Head of Department for the Ministry of Civil Protection and Emergency Preparedness

Denmark stands in the midst of an intensified threat- and risk landscape that requires swift and secure action. We are looking for an ambitious and professionally strong department head who will work to ensure that Denmark is a prepared and resilient country to live in.

With us you get a large responsibility to build a strong department, a central role in serving the minister, and to ensure that the entire ministry delivers solid advice that supports the government’s political line and the development of a Danish total readiness. You will have a large responsibility to elevate cybersecurity and information security across society and the establishment of a national situation center and the protection of critical infrastructure. You will work closely with our agencies, namely the Agency for Societal Security and the Emergency Management Agency.

In light of the intensified threat landscape, we have a lot to achieve. It is essential, however, that we maintain focus on the long-term development of our societal security and thus a strong professional environment. If you are motivated by translating strategic goals into concrete results and contributing to sharp prioritizations, we have an exciting job for you.

An important position in serious times

”With war on the European continent, hybrid warfare against NATO and the West and more extreme weather, we as a society must prepare for a wide range of possible events, crises, disasters and in the worst case war. We, together with the responsible sectors, have the responsibility to prevent, resist and handle major crises and incidents that challenge the society’s fundamental functions – whether it is cyber attacks, sabotage, espionage or extreme weather events, which strike,” says the Secretary of the Department, Lisbet Zilmer-Johns.

You will be responsible for a department consisting of several offices. A main focus in the new department will be cybersecurity and information security. The other areas in the department will be assembled based on the professional competencies you bring into the position. We are keen that tasks are handled by the right hands. You will report to the Secretary of the Department and will – together with the three other department heads – constitute the department’s management.

About you

You have solid management experience – preferably leading other leaders – from a ministry. Perhaps you also have experience from an agency or a politically led organization. You have insight into technological development and related security issues. It is an advantage if you have experience handling legal issues. You should be strong in development agendas and change management. In your career you have shown the ability to steer processes and prioritize tasks in a dynamic everyday life.

It would be an advantage, but not a requirement, if you have knowledge of the emergency preparedness and security field. You have a relevant advanced degree.

You are a skilled leader who collaborates and builds trusting relationships. You are proactive, can execute and have a focus on high job satisfaction and well-being. You are ambitious, development-oriented and able to keep a cool head when necessary. We expect a high level of integrity, where you do what you say and say what you do.

The small print

You are welcome to call the director and partner at Mercuri Urval, Jakob Westh, at tel. 6089 6436 to have a confidential dialogue about the position. You are also welcome to contact the secretary to the Secretary of the Department via the Secretary to the Secretary of the Department Remy Pries-Brokmann at telephone 6187 1433 in week 43 to arrange an in-depth dialogue. It is a condition of employment that you can be security cleared.

The application deadline is October 26, 2026 at 23:59 .

We will conduct first interviews on the 4th and 6th of November and second interviews on the 18th of November. Between interviews there will be a test process, and references will be collected.

The position is intended to be filled by January 1, 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Application deadline: October 26, 2026

Department: Slotsholmsgade 12 1216 Copenhagen K

Location: Copenhagen K