Senior Policy Officer

The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities

Brussels, Belgium

Role description

The Senior Policy Officer (SPO) will develop and maintain strong networks with the EU institutions to articulate and advocate the Guild’s research and policy agendas, focusing particularly on key strategic areas such as artificial intelligence, health, as well as open science. With at least five years of relevant professional experience, s/he will demonstrate an understanding of, and a passion for, engaging with current policy developments and trends for research and innovation in Europe. The Senior Policy Officer will liaise and collaborate with other relevant institutions, lobby groups, and like-minded organizations in Brussels to promote the Guild’s priorities. S/he will coordinate selected working groups of The Guild, including some of our Deans’ Groups, which are crucial to develop academic perspectives and input on the importance of research, innovation and higher education for policy-makers. The postholder will also lead on our work on the research and innovation gap in Europe, ensuring research excellence is supported appropriately in all parts of the EU. Reporting to the Secretary-General, the post-holder will be expected to develop to work closely with all members of the team, and especially with the Head of Research and Innovation Policy, and the Head of Higher Education Policy.

The position will include the following responsibilities:

Maintaining an up‐to‐date knowledge of European research and innovation policies, in particular in relation to the European Framework Programmes for R&I (currently Horizon Europe);
Developing particular expertise in the areas of the SPO’s responsibility, including policies and instruments relating to addressing the R&I gap, and other key topics including AI and health and their societal impact;
Coordinating the activities of the relevant working groups and facilitating the formulation of the network’s policy positions, based on our members’ input and our existing positions. Supporting our working groups by setting their agenda, producing reports, providing policy analysis and minutes;
Supporting governance meetings (General Assembly, Vice-Presidents’ meetings), including through preparing background materials and writing the conclusions;
Creating good working relations with representatives of European institutions (European Commission, European Parliament and the Council of the EU), of EU member states and current/future Associated Countries to the Framework Programmes, and of other networks in Brussels;
Engaging with the Guild’s communications activities proactively (e.g. through social media), in close collaboration with our communications team;
Promoting the excellence and reputation of member universities;
Fulfilling other responsibilities and tasks as directed by the Secretary General;
Working in a collaborative way to help ensure that new and emerging areas of policy engagement and member collaboration are supported.

Education & required experience

University degree, normally at Master’s level or higher;
Good knowledge of the European higher education sector, and of the challenges and opportunities facing research-intensive universities;
Excellent command of spoken and written English, with knowledge of another European language a strong asset;
Relevant professional experience of at least 5 years.

Specific Competencies

Excellent knowledge of EU decision-making processes and governance in relation to research, Higher education, and innovation policy;
Experience and knowledge in relation Horizon Europe, the European Research Area, and/or research sectors relevant to this positions, will be considered an advantage;
A good track record in analyzing public policy and advocating for agendas and solutions to senior university leaders, or policy makers within the EU Commission and Parliament;
Experience in developing, reviewing and synthetizing policies and EU documents, and communicating outcomes to a diverse and broad audience;
Ability to identify, in conjunction with Guild members, key areas of debate in scientific and policy development, and establish effective mechanisms for involving academics;
Ability to foster collaboration and discussion in working groups;
Ability to handle confidentiality within the network, and externally;
Excellent presentation and communication skills.

Other Competencies

Ability to work independently, to high professional standards, on multiple projects in a fast-paced environment;
Ability to tackle challenges in a creative and dynamic manner;
Prepared to travel, including abroad, and undertake additional duties as required;
Ability to network and build relationships with outside organizations;
Excellent inter-personal and communication skills within a multi-national context.

The Guild offers

A permanent employment contract under the Belgium law;
2 days of teleworking per week, and 50% averaged out over the year;
Start date: 19 August 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter;
A European working environment located in Brussels.

Further enquiries, and applications should be submitted to info@the-guild.eu. We ask the applicants to include a cover letter, a CV in English, the names of two referees who can provide a reference in English (referees will be contacted at the final stage, with the applicant’s consent). The letter of application should reflect why candidates are interested in the post, and what they can contribute to it that is distinctive. The deadline for applications is 06 May (end of day). We will only contact candidates that have been shortlisted for interview, with the first set of interviews set for the week commencing 13 May.

Unless a national of the ‘EU and EEA’, candidates must be eligible to work in Belgium and have a work permit at the point of application.

The Guild is committed to maintaining the security of your data mentioned in your application throughout the selection process. If you are not selected, your messages and attached documents will be deleted.

Don't forget to mention EuroBrussels when applying.

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