Managing Director of the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) / Managing Directoress of the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) and Professor for Sustainable Development (Associate Professor, 100%) / Professoress for Sustainable Developme

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Start Date

01.01.2028 or a different date upon agreement

Employment Relationship

Permanent

Institution / Workplace

Centre for Development and Environment (CDE)

About Us

The Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) is renowned nationally and internationally as a leader in sustainable development. With a team of around 100 staff members in Bern and strong partnerships in Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and beyond, CDE addresses vital social-ecological challenges through collaboration across science, policy, civil society, and the private sector. Our current strategy focuses on five key development objectives:

• Ecosystem regeneration for sustainable livelihoods
• Sustainable food systems and land investments
• Just and resource-light economies
• Institutions for sustainability
• Competencies for sustainability transformations

For more information, visit www.cde.unibe.ch.

Your Profile

We seek candidates who hold a PhD in a relevant field of sustainable development and demonstrate international recognition in research focused on sustainability transformations. The successful applicant will have a proven track record in managing complex inter- and transdisciplinary research organizations, along with strong organizational and strategic leadership skills. The role requires the ability to enhance CDE's profile in sustainability sciences and practice while fostering partnerships with policy, society, the private sector, and administration.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in forming transnational research partnerships, particularly with Global South countries
• A strong record in obtaining third-party funding for academic research and implementation
• Cooperative leadership style and intercultural competence
• Expertise in knowledge transfer and outstanding management and communication skills
• The ability to inspire and lead interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams
• Familiarity with Swiss and international science and development policy
• Command of at least one of Switzerland's national languages and familiarity with its academic system is advantageous
• Fluency in English is required

The professorship will be hosted at CDE and affiliated with one of the departments or institutes of the Faculty of Science.

Your Benefits

• Inspiring work environment
• Strong research infrastructure and international network
• International reputation
• Central location in the heart of Bern

Working at the University of Bern

The University of Bern not only provides engaging opportunities but also fosters an environment that promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what sets us apart as an employer and how you can grow with us.

Application and Contact

To apply, visit our website and fill out the required sections. Please apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

The expected start date is 1 January 2028 or a different date upon agreement. The workplace is located at the University of Bern, with regular travel to CDE's partnership regions in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The salary for this permanent position will be determined in accordance with the personnel law of the Canton of Bern.

Inclusive Hiring

In line with our commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment, the University of Bern actively seeks to increase the representation of women and other underrepresented groups in leadership roles. We warmly encourage candidates from these groups to apply. Applications involving job sharing will be considered. As a signatory of the DORA declaration, the University of Bern adheres to its principles to ensure fair and transparent recruitment.

Questions?

If you have questions about the position, please reach out to ben.jann@unibe.ch.

For inquiries regarding the application process, contact applications.natdek@unibe.ch.