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

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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 highly regarded both nationally and internationally as a leading institution for sustainable development. With around 100 staff members based in Bern, CDE collaborates closely with institutional partners across Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and beyond. Our mission involves engaging with the science, policy, civil society, and private sector to effectively address pressing social-ecological challenges. In line with our 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, please visit www.cde.unibe.ch.

Your Profile

Candidates must hold a PhD in a relevant field of sustainable development and demonstrate international recognition in research focused on sustainability transformations. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in managing complex inter- and transdisciplinary research organizations, along with strong organizational and strategic leadership skills. This role requires the ability to build on the Centre's profile in sustainability sciences and maintain and enhance its reputation as a key academic partner for policy, society, the private sector, and administration.

Requirements

Applicants should possess:

• Extensive experience in shaping transnational research partnerships, particularly with countries in the Global South.
• A proven track record of securing third-party funding for academic research and research-based implementation.
• A cooperative leadership style and intercultural competence.
• Experience in knowledge transfer, outstanding management, and communication skills.
• The ability to inspire and lead interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams.

We expect the future position holder to be familiar with Swiss and international science and development policy, and to be recognized 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 will 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 provides exciting tasks within an environment that actively promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what sets us apart as an employer and how you can grow with us.

Application and Contact

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. Apply online using the form below.

The expected start date for this position is 1 January 2028 or a mutually agreed-upon date. The position is based 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 inquiries regarding this role, please contact Prof. Dr. Ben Jann, President of the CDE Board.

We warmly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. The University of Bern is committed to fostering an inclusive academic environment and actively seeks to increase the representation of women and underrepresented groups in leadership positions. Applications involving job sharing will be considered. As a signatory of the DORA declaration, we adhere to its principles to ensure fair and transparent recruitment processes.