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%) / Professress for Sustainable Development

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At UniBE, you become part of a vibrant international community, enjoying the benefits of 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 nationally and internationally recognized as a leading institution for sustainable development. With around 100 staff members in Bern and strong collaborations with institutional partners in Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and beyond, CDE addresses pressing social-ecological challenges across science, policy, civil society, and the private sector. Our strategic focus encompasses 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 have established a reputation in research for sustainability transformations. The ideal candidate will have a strong record in managing complex inter- and transdisciplinary research organizations, along with demonstrated skills in organizational and strategic leadership. This role requires the capacity to enhance the Centre's profile in sustainability sciences and practice, ensuring its status as an esteemed academic partner across various sectors.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in shaping transnational research partnerships, particularly with countries in the Global South
• Proven track record in securing third-party funding for academic research and implementation
• Cooperative leadership style, intercultural competence, and experience in knowledge transfer
• Outstanding management and communication skills, with a knack for inspiring interdisciplinary teams
• Familiarity with Swiss and international science and development policy
• Command of at least one of Switzerland's national languages and understanding of its academic system are advantageous
• Fluency in English is required

The professorship will be hosted at CDE, 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 stimulating tasks but also an environment that promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Discover what sets us apart as an employer and how you can thrive with us.

Apply Online

To apply, please use the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Contact Information

For further details about this position, please contact Prof. Dr. Ben Jann, President of the CDE Board at ben.jann@unibe.ch.

Questions?

If you have any inquiries about the application process, please reach out to applications.natdek@unibe.ch.