As Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will be responsible for the operational project management of Nordic Innovation's innovation program. You will lead our experienced and committed team of approximately 10 advisors and have budget and performance responsibility for project management. You will be part of Nordic Innovation's management team and be involved in dialogue with external partners and the Nordic Council of Ministers' secretariat in Copenhagen. The position reports to the CEO and offers great opportunities to influence the organization's further development.
The role as Chief Operating Officer
Examples of tasks include maintaining daily dialogue and leading the advisory team, including professional responsibility for the implementation, progress, coordination, and management of our innovation projects, as well as operational follow-up of change processes and strategy.
You will be involved in facilitating societal system change through method and project development. The work will be carried out in close dialogue with other members of the organization, such as the strategy, administration, and communication teams.
Your main tasks:
- Overall follow-up and management of overall operational activities, including personnel responsibility
- Ensuring progress and reporting from the project portfolio
- Identifying development needs and needs for competence development
- Implementing process improvement and organizational development
- Participating in the management of Nordic Innovation and acting as deputy for the general manager
Who are you?
We are looking for a person with strong execution skills and relevant experience from the public sector or business sector, or a combination of both. To succeed with us, you should have:
- Solid experience in project management and control
- Experience in leading innovation projects and development initiatives
- Experience in international business and knowledge of the public sector
- Higher relevant education
- Documented experience with personnel management in knowledge organizations – experience with change management is an advantage
- Good communication skills, with good oral and written presentation skills in a Scandinavian language and English
- Good results from previous leadership roles
We are looking for a team player who combines strategic understanding with operational strength. You are:
- Solution-oriented, with a high level of service awareness and execution skills
- A driving force with a high work capacity and ability to deliver results
- Positive and easy to work with, contributing to a good working environment
- A good relationship builder and communicator, and accustomed to working with agile methods and cross-functional teams
- Committed and motivated by the goal of making the Nordic region a global pioneer
What we offer
With us, you will have an exciting management position with considerable influence. You will be part of an interdisciplinary and inspiring work environment with colleagues from across the Nordic region, and you will be in contact with leading innovation environments both regionally and internationally. The workplace is in Oslo, and given the nature of the position, the work is mainly carried out physically at the office, but some travel must be expected. The position is for a fixed term of up to 4 years with the possibility of extension for a further 4 years.
Persons who are employed by the state in one of the Nordic countries are entitled to leave of absence when working for Nordic Innovation.
Who we are
Nordic Innovation is a key player in the implementation of Nordic business and innovation policy. We contribute to making the Nordic region a pioneer in sustainable growth. We work to promote entrepreneurship, cooperation, and competitiveness in Nordic businesses. We are an organization under the Nordic Council of Ministers – the collaborative body of the Nordic governments. We work to achieve concrete results at the system level, and our vision is to help make the Nordic region the world's most integrated and sustainable region by 2030.
Deadline for application 30.09.2025
If you have any questions about the position, please contact:
HR Advisor, Kristine Høydahl
(kristine.hoydahl@nordicinnovation.org), tlf +47 40 60 53 95
