for proposals to host the KUNO Secretariat during the period 2026–2030.

1. Role and Responsibilities of the KUNO Secretariat

The institution hosting the KUNO Secretariat will be responsible for securing funding from the Nordplus Higher Education Programme and administering the KUNO/Nordplus funds. This includes the network’s own financial resources (collected from the membership fees) as well as the annual allocation from the Nordplus programme.

The Secretariat shall serve as both secretary and advisor to the KUNO Steering Group (SG). In collaboration with the SG and the designated hosting institution for each year, the Secretariat will plan and organise KUNO’s annual networks meetings. Responsibilities further include issuing open calls for annual events and project proposals, in connection with the yearly grant application to Nordplus.

The hosting university must demonstrate the capacity to disburse grants directly to beneficiaries—students and faculty members of KUNO member institutions—in a timely and transparent manner.

The host institution will receive an annual remuneration of €25,000 from the network to compensate for staff time (including the KUNO Secretary and Finance Office personnel) and banking-related expenses. Detailed regulations can be found in the KUNO Collaboration Agreement.

2. Submission of Proposals

Any KUNO member institution wishing to host the Secretariat should submit a Motivation Statement (free format) to the current KUNO Secretary (lina.koseleva@vda.lt) by 15 September 2025.

The statement should:

·       Outline the institution’s vision and strategic ambitions for hosting the Secretariat.

·       Provide a detailed cost plan indicating the intended use of the annual hosting fee.

·       Demonstrate institutional commitment.

The Motivation Statement must bear the signatures of:

1.     The Rector of the institution

2.     The Head of Finances

3.     The Head of International Relations (normally the individual assuming the role of the Secretary)

3. Transition Process

The appointment of the new Secretary will be confirmed at the KUNO Annual Network Meeting in 2025 in Trondheim. The timeline for transition is as follows:

·       The newly appointed Secretary will prepare and submit the Nordplus funding application by 1 February 2026.

·       Participation in Steering Group meetings will commence in January 2026.

·       Full responsibility for organising annual events will begin in 2026.

·       Management of KUNO accounts, including grant disbursement and website maintenance, will be assumed from January 2026.

·       The current Secretary will submit the final Nordplus report for the academic year 2024–2025 in October 2025.

4. Contact Information

For further details, please contact the current KUNO Secretary:
Email: lina.koseleva@vda.lt