Vacancy of the presidency of Inrap, three-year renewable term

The Ministry of Culture has published in the Official Journal of the French Republic (JORF No. 0203 of September 1, 2026) a vacancy notice for the position of President of the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap). The notice, referenced under NOR MICB2623018V, opens a call for applications for a three-year term, renewable twice, with the appointment expected to take effect from December 27, 2026.

A public establishment under dual supervision

Inrap is an administrative public establishment under the joint supervision of the ministries in charge of culture and research. Its mission is to carry out, under the conditions set by the Heritage Code, preventive archaeology diagnostics and excavations, in accordance with the requirements decided by the State to ensure the detection and protection of archaeological heritage prior to development work.

The president is appointed by decree, upon the joint proposal of the minister in charge of culture and the minister in charge of research, under the conditions set by article R. 545-31 of the Heritage Code. He or she ensures the general management of the establishment, whose headquarters is located at 121, rue d’Alésia, in Paris, with regular travel throughout the national territory.

Expected missions and profile

The future president must steer the overall strategy of the establishment and guarantee its scientific excellence. Their main missions are as follows:

• define and steer the overall strategy of Inrap, in coherence with the orientations of the supervising ministries;
• guarantee the scientific excellence of excavations, studies, and publications;
• ensure budgetary preparation and execution while ensuring the balance and efficiency of resources;
• modernize managerial practices by promoting innovation, training, and social dialogue;
• represent Inrap to public authorities, local governments, developers, scientific partners, and the media;
• chair the board of directors and the scientific council.

The sought-after profile requires significant experience in several areas:

• skills in archaeology, with knowledge of the preventive archaeology system;
• experience directing a public establishment, a scientific institution, or a State service;
• proven experience in executive management and change management;
• ability to represent an institution to public authorities and the media.

Application and selection procedures

Applications, accompanied by a detailed curriculum vitae and a scientific project taking into account the commitments of the multi-year objective contract concluded with the State, must be received no later than 30 days following the publication of the notice, at the following addresses:

• contact-dmes@culture.gouv.fr
• secretariat.dgpa@culture.gouv.fr

A commission constituted in accordance with Article 3 of the decree of July 4, 2017, will meet to provide the ministers with a reasoned opinion on the previously shortlisted applications. Furthermore, the functions of president are among the positions subject to the obligation of submitting the declaration of interests provided for by Article L. 122-2 of the General Code of the Public Service prior to appointment.

An opportunity for archaeology professionals

This call for applications constitutes an opportunity for archaeology and research professionals called upon to lead a central establishment in the protection of national archaeological heritage. The appointment, expected by the end of 2026, will determine the strategic direction of Inrap for the next three years, within a context of renewing preventive archaeology practices and enhancing research.

Source: Notice of vacancy for the functions of president of the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research, NOR MICB2623018V, published in the Official Journal of the French Republic No. 0203 of September 1, 2026.