Vacant job

Welcome to Formas, a research council for sustainable development! We fund research and innovation that can contribute to achieving the UN's global sustainability goals and provide knowledge bases to facilitate Sweden's achievement of environmental targets. We place great emphasis on collaboration with researchers and various societal actors, both in Sweden and internationally.

At Formas, you will have the opportunity to work in a knowledge-intensive organization driven by our mission. In this role, you will help build a new leadership team while contributing to sustainable development.

The newly established Department for Robust and Resilient Societies brings together Formas' work on developing knowledge that strengthens society's resilience, security, and long-term sustainability. These areas are central to the agency's core mission. The department is responsible for the knowledge areas of Housing and Built Environment, Urban Planning and Infrastructure, Resource Use, and Overarching Perspectives on Sustainable Development. There are two units led by separate unit managers: Housing and Built Environment, and Urban Planning and Infrastructure. Each unit has approximately 10 employees.

The Head of Department for Robust and Resilient Societies is part of Formas' management group, holding overall responsibility for the entire agency's operations. You will also represent Formas both internally and externally, nationally and internationally. As part of the management group, you will have a strong understanding of Formas' overall mission.

As Head of Department, you have overall responsibility for Formas' work within the field of societal planning and construction, leading the work together with the department's two unit managers. You are experienced in political steering and have insight into administrative policy and the work processes of the Government Offices.

You have strong contacts and networks within the societal planning and construction sector, both in the public and private sectors. Overall, you possess a very good understanding of this field.

You are well-versed in employer issues and can credibly represent the employer's perspective.

• Deep understanding of Formas' mission, themes, and societal role.
• Experience from the research and innovation system.
• Strong networks and established relationships with relevant stakeholders.
• Experience in agency leadership and the ability to lead with a holistic perspective across the agency, ensuring that your own department actively contributes to the agency's collective mission.
• Management experience with responsibility for operations, personnel, and budget, and experience acting as an employer representative.
• Experience in conducting your own research.

In addition to the operational requirements, you have documented experience in translating strategic priorities into operational change work and developing teams consisting of individuals with high expertise. Your leadership is expressed through your ability to clearly communicate priorities and delegate tasks and authority from a holistic perspective. You value building good relationships by demonstrating and creating trust, confidence, and security in both your own collaborations and the teams you lead. You have excellent communication skills and express yourself fluently and simply in both speech and writing.

We place great importance on personal suitability.

• Knowledge and experience related to Formas' policy areas.
• Experience from academia.
• Experience in managing managers.

Formas is a government agency with approximately 110 employees. Our areas of operation include environment, primary industries, and societal planning. This means we fund research and innovation concerning climate, circular economy, food, forestry and agriculture, oceans and water, and urban planning. Additionally, we develop strategies, conduct analyses, compile knowledge bases, and communicate about research and research results. We actively work to stay at the forefront regarding digital solutions and processes. Read more at: What it is like to work at Formas.

We offer an attractive workplace characterized by a strive to be free from discrimination and to provide equal opportunities for all. We believe in equality, inclusion, diversity, and value different experiences. Therefore, we view applicants with diverse backgrounds positively.

The position is a permanent employment with an initial probationary period. The decision regarding the appointment will be published on Formas' website.

Union Representatives:

Emily Dock Åkerman, Representative for Saco, 08-775 40 32, [email protected]

Henrik Pompeius, Representative for ST, 08-775 775 41 45, [email protected]

The appointment is made in collaboration with Signpost, which specializes in recruiting successful managers and leaders who make a difference. Here, leaders with different backgrounds, ages, genders, and experiences are welcome, contributing new ideas, insights, and perspectives. Do you find the assignment interesting and are you ready for the next step in your career? We warmly welcome your application! The last day for applications is June 9, 2026.

Please note that all final candidates will undergo the same stages in the recruitment process. This includes competency-based interviews, work psychological tests, and background checks. This allows us to fairly and objectively compare each candidate's competence in relation to the requirement profile.

If you want to know more before applying, you are welcome to contact recruitment consultant Anna Rydbacken at 0709–815 873, [email protected] or Anna-Sofia Renman at 0708-178 399, [email protected].