Head of Data and Insights – WMU-LRF Maritime Observatory

About WMU

The World Maritime University (WMU) is a postgraduate and research university established in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the maritime agency of the United Nations. WMU offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes, postgraduate diplomas, and Professional Development Courses with the highest standards in maritime and oceans education and training.

The WMU-Lloyd's Register Foundation (LRF) Maritime Observatory has been created as a data, evidence and analytical hub established through a strategic partnership between WMU and LRF to strengthen the availability and use of data, evidence and insights related to maritime safety and sustainability, and to support IMO decision-making with evidence-based considerations.

Purpose of the Position

The Head of Data and Insights supports the development and implementation of the Maritime Observatory through advanced data science, analytics coordination, and production of technical outputs; and leads the technical operation of the Observatory under the guidance of the Vice President (Strategic Initiatives).

Unit: Strategic Initiatives. Reports to: Vice President Strategic Initiatives. Grade: P3 (ICSC salary scale, free of income tax in Sweden). Location: Malmö, Sweden (HQ). Full-time.

Key Functions

1. Operational Leadership of the Observatory

• Contributes to and coordinates the operational programme of the WMU-LRF Maritime Observatory in accordance with strategic priorities.
• Provides advice to ensure that Observatory activities support the development of data, evidence and analytical insights relevant to maritime safety and sustainability.
• Monitors that programme activities and outputs are delivered in accordance with grant requirements, institutional priorities and agreed quality standards.

2. Development of Data Infrastructure and Analytics Capability

• Designs, develops, maintains and enhances the technical infrastructure required for the collection, integration and analysis of maritime-related data.
• Data acquisition plans including framework agreements and primary source collection.
• Data stewardship and data-sharing mechanisms established to enable secure, trusted and scalable access to maritime safety data.
• Analytics capability and processes established for the unit to move from data collection to finished knowledge products at a consistent quality standard.

3. Production of Insights and Knowledge Products

• End-to-end oversight of the unit's analytical output, ensuring quality, relevance and timeliness of all knowledge products.
• Programme of systematic evidence reviews established and implemented in collaboration with relevant partners and IMO stakeholders.
• Delivery of evidence summaries, policy briefs, dashboards and visualizations tailored to the needs of policy and decision-making audiences.

4. Partnership Development and Expert Engagement

• Contributes to building networks of experts and stakeholders including NGOs, industry, academia and governments for data exchange, evidence development and expert collaboration.
• Effective collaboration with key stakeholders including LRF, the Global Safety Evidence Centre, IMO and related bodies.

5. Team and Programme Management

• Participates in the recruitment, onboarding, mentoring and management of the unit's junior analysts and researchers.
• Monitoring the delivery of the programme against defined milestones, budget and quality standards.
• Development of team's core capabilities including expertise in data analysis, evidence synthesis, impact assessment and policy-oriented communication.

Recruitment Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (PhD) in a relevant discipline such as engineering, economics, public policy, management, data science, maritime studies or a related field.
• A minimum of 3–5 years of post-PhD, progressively responsible experience in data analytics, research or evidence-based policy analysis.
• Cross-domain experience translating complex and technical data and information into actionable formats and insights.
• Experience establishing analytical infrastructures, managing analytical or consulting teams and producing policy-relevant knowledge products.
• Experience in designing and delivering data-driven tools or platforms within complex, large-scale organizations.
• Experience engaging with governments, international organizations, industry and academic partners.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken. Knowledge of additional UN languages is an advantage.

How to Apply

Please fill in the Personal History Form (https://www.wmu.se/docs/personal-history-form) and submit it along with a letter of interest, a fully updated CV, and contact information of three referees via: https://careers.wmu.se/jobs/7790168-head-of-data-and-insights

Deadline for applications: 30 June 2026.