Nordregio, a Nordic research institute for sustainable regional development and planning, is seeking a dynamic individual to fill the position of Research Director/Deputy Director.

Founded by the Nordic Council of Ministers in 1997, Nordregio’s mission is to provide Nordic policymakers and practitioners with new knowledge, tools, and cross-Nordic learning to support the development of effective socio-economic and environmentally sustainable regional development policies.

The Research Director is responsible for setting the overall strategic research agenda of the organization, including research, policy, and funding priorities. The position requires someone with experience of strategy development and implementation who understands the current regional development and planning research/policy/funding landscape in the Nordics and EU. As Deputy Director and Research Director, you are also expected to focus on leading and supporting researchers in their projects.

Responsibilities and main tasks

· Lead the work in developing Nordregio’s research strategy and follow-up on its implementation

· Manage Nordregio’s project portfolio including capacity planning

· Oversee overall research processes and quality assurance

· Actively contribute to secure a competitive research portfolio through the definition of a comprehensive bidding and tendering strategy

· Collaborate with and support Nordregio researchers in grant writing and tendering activities.

· Support the Director in activities related to external networking, co-operation, and representation

· Together with the staff managers at Nordregio, supervise, support and coach Nordregio’s research staff, including direct responsibility for the professional development and salary negotiations with 7-10 researchers

· Follow the current developments in topical research fields at the Nordic, EU and global level and offer insight on research impact, ethics, and other relevant issues.

Background and experience

· PhD in a relevant discipline with experience in applied research project development and management.

· A minimum of 10 years of research experience in human geography, regional or urban planning, economics, political science, sociology, or related fields.

· In-depth knowledge of at least one Nordic country and a European perspective.

· Extensive network of relevant research and policy contacts.

· Proven track record in grant writing and tendering activities.

· Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.

· Citizenship in a Nordic country and fluency in a Scandinavian language, with full proficiency in English.

Personal characteristics

As Deputy Director at Nordregio, you need to be a people-oriented leader. A proven relation-builder who enjoys coaching and inspiring your research colleagues. You are creative and self-motivated, but you also excel in a cooperative research environment.

As Deputy Director, you are expected to relocate to Stockholm if you don’t already reside in the area.

Why Nordregio?

Working at Nordregio gives you the opportunity to be a part of an international research institution that offers significant career development potential in terms of enhancing your international networks in both policy and academia, as well as an extensive experience with project and people management. Furthermore, the Deputy Director job is

an exciting opportunity to contribute to societal development by reaching out with relevant research results to decision makers at Nordic ministries, regions, and municipalities, and across the EU. You’ll work in a dynamic environment alongside 50 dedicated professionals from 15 different countries, fostering creativity, independence, and collaboration. Located in Stockholm's scenic Skeppsholmen, their office offers an inspiring workspace.

What They Offer

· Competitive salaries and an initial full-time contract of four years. Subject to further agreement, the contract can be extended to another four years. If you are employed by the State in a Nordic country, you have the right of leave during the time you work for us. You will be employed in accordance with conditions set by the Nordic council of ministers. Conditions of employment not set by the Nordic council of ministers fall under Villkorsavtalet, which is the agreement all government employees follow in Sweden.

· Support for relocation to Stockholm, including support with establishment costs and expatriate allowances.

· Generous health benefits and initiatives promoting work-life balance.

· Opportunities for career advancement and personal growth.

If this opportunity piques your interest, click on "Apply Now" and attach your CV and cover letter, no later than April 14. Selection is ongoing, so we would like to see your application as soon as possible.