Head of the Strategy Unit (100%) Dume

Head of the Strategy Unit (100%)
Braga
Dume, Braga, Portugal

Adoc Talent Management is assisting a leading international research institute in the search for a Head of the Strategy Unit

( Full-time | Based in Portugal)

This intergovernmental research organisation is entering a pivotal phase of transformation, focused on institutional performance, global visibility, and international partnerships. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Head of the Strategy Unit will play a central role in shaping and executing the organisation’s
- term strategic vision.

This role demands a brilliant, diplomatic, and emotionally intelligent strategist capable of translating institutional ambition into clear, structured, and actionable plans. Operating in a multicultural and
- stakes environment, the Head of Strategy will report directly to the Director-General and collaborate closely with top management.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Development and Planning

• Formulate and implement strategic plans aligned with scientific and geopolitical priorities
• Lead the development of
  - annual institutional programmes and initiatives
• Translate complex visions into clear and operational action plans

Leadership and Advisory

• Serve as strategic advisor to the Director-General and executive leadership
• Facilitate
  - level
  - making and foresight processes
• Ensure cohesive strategic communication across the organisation

Project Coordination

• Lead and coordinate key
  - departmental strategic projects
• Ensure timely and effective execution with internal PMO and finance teams
• Drive institutional change and performance improvement

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with governments, academia, industry, and funding bodies
• Represent the organisation in intergovernmental and diplomatic contexts
• Co-develop communication and visibility strategies with internal stakeholders

Analysis, Reporting and Insight

• Deliver structured, quarterly reports on strategic performance and foresight
• Monitor external trends in science policy, R&D&I, and funding to inform positioning
• Identify strategic risks and opportunities

Sustainability and Innovation

• Promote institutional resilience through diversification and sustainability strategies
• Identify and initiate interdisciplinary and
  - sectoral collaborations
• Facilitate the development of strategic alliances

Additional Tasks

• Contribute to internal evaluations and alignment exercises
• Support internal
  - sharing and strategic cohesion

Profile

Education
Ph
D or Master’s degree in Strategy, Public Policy, Business Administration, Research Planning, Industrial Management, Economics, or related field

Experience

• Minimum 5 years in a senior strategic leadership role
• Experience managing
  - scale,
  - functional initiatives in international or intergovernmental R&D environments
• Proven advisory capacity at executive or board level
• Familiarity with European/international research ecosystems and funding structures
• Certifications in strategic or project management are a plus

Skills

• Excellent analytical and programme management capabilities
• Political awareness, systemic vision, and structured communication
• Experience in foresight, performance tracking, and organisational change
• Strong strategic thinking, leadership, and influencing skills
• High emotional intelligence, creativity, resilience, and intercultural agility

Languages

• Fluency in English (mandatory)
• Operational knowledge of Portuguese and/or Spanish (required)
• French or German is a plus

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of an ambitious and internationally renowned research organisation at a time of transformation and growth.

To apply (send your CV and Cover letter) or inquire confidentially, contact Adoc Talent Management.