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 focus heavily 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 the mission to contribute to sustainable development.

The newly established unit is part of the Department for Robust and Resilient Societies. The department consists of two units that together are responsible for the department's combined mandate. The unit heads lead the work at the department together with the department head and are part of the department's management group. As a unit head, you will also have strong collaborations and joint assignments with unit heads in other departments. Approximately 10 employees are placed at the unit.

About the Role

As the Unit Head for Urban Planning and Infrastructure, you are responsible for Formas' work with the Impact Innovation Programme ShiftSweden, as well as Nordic cooperation and EU partnerships within urban planning and infrastructure. Through systematic research compilations, the unit contributes to scientific decision-making support for authorities, municipalities, and other actors developing and managing instruments, measures, and guidelines in the environmental field. Within its area of responsibility and broadly across the agency, the unit actively works on developing research funding processes, strategic communication regarding Formas' efforts, and the utilization and impact of the research and innovation funded by the agency.

As Unit Head, you are responsible for:

• Personnel matters, including working environment issues and competence development
• Creating security within the team and supporting the development of employees and operations
• Contributing to good collaboration within the department's management group and with other departments
• Budget, operational planning, and follow-up of the unit's activities
• Ensuring progress and prioritization in the unit's operational activities
• Quality assurance of materials prior to decisions

Requirements for the Position

• An academic degree in a subject relevant to the employer
• At least 5 years of professional experience
• A strong interest in research and societal development
• Experience navigating and working in research and innovation environments
• A good understanding of Formas' mandate, themes, and societal role
• Established networks and relationships with relevant actors
• Knowledge of research and innovation funding
• Multi-year experience from a knowledge-based organization
• Current and broad knowledge of the unit's subject areas (challenges, knowledge needs, policy context)

In addition to the operational requirements, you have documented experience in translating strategic priorities into operational change work and in developing teams consisting of individuals with high expertise. Your leadership is expressed through your ability to clearly communicate priorities and delegate assignments and mandates 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 in a relaxed and simple manner in both speech and writing.

Meritorious Qualifications

• Doctoral education
• Experience in promoting and supporting research and innovation, or experience from analytical work
• Experience from a relevant thematic area
• Professional experience from the public sector
• Management experience and experience representing the employer

Working at Formas

Formas is a government agency with approximately 110 employees. Read more here: What it's like to work at Formas (#)

About the Employment

We offer an attractive workplace characterized by the 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 different backgrounds positively.

The employment is a permanent position 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]

Next Steps

The appointment is made in cooperation with Signpost. 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? You are warmly welcome to apply! 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 ensures that we can 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].