Head of Research

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

We are seeking a senior professional with extensive leadership and international experience to lead EFI’s Research Unit.

In EFI’s upcoming organisational structure, the Research Unit is EFI’s knowledge generator. It conducts scientific research, develops thematic expertise, and provides evidence-based insights on key forest-related topics. The unit will focus on high-quality research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and external scientific engagement.  The Research Unit engages in collaborative and co-creative research, working alongside stakeholders to co-design research questions, approaches and outputs. This ensures that EFI’s research is not only academically sound but also directly aligned with real-world needs and more likely to generate meaningful impact. It contains thematic research teams, each focusing on a specific priority area and tasked with generating knowledge and insights on key topics of strategic relevance to EFI and its stakeholders.

The Head of Research will be responsible for managing and developing EFI’s Research Unit ensuring that its operations align with EFI’s strategic objectives.  You will be responsible for planning and coordinating the activities of the unit, managing staff and resources, and fostering collaboration within the unit and other parts of the Institution.   The role will focus on organisational leadership, operational oversight, staff development, financial management, and strategic integration with other units.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Strategic and operational leadership – define and implement unit objectives that support EFI’s mission, while promoting a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.  Ensure effective coordination across internal teams and alignment with institutional priorities.

• Performance and quality management – establish performance standards and quality benchmarks, conduct regular reviews, and drive improvements to ensure the unit consistently delivers high-quality research outcomes.

• Staff management and development – oversee recruitment, training, and staff well-being, while fostering an inclusive and collaborative team culture. Regular feedback, mentoring, and development discussions will be central to your leadership approach.

• Financial and resource management – manage the unit’s budget and ensure strategic, efficient allocation of resources to support operational goals and long-term sustainability.

• Cross-unit collaboration and stakeholder engagement – represent the unit in institutional coordination efforts and build strong relationships with other EFI units and external stakeholders to enhance impact and integration.

Duty station:

The employee will be based at EFI’s Office in Bonn, Germany.

Employment conditions:

EFI offers a competitive benefits and salary package. 

This is a fixed term appointment of five years with the possibility for further extension of five years subject to the successful candidate’s performance.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work within a stimulating international environment in one of the Institute’s senior leadership positions.

How to apply:

Interested candidates are requested to send (in English) a CV including copies of academic degree certificates/diplomas with a motivation letter outlining how you fulfill the requirements for the position by 11th August 2025 23:59 CET, using our online application form.

For more information about the post, please contact: Robert Mavsar, Director: robert.mavsar@efi.int

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

Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (PhD) in a relevant field.

• At least 10 years of proven experience in leading teams and managing institutional units.

• Proven track record in leading research initiatives or thematic programmes.

• Strong understanding of organisational operations and resource management.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Experience working in international and interdisciplinary environments.

• Professional proficiency in English.  Proficiency in German, would be advantageous.