Head of the Science Department Vacancy

​​​​ICES Secretariat is seeking applications for the role of Head of the Science Department. You will join a diverse and collaborative international team in Copenhagen, Denmark, which is committed to providing a welcoming, high-impact and rewarding work environment, serving the ICES network, and advancing the scope and impact of ICES science and advice. The Head of the Science Department will serve as a core member of the ICES leadership team and will work with the Science Committee (SCICOM), its Chair and leadership to strengthen and provide administrative and scientific support to the ICES science network. In addition to supporting the network, the science department manages the training programme, ICES Annual Science Conference, the symposia programme, and a portfolio of externally funded projects.

ICES is a dynamic and evolving organization, in which the breadth of our scientific network and the need for cross-departmental teams are expanding. The contributions of the Head of the Science Department will span our departments (advice, data, science and finance). The Head of the Science Department will be skilled and experienced in research administration and project management and will manage a department of 14 staff (FTE). The Head of the Science Department will understand inter- and trans-disciplinary approaches to marine research and will play a critical role in shaping ICES science priorities, supporting management advice, and working with every level of the ICES community, including a diverse international network of scientists, industry and non-governmental representatives, and decision makers. ​

Main Responsibilities

• ​​​​​Lead and manage the Science Department to support SCICOM and leadership
  
• Work with the SCICOM Chair and the Secretariat management team to assess and prioritize the needs of the ICES science network. This will include implementing the forthcoming ICES Strategy and Science Plan which will be completed in 2027
  
• Oversee recruitment, performance management, training, professional development, wellbeing, and mentorship of Science Department staff
  
• Manage contractual, administrative, and budgetary responsibilities in close cooperation with the relevant Secretariat departments
• Plan, prioritize, and coordinate departmental workflows to meet agreed timelines and quality standards, driving continuous improvement in systems, processes and cross-departmental collaboration
• Ensure clear communication of departmental and organizational goals within the Science Department and across ICES, including with committees, expert groups and Secretariat colleagues
• Working with the cross-departmental Secretariat Project Office (science, data, and finance staff), monitor the external research and funding landscape, helping to prioritize opportunities that support implementation of ICES Strategy and Science Plan
• Oversee the planning, delivery, and continuous development of ICES Annual Science Conference, science symposia, and training programme, ensuring they support ICES science themes, capacity building, and the needs of the science network
• Serve as a member of the ICES Secretariat line management team and the Coordination Group (Secretariat line management team and Committee chairs)
• Represent and report on behalf of the Science Department in ICES Council and Bureau, promote ICES science in international partnerships, and collaborate with the Communications Department to ensure ICES impact and visibility

Qualifications and Experience

We seek a person with strong leadership skills who is motivated, organised, collaborative and flexible. Further requirements for this position are:

• A higher university degree, preferably a PhD, in marine science, environmental management, economics, social science, mathematics/statistics or a related discipline
• At least five years' leadership experience, preferably from a relevant marine science research and/or an international organization
• Proven expertise and interest in managing diverse, multidisciplinary science-related teams and activities
• Experience with budgeting, financial management and resource allocation
• Experience with grants and externally funded projects
• Strong knowledge of science-policy interfaces, especially in marine or environmental contexts
• Knowledge of the main international maritime, environmental, fisheries and ecosystem related organisations and policies
• Background in interdisciplinary science, working effectively with teams comprised of people from different disciplines and diverse national and cultural backgrounds
• Understanding of ICES system and familiarity with ICES principles and processes is an advantage​
  

• Strong track record of strategic leadership
• Expertise in marine science or a related discipline, along with a solid understanding of how science informs environmental and marine policy
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including governments and intergovernmental organizations, and to represent the organization at a senior level
  
• Project management experience
• Proven competence in managing departmental operations, including budgeting, resource planning, and staff performance and development
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Commitment to the innovative use of new technology
• Integrity, resilience, and a commitment to maintaining the independence and quality of ICES science and scientific advice

Terms of Appointment

The appointment will be full-time (38 hours per week, including lunch breaks), for a four-year contract period starting in August/September 2026, with possibility of extension. The salary will be at the “P3" grade, which is based on the United Nations common salary system. The Head of the Science Department will report directly to ICES General Secretary.

ICES Secretariat staff enjoy privileges and immunities pursuant to the Host Agreement between the Government of Denmark and ICES. The salaries of ICES staff are exempt from Danish income tax and are based on, but not identical to, UN salary grade scales. Benefits similar to those paid by the UN organization are also available for eligible staff members (e.g. installation/repatriation, dependents' education, and home leave allowances). Furthermore, the employee and ICES both contribute to a generous tax-free pension scheme. ICES Staff Rules set out the conditions of employment and the responsibilities of Secretariat staff.

ICES encourages a positive workplace culture by striving for inclusivity and diversity in appointment of its staff. This includes family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and standards of conduct. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people from ICES Member Countries which are underrepresented in the Secretariat, and people with disabilities.

Applications

​If you feel you have the personal and professional qualities and potential we are looking for, please submit your application (CV and cover letter) by clicking APPLY NOW​.

Deadline for application submission is 23:59 (CET) Monday, 06 April 2026.

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