Vacant job

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

At Formas, you 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 Climate and Natural Environment Department. The department consists of two units that together are responsible for the department's combined tasks. The unit managers lead the work at the department together with the department head and are part of the department's management group. As a unit manager, you will also have strong collaborations and joint tasks with unit managers in other departments. There are approximately 10 employees located at the unit.

About the role

As the Unit Manager for Resilient Ecosystems, you are responsible for the development of Formas' activities within oceans and water as well as biodiversity. The unit is responsible for the national research program on oceans and water, the Impact Innovation program WaterWise Societies, as well as Formas' international collaborations within biodiversity, blue economy, and water resource management, and work with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Through systematic research compilations, the unit contributes to scientific decision-making support for authorities, municipalities, and other actors who develop and manage instruments, measures, and guidelines in the environmental field. Within its area of responsibility and broadly across the agency, the unit actively works on developing our funding processes, strategic communication regarding Formas' interventions, and the utilization and effects of the research and innovation the agency funds.

As Unit Manager, you are responsible for:

• Personnel matters including working environment issues and competence development
• Creating security in 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 monitoring of the unit's activities
• Ensuring progress and prioritizing 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
• Good understanding of Formas' mission, themes, and societal role
• Established networks and relationships with relevant actors
• Knowledge of research and innovation funding
• Multi-year experience from a knowledge 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 from a holistic perspective and delegate tasks and mandates. You value building good relationships by showing and creating trust, confidence, and security in both your own collaborations and the teams you lead. You have very good communication skills and express yourself freely and simply in both speech and writing.

Qualifications for the position

• Doctoral education
• Experience from promoting and supporting research and innovation, or experience from analytical work
• Experience from a relevant thematic area
• 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 is like to work at Formas.

About the employment

We offer an attractive workplace characterized by the strive to be free from discrimination and to give equal opportunities to everyone. 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 on appointment will be published on Formas' website.

Union representatives:

Anna Gellerstedt, Representative for Saco, 08-775 41 01, [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 welcomed who contribute new ideas, insights, and perspectives. Do you think the assignment sounds 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 go through 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 manager'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].