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 / Professorette for Sustainable Development (Associate Professor, 10

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Join us at the University of Bern, where you become part of an international community, benefitting from interdisciplinary collaboration.

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 a nationally and internationally recognized leader in sustainable development. With approximately 100 staff members based in Bern, CDE collaborates closely with institutional partners across Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and beyond, tackling pressing social-ecological challenges. In accordance with its current strategy, CDE 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

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in a relevant field of sustainable development and is internationally recognized for their research in sustainability transformations. The successful individual will possess a strong record in managing complex inter- and transdisciplinary research organizations, along with proven skills in organizational and strategic leadership. This position demands the ability to enhance the Centre's profile in sustainability sciences and to maintain and further develop its reputation as an academic partner across policy, society, private sector, and administration.

Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate extensive experience in shaping transnational research partnerships, particularly with countries in the Global South, and possess a proven track record in securing third-party funding for both academic research and research-based implementation. Essential qualities include:

• Cooperative leadership style
• Intercultural competence
• Experience in knowledge transfer
• Outstanding management and communication skills
• Ability to inspire and lead interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams

Familiarity with Swiss and international science and development policy is essential, alongside recognition as a trusted partner for national and international implementation agencies. Proficiency in at least one of Switzerland's national languages and familiarity with its academic system would be advantageous. Fluency in English is required. This 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 offers not only exciting tasks but also an environment that actively promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what makes us stand out as an employer and how you can grow with us.

Application and Contact

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. The expected starting date is 1 January 2028 or a different date upon agreement. The position 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 defined in accordance with the personnel law of the Canton of Bern.

Questions about the Position?

For further information regarding the role, please reach out to Prof. Dr. Ben Jann, President of the CDE Board at ben.jann@unibe.ch.