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 organizational 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 organizational 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 organizational objectives
Person specification
We seek a Head of the Advice Department with strong leadership skills who is motivated, organized, 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 organizational 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.
Application deadline: August 17, 2025
