Executive Director of Digital Iceland (Stafrænt Ísland), Reykjavík
- Experience
- Executive
- Location
- Reykjavík, Iceland
- Work arrangement
- On-site
- Employment type
- Full-time
- Category
- Operations & Management
- Industry
- Operations & Management
- Experience
- Executive
- Openings
- 1
- Apply by
- 13 Nov 2026
About the role
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (Fjármála- og efnahagsráðuneytið) is advertising a new executive director post for Digital Iceland (Stafrænt Ísland). The successful candidate will lead the building up and development of a new ministerial institution that will play a key role in the state's digital development and information technology, increased use of data and the introduction of artificial intelligence. The institution starts work on 1 January 2027 and will combine the current work of the Digital Iceland project office and information technology projects previously handled by Umbra, the Government's service centre. It will operate as a ministerial institution under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs. The executive director is an official who is responsible for ensuring that the institution works in accordance with law, administrative instructions and the letter of appointment set by the minister. The role offers a unique opportunity to shape the institution's operations, priorities, organisation and vision, and to lead a high-performing team of specialists. Pay is set under the current collective agreement made by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs and the relevant trade union, as stated in the official listing; no fixed salary amount is stated. Applications must include a CV and a detailed cover letter in Icelandic, and a three-person committee appointed by the minister will assess applicants' qualifications. The successful candidate should ideally be able to start as soon as possible. Applications close on 13 November 2026.
Responsibilities
- Shape and implement strategy and vision and ensure clear prioritisation - Lead the building up of a high-performing team of specialists and strengthen a culture of cooperation, responsibility and continuous improvement - Take responsibility for daily operations - Promote effective teamwork and good communication with ministries, public bodies and other stakeholders - Communicate the institution's strategy and priorities publicly and take part in international cooperation in its field
Requirements
University degree that is useful for the job (Háskólapróf sem nýtist í starfi); postgraduate education is an advantage. Successful experience of management, operations, strategy-making, change management and implementing improvements. Leadership ability and skill in creating team cohesion and leading people to results. Excellent communication and cooperation skills and ability to win the trust of different stakeholders. Solution-oriented thinking, initiative and drive to put decisions into practice. Extensive experience of developing and operating digital services and information technology, introducing artificial intelligence and security matters. Knowledge of contract management, procurement and cooperation with suppliers. Knowledge of public administration and the public-sector working environment is an advantage. Ability to express oneself in Icelandic and English in speech and writing (Hæfni til tjáningar á íslensku og ensku í ræðu og riti). Knowledge of at least one Nordic language is an advantage.
How to apply
- Select Apply now.
- You are taken to Fjármála- og efnahagsráðuneytið’s own application page to send your application.
Applying is free. We never ask candidates for money. The exact steps can differ by job and employer.