​​​The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), a global leader in marine science and scientific advice, is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as Head of the Advice Department. This is a full-time leadership role based at ICES Headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The organization
ICES is an intergovernmental marine science organization committed to advancing and sharing scientific understanding of marine ecosystems and the services they provide. ICES uses this knowledge to deliver evidence-based advice that supports conservation, management, and sustainable use of marine resources.

Guided by our Strategic Plan, ICES sets organisational priorities across science, data, and advice to respond effectively to evolving marine and environmental challenges. Central to this is ICES Advisory Plan, which identifies five priority areas to strengthen the advisory process: assuring quality; process innovation and efficiency; building capacity and resilience; providing ecosystem and climate-informed actionable advice; and highlighting the benefits of ICES advice. ICES is currently developing a new Strategy which will underpin ICES activities and outputs over coming years.

Together, these plans ensure ICES delivers timely, high-quality, and fit-for-purpose advice through a broad international network of scientists and experts.

The role

The Advice Department plays a key role in implementing ICES Strategy and Advisory Plan by coordinating the development and delivery of impartial and transparent advice to governments and intergovernmental organizations. The Head of the Advice Department is responsible for upholding the quality, independence, and relevance of ICES advice and ensuring that advisory work aligns with the needs of requesters and ICES strategic priorities.

The Head of the Advice Department will lead a team of approximately 20 staff and be responsible for managing the department's resources, operations, and staff performance and development. The department has grown significantly over recent years, and we expect to implement a change in its structure to improve efficiency and effectiveness. A key part of this role will be to drive the successful implementation and consolidation of this change.

This role offers the opportunity to shape ICES advisory work at a strategic level, working closely with  the Advisory Committee (ACOM) leadership to foster collaboration across diverse scientific and policy stakeholders, and influence marine management policies on a regional and global scale.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Advice Department, including approximately 20 staff, to deliver impartial, high-quality advice supporting the Strategic and Advisory Plans
  
• Guide the implementation of the department's reorganization, working closely with Secretariat leadership and team leads to embed efficient and effective ways of working
• Ensure clear communication of departmental and organisational goals within the Department and across ICES
• Plan and coordinate departmental workflows to meet deadlines and maintain quality standards and drive continuous improvement
• Oversee recruitment, training, professional development, and wellbeing of department staff
• Manage the department's budgets, contracts, and administrative processes in close cooperation with the Finance Department
• Build and maintain strong relationships with ICES advice requesters and key strategic partners, supporting transparent communication
  
• Monitor emerging advisory needs and policy developments collaborating closely with the Advisory Committee (ACOM) chair, ACOM leadership, the Science Committee (SCICOM) chair and the heads of the Science Department and Data Centre
  
• Report regularly to Secretariat leadership, ACOM, SCICOM, Bureau, and Council
  
• Represent the Advice Department in governance bodies and promote ICES strategic visibility
• Uphold the independence of ICES advice and ensure long-term continuity through effective systems and knowledge management
  
• Collaborate across ICES departments to support unified organisational objectives
  

Person specification

We seek a Head of the Advice Department with strong leadership skills who is motivated, organised, collaborative and flexible. To be considered for this appointment, it is expected that you possess the following:

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

• A higher university degree, preferably a PhD, in marine science, environmental management, fisheries, economics, or a related discipline
• At least five years of leadership experience, preferably in marine science research and/or within an international organization
• Proven expertise and interest in managing diverse, interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary science-related teams and operations
• Experience with budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation
• Experience with funding, grants, and reporting rules
• Strong knowledge of science-policy interfaces, especially in marine or environmental contexts
• Understanding of ICES system and familiarity with advisory principles and processes is an advantage
• Knowledge of key international maritime, environmental, fisheries, and ecosystem organizations and policies
• Experience with organisational change and process improvement is highly valuable
  

​Skills and attributes

• 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
• Proven competence in managing departmental operations, including budgeting, resource planning, and staff performance and development
  
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Integrity, resilience, and a commitment to maintaining the independence and quality of ICES scientific advice
  

Terms of Appointment

The appointment will be full-time (38 hours per week, including lunch breaks), for a renewable four-year contract period starting in October 2025, or as soon as possible. The salary will be at the “P4" grade, which is based on the United Nations common salary system. The Head of the Advice 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 recruited internationally (e.g. installation/repatriation, dependents' education, and home leave allowances). Furthermore, a tax-free pension scheme is available, to which both the employee and ICES contribute. The 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 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 23:59 (CEST) Sunday, 17 August 2025. Interviews are expected to take place in late August and early September.  The first interview is expected to take place online, and the second interview will be in-person in Copenhagen.

For further information, contact [email protected].

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