Job opportunity

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

Universität Bern Bern August 25, 2026

Join Our Team at UniBE

At UniBE, we are proud to be interconnected and part of an international community, where interdisciplinary collaboration thrives. We invite you to explore a career with us.

Start Date

The expected start date for the position is January 1, 2028, with flexibility for an alternate date upon agreement.

Employment Relationship

This is a permanent position based in the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE).

About Us

The Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) is recognized both nationally and internationally as a leading institution for sustainable development. With around 100 dedicated staff members in Bern and strong collaborations across Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and beyond, CDE tackles pressing social-ecological challenges across science, policy, civil society, and the private sector. In alignment with our current strategy, we focus 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, please visit www.cde.unibe.ch.

Your Profile

We seek candidates who hold a PhD in a relevant field of sustainable development and have established international recognition in research for sustainability transformations. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in managing complex inter- and transdisciplinary research organizations and possess strong organizational and strategic leadership skills.

Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate extensive experience in shaping transnational research partnerships, particularly with countries in the Global South, and a successful track record in securing third-party funding for both academic research and its implementation. We value a cooperative leadership style, intercultural competence, and exceptional management and communication skills. The ability to inspire and lead interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams is essential.

Familiarity with Swiss and international science and development policy is important, along with recognition as a trusted partner for both national and international implementation agencies. Proficiency in at least one of Switzerland's national languages and familiarity with its academic system is advantageous, while fluency in English is required. The professorship will be hosted at CDE and affiliated with one of the departments or institutes within 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 provides not only exciting tasks but also an environment that fosters development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what distinguishes us as an employer and how you can grow with us.

Application and Contact

To apply, please use the online form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. The position involves regular travel to CDE's partnership regions in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and the salary will be determined according to the personnel law of the Canton of Bern.

As part of our commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment, the University of Bern actively seeks to enhance the representation of women and other underrepresented groups in leadership roles. We warmly encourage applications from such candidates. Applications involving job sharing will also be considered.

Questions About the Position?

If you have any inquiries regarding this position, please feel free to reach out.

Apply Online

Apply online using the form below.

Work locationBern, Switzerland

Application Form

Please enter your information in the following form and attach your resume (CV)

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