​​​​​ICES Secretariat is seeking applications for a Science Professional Officer to join the Secretariat Project team. 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 Role

ICES is involved in a growing number of European and international research projects on major ocean challenges, including biodiversity, climate change, sustainable fisheries, pollution, ecosystem restoration, digital innovation and the link between science and policy.

We are looking for a Science Professional Officer to join the project team at ICES Secretariat in Copenhagen, Denmark. You will lead ICES's work across a portfolio of these projects. That means managing budgets and resources, assigning roles and tasks within project teams, being accountable for what ICES delivers, and helping decide which projects and partnerships ICES takes on next.

You will work with colleagues across the Science, Advice and Data departments and with partners across Europe and beyond. You may supervise the day-to-day work of junior (P1) staff on your projects, though the role does not include line management. You will report to the Head of the Science Department.

Main responsibilities

  • Take a leadership role in the ICES project team: assign roles and tasks within projects, guide and supervise the day-to-day work of junior staff, and help steer the strategic direction of the ICES project portfolio.
  • Lead ICES work packages, tasks and project activities, or coordinate major ICES contributions within larger work packages. You will be accountable for planning, quality, resources and on-time delivery.
  • Plan and coordinate the work with relevant ICES secretariat colleagues, expert groups and project partners.
  • Lead the preparation of project deliverables, reports and workshops.
  • Develop and manage budgets and resource plans for your activities, and monitor spending together with the Head of the Science Department and relevant colleagues.
  • Connect project work with the ICES scientific network, and bring scientists, policymakers, stakeholders and partners together.
  • Ensure project results reach the people who can use them, through workshops, training and policy-focused outputs, presenting the evidence and its uncertainties clearly.
  • Represent ICES at consortium meetings, workshops and conferences.
  • Work with other Professional Officers to shape the ICES project portfolio. This includes identifying new opportunities and partnerships, developing proposals and defining ICES's role and resources in them.
  • Advise the Head of the Science Department on strategic fit, capacity and any risks to ICES's scientific independence in current and proposed projects.

Qualifications and experience

We are looking for someone who combines strong project leadership with an interest in marine science, sustainability and international collaboration. There is no single route into this role.

Required

  • A master's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field, such as natural or marine sciences, environmental or fisheries science, social sciences, economics, public policy, or research or project management.
  • At least five years' experience in research, research management, project management, policy or international collaboration.
  • Experience supervising a small team
  • A track record of planning and delivering collaborative projects, ideally in European or other international programmes. This includes coordinating contributors, managing timelines and taking responsibility for results.
  • Experience setting and monitoring project budgets.
  • Experience guiding or supervising the work of others, formally or informally.
  • Excellent written and spoken English, and the ability to communicate with scientific, policy and stakeholder audiences.
  • The ability to work well in international, multidisciplinary teams.

An advantage

  • A PhD in a relevant field.
  • Experience with Horizon Europe or other EU research programmes, including leading a work package or major task.
  • Knowledge of ICES and its Science and Advisory committees
  • Knowledge of the European marine research and policy landscape.
  • Experience developing research proposals and international partnerships.

Terms of Appointment

The appointments will be full-time (38 hours per week, including lunch breaks), for a four-year contract period with a preferred start date between January and March 2027, with possibility of extension. The salary will be at the “P2" grade, which is based on the United Nations common salary system. The Professional Project Officer will report directly to the Head of the Science Department.

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 recruited internationally (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 (above).

Deadline for application submission is Sunday 22 November 2026 (23:59 CET). 

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Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.