Vacant job

Do you want to make a difference and work to strengthen Sweden's security? Then you could be our new Unit Manager. We offer a balanced work life, a stimulating work environment, and socially important work!

About the position

As Unit Manager, you have overall responsibility for leading, staffing, and developing the operations of the unit. You ensure that projects are conducted with high scientific quality, relevance, and integrity, which includes reviewing and approving written documentation. You also actively work with both recruitment and competence supply to meet the organization's needs in both the short and long term.

Your assignment includes responsibility for personnel and work environment issues. As a manager and leader at FOI, you are expected to be a good employer representative, create good conditions for a sustainable work life, and utilize and further develop employees' competence and experience. The role includes, among other things, conducting development and salary discussions with your employees. Since some of the unit's employees are deployed with external clients on both short and long assignments, the work also involves leading remote employees.

The unit is part of the Operations Analysis business area within the Defense Analysis division. You report directly to the Business Area Manager and are part of the business area's leadership group, where you contribute to strategic work.

About the business area and the unit

The Operations Analysis business area covers research, method, and expert support that supports the development of the military defense at strategic, operational, and tactical levels. A large part of the operations involves our operations analysts being placed with and integrated into our clients, primarily within the Swedish Armed Forces.

The Defense Branch Development unit primarily supports the defense branch staffs in their planning, valuation, and implementation. The work takes place in both short and long time perspectives. Through research, studies, and war games, we develop methods and build knowledge that supports our clients in their processes, from planning, command, and procurement to the long-term development of the defense branches.

Do you have the competence profile we need?

Requirements

We are looking for someone who has:

• An academic degree at least at master's level with a focus relevant to the position.
• Several years of leadership experience from a managerial role or as a project manager within research and analysis activities.
• Good ability to express yourself well in Swedish and English.

To succeed in the role of Unit Manager, it is important that you are a good employer representative who leads, motivates, and creates engagement and participation to achieve agreed results. You take initiative, start activities, and achieve results.

As a person, you are a good role model for others and show good judgment in assessments, prioritizations, collaborations, statements, decisions, and actions.

You establish trusting relationships and nurture them for long-term, effective, and constructive collaborations both internally and externally. You communicate clearly and ensure that messages reach their audience and that expectations are clear for all relevant parties.

We will place great emphasis on your personal qualities.

Merits

It is an advantage if you have:

• At least 3 years of recent experience working within a government agency, preferably within the total defense sector.
• Good knowledge of the unit's operations.
• A relevant doctoral or licentiate degree.
• Experience as a personnel-leading manager.

What do we offer you?

The Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) is a government agency that conducts world-leading research in defense and security to support Sweden's military and civil defense. We offer a unique workplace where you get the opportunity to work on what is important for total defense and society as a whole. The research is applied both within defense authorities and among civilian actors and plays a crucial role in building a relevant and effective defense capability.

We work consciously for a good work environment with a good balance between work and private life. In addition, we offer a number of benefits. Read more about what it is like to work with us: https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html (https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html)

The position is a permanent employment starting with a six-month probation period. All managers at FOI have a permanent position in the operations. We apply a managerial appointment agreed for three years with the possibility of extension.

Do you want to help find answers for a safer world?

Send your application in the form of a CV and cover letter via the application button no later than 16 Aug 2026!

For more information about the position, you are welcome to contact Business Area Manager Marlene Johansson. Union representatives are David Sundell (Saco-S) and Lisa Bergsten (OFR/S – ST). All can be reached at 08-555 030 00. Since the position is security-classified, Swedish citizenship is required. Security clearance with register check will be conducted prior to employment according to the Security Protection Act (2018:585). Prior to security clearance, certified copies of education and service certificates relevant to the position are requested.

FOI is an authority, meaning submitted application documents become public documents that can be disclosed to third parties upon request according to the Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act.

Offers from recruitment agencies are declined.