Head of Department at the Ministry of Social Security and Emergency Preparedness

Denmark stands in the middle of an intensified threat and risk picture, requiring quick and secure action. We are seeking an ambitious and professionally strong head of department who will work to ensure Denmark is a prepared and resilient country to live in.

Here you will have 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 deployment 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 situational center and protection of critical infrastructure. You will work closely with our agencies, namely the Agency for Civil Protection and Emergency Preparedness and the Danish Emergency Management Agency.

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

An important position in a serious time

”With war on the European continent, hybrid warfare against NATO and the West, as well as 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 have, together with the responsible sectors, the responsibility to prevent, withstand and handle larger crises and events that challenge the fundamental functions of society – whether it is cyber attacks, sabotage, espionage or extreme weather events that strike,” says the Secretary-General, Lisbet Zilmer-Johns.

You will be responsible for a department that consists 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 role. We are committed to ensuring that tasks are carried out by the right hands. You will report to the Secretary-General and will – together with the three other department heads – form the department's executive leadership.

About you

You have solid managerial 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 matters. You must be strong in development agendas and change management. In your career you have shown the ability to manage processes and prioritize tasks in a changing everyday life.

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

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

The fine print

You are welcome to call the Director and partner at Mercuri Urval, Jakob Westh, at tel. 6089 6436 for a confidential dialogue about the position. You are also welcome to contact the Secretary-General's office via the Secretary to the Secretary-General Remy Pries-Brokmann at telephone +45 6187 1433 in week 43 to arrange an in-depth discussion. It is a prerequisite for employment that you can obtain a security clearance.

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

We will hold first interviews on 4 and 6 November and second interviews on 18 November. Between the interviews there will be testing, and references will be checked.

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