Special consultant/chief consultant for international project management and science-based policy advice for DCA – Danish Centre for Food and Agricult

DCA, TECH, Aarhus University coordinates AU’s science-based advice to policy makers within the green transition of food and agriculture. We facilitate sector and industry cooperation, international cooperation and do project management and communication/ dissemination.

DCA is involved in several EU-projects related to the Horizon Europe Mission Soil and in support of Living Labs, in HE partnership on Agroecology, in CSA project and coming partnership on Sustainable Food Systems.

We are looking for a qualified academic to lead our engagement in the partnership projects from our office at AU Viborg campus (Foulum). Specific title and content of position depends on experience and qualifications vis-à-vis responsibilities mentioned.
Start and duration of the contract
Anticipated start date is 1 July 2024 or as soon as possible and this is a permanent position.
Responsibilities:
You will be part of – and if relevant – leading DCA’s work related to science-based advice in international context with a combination of the following tasks:

• Working with projects related to Horizon Europe including where DCA is leading activities
• Responsible for DCA’s engagement in HE partnerships with special emphasis on developing trans-European collaboration in science-based policy advice in food and agriculture in relation to green transition, development of principles and methods
• Planning and implementation of specific project objectives and tasks with various partners and following up on progress.
• Arrange and follow-up on project meetings
• Management of proposals for future projects related to Horizon Europe or other funding sources
• Project communication and strategic positioning
• Achievement of project goals: Quality, deadlines, costs, and budget
• Contribution to national science advice coordination with DCA’s science advice team
• In collaboration with DCA’s communication team:
  - Presentation of work results to different target groups and project-relevant documentation (project plans, reports, PPTs, etc.)
• Planning and management of events (e.g. organization of webinars/events/tutorials, participation)
• Other tasks related to DCA where relevant

Skills and experience:

• Relevant academic degree within the area of agroecology and/or food systems
• Broad experience from own research, advice, research management, project development and other tasks
• Proven project management experience, with a clear understanding of the project life cycle
• Demonstrated success in relation to working effectively and collaboratively on initiatives with a range of people at different levels
• Experience and competences in leading activities with external partners on behalf of an organization
• The ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, with a sense of the importance of detail for deliverables produced
• The ability to work collaboratively and productively within a team, but also to take initiative and work independently while managing competing demands
• Ability to propose solutions to problems and critical issues that might arise during projects with multiple external partners
• Experience with science-based policy advice is an advantage
• Knowledge of Danish language is an advantage
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs

About DCA – Danish Centre for Food and Agriculture
At DCA, TECH, Aarhus University, we support activities performed in the science departments which carry out research activities within food and agricultural sciences in support of the green transition. In DCA, we are in charge of coordinating our science-based advice to policy makers and private sector. Moreover, we facilitate sector and industry cooperation, international cooperation and project management and communication/dissemination.

DCA has a total of 22 employees, and you will be part of a team working with EU and international projects in close collaboration with the team coordinating national science advice. We are based in AU Viborg campus, research centre Foulum.
We offer
We offer a position in an informal environment with exciting tasks and a good team spirit as to cooperation and sharing knowledge and close contact with world leading science groups in green transition of food and agriculture.
You will be part of an international research environment.
You have the possibility to work from home once a week.
Workplace
The workplace is DCA – National Centre for Food and Agriculture, Blichers Allé 20, 8830 Tjele, Foulum, which is part of Aarhus University.
More information
For more information please contact Director of DCA Niels Halberg, via e-mail: [email protected] or phone: +45 29 63 00 93 or Special consultant Line Friis Lindner, via e-mail: [email protected] or phone 93 58 82 64.
Deadline
The deadline for applications is 22 May, 2024

Formalities and salary range
Salary and terms as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and the Confederation of Professional Unions.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.

Aarhus University
Aarhus University is an academically diverse and research-intensive university with a strong commitment to high-quality research and education and the development of society nationally and globally. The university offers an inspiring research and teaching environment to its 38,000 students (FTEs) and 8,300 employees, and has an annual revenues of EUR 935 million. Learn more at www.international.au.dk/

Department: Fødevarer og Jordbrug(DCA), Nat.C./Food and Agriculture, DCA - Danish C. f.

Deadline: 22 May 2024

Location: Tjele Blichers Allé 20