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

Description du poste

**UniBE is interconnected.** With us, you're part of an international community and benefit 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)](https://www.cde.unibe.ch/) **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](https://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).](mailto:ben.jann@unibe.ch?subject=Question regarding Managing Director position) **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](mailto:applications.natdek@unibe.ch?subject=Application Managing Director CDE). Please find further information on required application documents [here.](https://www.cde.unibe.ch/about_us/jobs/position_of_managing_director_of_cde/index_eng.html) 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.ch **Questions about the application?** applications.natdek@unibe.ch