Mountain Research Initiative (MRI) at the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE)
Start of Employment: 1 July 2025 (preferably earlier) Contract Duration: Until 31 December 2026 (with the possibility of renewal depending on funding availability)
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
Support the Executive Director in planning, coordination, management, and implementation of MRI-related activities, including official representation and related assignments as needed.
Liaise and coordinate with the MRI Governing Body, MRI Working Group leads, team members, network members, external project partners, and stakeholders to promote the visibility of mountains and mountain research within scientific organizations, networks, and science-policy platforms.
Plan, coordinate, and facilitate events such as workshops, webinars, seminars, research meetings, and conferences, including liaison with external experts or resource personnel as required.
Provide technical inputs and contribute to the production of publications and outputs resulting from MRI activities.
Engage in horizon-scanning by exploring and contributing ideas related to strategic priorities important for the MRI to develop the network and further its mission and objectives.
Oversee the regular maintenance of the MRI Experts Database and assist with reporting tasks, including data collection, analyses for monitoring, evaluation, and learning relating to MRI activities.
Collaborate closely with the MRI Communications Manager on research and content development for publications, newsletters, websites, social media, and other outreach channels as required.
Participate and contribute to other MRI Coordination Office activities, including team meetings and collaboration with other staff and co-supervision of assistants as needed.
Skills & Qualifications
A Master's degree in Earth sciences (e.g., geography), environmental studies, social sciences and humanities, or related fields, with demonstrated interest or experience in research management or facilitating inter- and transdisciplinary collaborations related to mountain research.
At least 3 years of project management experience, including planning, coordinating, and facilitating scientific events and multi-stakeholder meetings, with strong analytical and reporting skills.
Experience and/or a strong interest in engaging at the science-policy-practice interface; knowledge of relevant regional and global policy processes or research programs that present opportunities for mountain research is a plus.
Ability to travel and manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously, with a capacity to anticipate needs while maintaining an organized, efficient, and independent yet collaborative work style.
Excellent intercultural communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
Spoken and written proficiency in English is required; experience with German and/or French is highly desirable.
What We Offer
The University of Bern offers highly attractive and flexible working conditions, with MRI presenting significant opportunities to develop a professional profile, build networks, and apply scientific and practical skills to foster a vibrant global research community. The position is a 1.5-year fixed-term contract beginning no later than 1 July 2025 (preferably earlier), with the potential for renewal depending on funding availability. The role is based at the MRI Coordination Office, with a salary commensurate with University of Bern standards and the employment conditions of the Canton of Bern. The CDE and MRI uphold values of diversity and equal opportunity, welcoming all applications from qualified individuals who meet the outlined criteria.
Application
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.