Biocities Facility Team Leader

The European Forest Institute (EFI) is an international organisation with 30 member countries and around 130 Associate and Affiliate member organisations. EFI undertakes forest-related research and policy support at pan-European and global level. Its headquarters are in Joensuu, Finland, and it also has offices in Barcelona, Bonn and Rome. The Institute has approximately 180 staff members and an annual turnover of over 30 million euros. Further information is available at https://www.efi.int.

EFI is seeking an experienced senior professional to lead its Biocities Facility, contributing to climate‑neutral, nature‑positive and resilient urban development in line with EFI’s 2040 strategy.

The Biocities Facility

The Biocities Facility operates at the science–policy–practice interface, supporting cities and urban practitioners in translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions for sustainable urban transformation. Acting as a neutral, science‑based broker, the Facility connects EFI expertise and member organisations with local and regional authorities, city networks, and European policy processes.

The Facility delivers an integrated set of activities including capacity building, applied knowledge services, high‑level convening, and continuous exchange among urban practitioners. Through these activities, Biocities strengthens evidence‑based decision‑making and accelerates the uptake of forest‑based and nature‑based solutions in cities across Europe and beyond, contributing to EFI’s long‑term impact goals under EFI 2040.

Role and responsibilities

The Biocities Facility Team Leader will provide overall thematic, strategic, and operational leadership for the Facility, ensuring coherence, quality, and long‑term sustainability. The role combines leadership of people and activities, resource development, stakeholder engagement, and external representation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic and thematic leadership – define and steer the Facility’s strategic direction and priorities in line with EFI’s 2040 strategy, ensuring relevance, analytical quality, and impact across all Biocities activities.

• Operational leadership and delivery – lead planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the Facility’s work, ensuring delivery within agreed budgets, timelines, and quality standards, and applying proportionate risk management.

• Resource mobilisation and sustainability – identify funding, sponsorship, and partnership opportunities and contribute to the development of competitive proposals and collaborative initiatives that support the long‑term sustainability of the Facility.

• Policy engagement and stakeholder collaboration – strengthen cooperation with cities, local and regional authorities, EFI member organisations, city networks, EU institutions, and other relevant partners, supporting evidence‑based urban policies and practice.

• External representation and visibility – represent EFI and the Biocities Facility in international meetings, conferences, and policy dialogues, reinforcing EFI’s role as a trusted European knowledge partner for urban sustainability.

• Staff leadership and coordination – lead and develop a multidisciplinary team through an inclusive and participative leadership approach, ensuring clear communication, effective coordination, and professional development, including coordination of contributions from EFI member organisations and partners.

Employment conditions

• Duty station: Rome, Italy

• Contract type: Fixed‑term contract

• Contract duration: Three (3) years, with possibility of renewal subject to funding and performance

• Working time: Full‑time (100%)

• Expected start date: To be agreed

EFI offers a competitive salary and benefits package and a stimulating international working environment. The position offers a unique opportunity to lead a strategically important Facility contributing directly to EFI’s 2040 objectives.

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit (in English):

• A motivation letter outlining their suitability for the position,

• A detailed CV,

Applications should be submitted via EFI’s online application system by 23.59 pm CET on 4th May 2026.

For more information about the position, please contact Michele Bozzano, Head of Engagement: michele.bozzano@efi.int.

EFI is committed to preventing sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH).  All positions are subject to safe recruitment procedures as outlined in EFI SEAH Policy.

EFI is an equal-opportunity employer.  All applications will be treated confidentially.

The successful candidate will combine strong subject‑matter expertise with proven leadership and delivery experience.

Required qualifications and experience include:

• An advanced university degree (PhD preferred) in urban planning, environmental science, sustainability, urban forestry, or a closely related field.

• At least eight to ten years of relevant professional experience, including leadership of complex international initiatives or portfolios.

• Proven experience working at the science–policy–practice interface.

• Demonstrated ability to secure funding and manage multi‑partner collaborations.

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience in participative and collaborative working environments.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and representation skills.

• Professional proficiency in English and experience working in international and interdisciplinary contexts.