Publicerad: 2025-09-19
Chief of Staff
The European Spallation Source (ESS) is poised to become Europe’s flagship neutron research facility, advancing material science with cutting-edge technology. ESS will enable groundbreaking experiments to deepen our understanding of matter and tackle pressing global challenges in energy, health, and the environment. As a European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) uniting 13 member states, ESS is completing its construction phase and transitioning to full user operations by late 2027. To drive this transformative journey, we are seeking an experienced and dynamic Chief of Staff to work closely with the ESS Director General and to lead the ESS Executive Office.
About this role:
This is a new role at ESS. As Chief of Staff, you will report directly to the Director General where you will play a central role in driving ESS’s strategic priorities within ESS’s commitment to create impact through performance built on collaboration. You will lead the Executive Office, which integrates the Governance and Compliance Office.
You will act as a trusted advisor and partner to the DG, supporting the formulation and execution of organizational goals, enabling cross-departmental collaboration, and ensuring operational oversight and follow-through on critical initiatives. Additionally, you will serve as a primary interface with ESS member states and other stakeholders, fostering strong relationships while maintaining oversight of risk management, governance, and policy development.
As ESS transitions from its construction phase to full user operations, the scope of this role will naturally adapt requiring a close alignment with the Project Directorate during the transition period.
Key Responsibilities:
The Chief of Staff leads the Executive Office, including direct line-management of key staff within the Governance and Compliance Offices. These functional areas are critical for maintaining effective governance, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing risks. The Chief of Staff will ensure their seamless integration and alignment with ESS’s strategic goals.
1. Strategic Planning and Decision-Making Support:
• Collaborate with the Director General and the Executive Board on the development, refinement, and execution of our strategic vision.
• Enable data-driven decision-making by performing thorough analyses and presenting actionable options for achieving strategic goals; provide risk-benefit evaluations when necessary.
• Define and execute ESS’s Operations and Development Plan, including resource allocation, budget preparation and staffing.
2. Programme and Initiative Oversight:
• Implement and monitor progress on major strategic initiatives and projects, ensuring they remain on track.
• Facilitate resource management, evaluate risks, and resolve issues that could hinder successful delivery of high-priority projects.
3. Operational Oversight:
• Ensure alignment between the organization’s strategic priorities and operational delivery, tracking progress, identifying obstacles, and driving action.
• Assume the responsibility and authority to monitor, manage, and improve processes within the organization. This includes:
• Developing and implementing organizational policies and workflows within the ESS Integrated Management System (IMS) to ensure efficiency and compliance.
• Managing performance frameworks and risk management systems.
4. Governance Support:
• Ensure the smooth interaction and collaboration between ESS leadership and its governance bodies (e.g., Council, advisory committees).
• Provide support for governance processes, decision follow-ups, and administrative coordination.
5. Stakeholder Management:
• Foster productive relationships with key external stakeholders, including ministries, funding agencies and the European Commission.
• Help ESS fulfil its obligations and maintain presence in critical international scientific and policy networks like ESFRI, LENS, ERIC Forum, and EIROforum
About you:
Your leadership will reflect a balance of technical expertise, operational discipline, and strategic foresight, ensuring that ESS meets its scientific and societal goals. You will be a trusted advisor to the Director General and a key driver of innovation, collaboration, and excellence across the organisation. Therefore, we are seeking an experienced and rigorous leader who can bring:
• An advanced degree in Public Administration, International Relations, Business, Organisational Development, Law, or a related discipline.
• Extensive leadership experience in senior advisory, managerial, or operational roles, preferably within complex international organizations.
• The demonstrable, proven ability to operationalise strategic plans and lead cross-functional teams toward achieving measurable outcomes in line with expectations.
• Demonstrated expertise in change management, governance, compliance, and policy frameworks, with a proven track record of enhancing organisational efficiency.
• Strong organizational and analytical capabilities, coupled with an energetic, results-driven personality.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across hierarchical and cultural contexts.
• Sensitivity to balancing compliance and governance responsibilities with operational demands.
• The flexibility and adaptability required to build rapport with successive leadership teams to maintain organisational continuity during transitions.
ESS is an English language workplace. Therefore, fluency in English with excellent communication and interpersonal skills is essential. Knowledge of Swedish or other European languages would be an advantage.
This is a permanent position with a 6-month probationary period and your workplace will be in Lund, Sweden.
To Apply:
To request a full information packet about this prestigious appointment, please contact Eva Nielsen via eva.nielsen@lisberg.se
If you see yourself in this role, please submit your CV and motivation letter in English by clicking on "apply" and following the instructions. We can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website, so submit your application as soon as possible. Please quote the job reference number ESD-71052 in your application.
