Job: Executive Director Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN Germany)

The German Development Institute / Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik (DIE) is one of the leading international research institutes. Through excellent research, policy advice and training, the Institute contributes to finding solutions to global challenges.

In the Sustainable Development Solutions Network Germany (SDSN Germany), leading German knowledge organisations as well as partners from business and society have been working together to promote sustainable development in Germany and to support German commitment for sustainable development in the European Union (EU), and worldwide. SDSN Germany is part of the global SDSN network, which - under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General - has been mobilising scientific and technological expertise for sustainable development since 2012. The SDSN Germany secretariat is located at DIE, Bonn.

For the leadership of the secretariat of SDSN Germany, the German Development Institute / Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik (DIE) is looking for a new Executive Director, available as soon as possible, initially for a fixed term until 31.08.2022 (with the prospect of extension).

Executive Director of SDSN Germany (f/m/divers)
Part-time 29,25 hours/week, EG 15 TVöD-Bund
Salary from € 45.000 p.a. up to € 65.000 p.a.
Reference number 2021-SDSN-01

The Executive Director of SDSN Germany is appointed by the Leadership Council of SDSN Germany. In this function, he/she is responsible exclusively to the respective chairpersons of the Leadership Council. In addition to the leadership position, the team of the secretariat includes two research positions, a team assistant, and generally one trainee. A higher work-time/week and the extension of the Executive Director position beyond 31.08.2022 is possible if appropriate project funds are available.

The primary focus of SDSN Germany's work in the current planning phase is to link the management of the Covid-19 crisis with the implementation of sustainability policies (green recovery) by focusing on selected key transformations such as energy decarbonisation and transition to sustainable agriculture, as well as transformative levers such as finance, social justice, and international cooperation.

The Executive Director is responsible for the following tasks, among others:

• Strategy development, network management and support of the co-chairs of the Leadership Council of SDSN Germany
• Harnessing, mobilising , and networking of the potential of member and partner organisations
• Development of topic specific policy briefs and statements, cooperation initiatives, and events
• Fulfilment of SDSN Germany tasks in the German sustainability architecture, including as one of the organising institutions in the Science Platform Sustainability 2030
• Regular exchange with the German Bundestag and Federal Government, as well as stakeholders from business and society, communication of positionings and activities of the network in the public sphere
• Contribution of German experiences and positions to the global SDSN as well as representation of SDSN Germany in the European and international contexts
• Conceptual and strategic development of the network’s next planning phase
• Management of the SDSN Germany secretariat including supervision and oversight of the secretariat staff and their personnel development.

Qualifications and requirements:

• A Master with excellent grades, preferably with a social, legal, economic, political or environmental science orientation; preferably with a relevant PhD
• Profound knowledge and high interest in sustainable development policy, especially in the German and European context as well as in specific transformation areas
• Profound knowledge and experience in the field of policy advice and scientific cooperation
• Enthusiasm for dedicated networking and policy advice
• Strong communication skills, proactive working spirit, personal responsibility, ability to work in a team and organisational skills
• Several years of professional experience in a comparable area of expertise and responsibility as well as in the management of teams
• Fluent written and spoken German and English
• Willingness and aptness to travel abroad, including to tropical climatic zones („Tropentauglichkeit“).

We offer:

• Working conditions and grouping according to TVöD – up to TVöD 15 depending on qualifications and experience
• Trainings for further professional development
• Company pension scheme with the VBLU
• Flexible working areas with a weekly working time of 29,25 hours (75%), additional part-time can be negotiated
• Possibility to use a job ticket and a good connection to public transport
• A modern and interesting workplace with a good working atmosphere

The German Development Institute / Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik (DIE) offers an inspiring, family-friendly working environment at the interface of research and policy advice, with ample opportunities to engage in international discussions, political processes and scientific debates.

In the case of equal qualification, physically challenged persons will be given preference. We want to promote the diversity of our employees and would like applications from women, men and diverse people.

For further questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Anna-Katharina Hornidge (directors@die-gdi.de).

Applications with the position number 2021-SDSN-01 with detailed documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae, relevant certificates) must be submitted exclusively via application portal by 5 March 2021.

Interviews are expected to be held in late March 2021.

German Development Institute / Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik (DIE)
Tulpenfeld 6, 53113 Bonn
Telefon +49 (0)228 94927-0, Telefax +49 (0)228 94927-130
DIE@die-gdi.de     www.die-gdi.de     www.facebook.com/DIE.Bonn