Managing Director of the Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) and Professor for Sustainable Development (Associate Professor, 100%)
Start Date
01.01.2028 or a different date upon agreement
Employment Relationship
100%, permanent
Institution / Workplace
Centre for Development and Environment (CDE)
Bern, with regular travel to CDE's partnership regions in Africa, Asia and Latin America
With us, you create value.
For yourself and for society.
For yourself and for society.
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 in close collaboration with its institutional partners in Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and beyond, CDE works across science, policy, civil society, and the private sector to address pressing social-ecological challenges. In line with its current strategy, CDE focuses on five overarching development objectives: “Ecosystem regeneration for sustainable livelihoods”, “Sustainable food systems and land investments”, “Just and resource-light economies”, “Institutions for sustainability”, and “Competencies for sustainability transformations”. See www.cde.unibe.ch for more information.Your Profile
Candidates must hold a PhD in a relevant field of sustainable development and demonstrate international recognition in research for sustainability transformations. The successful candidate brings a strong record in the management of complex inter- and transdisciplinary research organizations and has proven skills in organizational and strategic leadership. The position requires the ability to build on the Centre's profile in sustainability sciences and practice and to maintain and further develop its standing as an academic partner for policy, society, private sector and administration.Requirements
Applicants are expected to have extensive experience in shaping transnational research partnerships, particularly with countries in the Global South, and a proven track record in securing third-party funding for both academic research and research-based implementation. A cooperative leadership style, intercultural competence, experience in knowledge transfer, outstanding management and communication skills, and the ability to inspire and lead interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary teams complete this demanding profile. 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. Command of at least one of Switzerland's national languages and familiarity with its academic system are an advantage. Fluency in English is required. The professorship will be hosted at CDE and affiliated with one of the departments or institutes of the Faculty of Science.For further information on this position, please contact Prof. Dr. Ben Jann, President of the CDE Board (ben.jann@unibe.ch).
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 not only offers 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
The expected starting date is 1 January 2028 or a different date upon agreement. The working place is at the University of Bern, with regular travel to CDE's partnership regions in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The salary of this permanent position will be defined in accordance with the personnel law of the Canton of Bern.
Applications are expected to be submitted electronically and no later than 31 August 2026 to the Dean's Office of the Faculty of Science, University of Bern, applications.natdek@unibe.ch. Please find further information on required application documents here.
In line with its commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment, the University of Bern actively seeks to increase the proportion of women and other underrepresented groups in leadership positions. We warmly encourage such candidates to apply. Applications involving job sharing will be considered. As a signatory of the DORA declaration, the University of Bern applies the declaration's principles to ensure fair and transparent recruitment.
Applications are expected to be submitted electronically and no later than 31 August 2026 to the Dean's Office of the Faculty of Science, University of Bern, applications.natdek@unibe.ch. Please find further information on required application documents here.
In line with its commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment, the University of Bern actively seeks to increase the proportion of women and other underrepresented groups in leadership positions. We warmly encourage such candidates to apply. Applications involving job sharing will be considered. As a signatory of the DORA declaration, the University of Bern applies the declaration's principles to ensure fair and transparent recruitment.
Questions about the position?
ben.jann@unibe.chQuestions about the application?
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