This role requires health and safety checks as well as enhanced security clearance procedures, which will be performed as part of the recruitment process.
We look forward to receiving your application soon.
About this role:
This is a new role at ESS. As Chief of Staff, you will report directly to the Director General where you will play a central role in driving ESS’s strategic priorities within ESS’s commitment to create impact through performance built on collaboration. You will lead the Executive Office, which integrates the Governance and Compliance Office.
You will act as a trusted advisor and partner to the DG, supporting the formulation and execution of organizational goals, enabling cross-departmental collaboration, and ensuring operational oversight and follow-through on critical initiatives. Additionally, you will serve as a primary interface with ESS member states and other stakeholders, fostering strong relationships while maintaining oversight of risk management, governance, and policy development.
As ESS transitions from its construction phase to full user operations, the scope of this role will naturally adapt requiring a close alignment with the Project Directorate during the transition period.
Key Responsibilities:
The Chief of Staff leads the Executive Office, including direct line-management of key staff within the Governance and Compliance Offices. These functional areas are critical for maintaining effective governance, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing risks. The Chief of Staff will ensure their seamless integration and alignment with ESS’s strategic goals.
1. Strategic Planning and Decision-Making Support:
• Collaborate with the Director General and the Executive Board on the development, refinement, and execution of our strategic vision.
• Enable data-driven decision-making by performing thorough analyses and presenting actionable options for achieving strategic goals; provide risk-benefit evaluations when necessary.
• Define and execute ESS’s Operations and Development Plan, including resource allocation, budget preparation and staffing.
2. Programme and Initiative Oversight:
• Implement and monitor progress on major strategic initiatives and projects, ensuring they remain on track.
• Facilitate resource management, evaluate risks, and resolve issues that could hinder successful delivery of high-priority projects.
3. Operational Oversight:
• Ensure alignment between the organization’s strategic priorities and operational delivery, tracking progress, identifying obstacles, and driving action.
• Assume the responsibility and authority to monitor, manage, and improve processes within the organization. This includes:
• Developing and implementing organizational policies and workflows within the ESS Integrated Management System (IMS) to ensure efficiency and compliance.
• Managing performance frameworks and risk management systems.
4. Governance Support:
• Ensure the smooth interaction and collaboration between ESS leadership and its governance bodies (e.g., Council, advisory committees).
• Provide support for governance processes, decision follow-ups, and administrative coordination.
5. Stakeholder Management:
• Foster productive relationships with key external stakeholders, including ministries, funding agencies and the European Commission.
• Help ESS fulfil its obligations and maintain presence in critical international scientific and policy networks like ESFRI, LENS, ERIC Forum, and EIROforum
About you:
Your leadership will reflect a balance of technical expertise, operational discipline, and strategic foresight, ensuring that ESS meets its scientific and societal goals. You will be a trusted advisor to the Director General and a key driver of innovation, collaboration, and excellence across the organisation. Therefore, we are seeking an experienced and rigorous leader who can bring:
• An advanced degree in Public Administration, International Relations, Business, Organisational Development, Law, or a related discipline.
• Extensive leadership experience in senior advisory, managerial, or operational roles, preferably within complex international organizations.
• The demonstrable, proven ability to operationalise strategic plans and lead cross-functional teams toward achieving measurable outcomes in line with expectations.
• Demonstrated expertise in change management, governance, compliance, and policy frameworks, with a proven track record of enhancing organisational efficiency.
• Strong organizational and analytical capabilities, coupled with an energetic, results-driven personality.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across hierarchical and cultural contexts.
• Sensitivity to balancing compliance and governance responsibilities with operational demands.
• The flexibility and adaptability required to build rapport with successive leadership teams to maintain organisational continuity during transitions.
ESS is an English language workplace. Therefore, fluency in English with excellent communication and interpersonal skills is essential. Knowledge of Swedish or other European languages would be an advantage.
This is a permanent position with a 6-month probationary period and your workplace will be in Lund, Sweden.
To Apply:
To request a full information packet about this prestigious appointment, please contact Eva Nielsen via eva.nielsen@lisberg.se
If you see yourself in this role, please submit your CV and motivation letter in English by clicking on "apply" and following the instructions. We can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website, so submit your application as soon as possible. Please quote the job reference number ESD-71052 in your application.
This role requires health and safety checks as well as enhanced security clearance procedures, which will be performed as part of the recruitment process.
We look forward to receiving your application soon.