Operations Officer
Operations Officer
UNA Europa - University Alliance Europe
Brussels, Belgium
Nine leading European research universities have come together to create a unique alliance – Una Europa. The Una Europa partners are Universitá di Bologna, Freie Universität Berlin, University of Edinburgh, University of Helsinki, Uniwersytet Jagielloński w Krakowie, Leiden University, KU Leuven, Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. Una Europa aims to draw on our collective strengths to create a truly European inter-university environment, a University of the Future.
Una Europa has been formally established as a non-profit association under Belgian law (vzw) on to ensure the sustainability of the alliance. The objectives of the association are inter alia to promote cooperation between the university partners, to create a culture of excellence in education and research and to contribute to the development of the European Education Area and the European Research Area.
In June 2019, Una Europa was selected by the European Commission to be among the first ‘European Universities’ pilots. In the coming four to six years, Una Europa will work towards developing into a truly integrated European University of the Future. This will entail both widening through enlargement of the partnership and deepening in terms of integrating our education and research activities and taking them to the next level.
We are now seeking an Operations Officer to assist the Secretary-General in the coordination of the daily management of the office in central Brussels and other tasks related to the operations of the Una Europa alliance more broadly. A central position in the team, this job will suit a professional that is driven by working in a fast-moving, international environment.
Role and responsibilities
- Providing day-to-day oversight of finances, including processing payments and invoices, preparing accounting reports and liaison with Accountant;
- Supporting operational preparation for participation in EU funded projects, including finances and reporting;
- Supporting Human Resources and team activities, including liaison with payroll and team members;
- Supporting oversight of legal compliance, including health & safety and data protection;
- Liaison with operational colleagues across the Una Europa universities, including coordination of meetings and minute writing;
- Logistical assistance for organizing meetings, workshops and events (physical, hybrid, online), including booking travel and liaison with external suppliers and venues;
- Management of office supplies and relationship-building with local suppliers;
- Support for implementation of Una Europa seed funding initiative;
- Other tasks in line with the position.
Profile and skills
- Preferably a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience;
- Experience of coordination work with clients/partners remotely;
- Experience of administering EU funded projects would be desirable;
- Relevant education, training or professional qualifications;
- Digital mindset, with excellent digital skills, including command of MS Office 365 (Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, OneNote, Excel, Word and PowerPoint);
- Spoken and written language proficiency in English; ability to work in Dutch, or a willingness to train to that level;
- A proactive attitude, ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, as part of an international team;
- Passionate to contribute to the Una Europa mission and values;
- Excellent organizational skills, problem solving skills and an eye for detail;
- Flexibility, enthusiasm and eagerness to learn for working on a variety of tasks;
- Strong interpersonal skills, including discretion.
What we offer
- Full-time contract of unlimited duration under Belgian law and attractive salary package in line with experience and skills; openness to discussing part-time working arrangements;
- Additional benefits, including extra-legal holidays, meal vouchers, Group insurance and Hospitalization insurance policies;
- Enjoyable work environment within a newly established international office in the centre of Brussels, easily reachable by public transport; flexible working arrangements possible, including working from home;
- Opportunity for occasional travel within Europe (approximately 3-4 times per year).
How to apply
Candidates who wish to apply for the position should submit the following information:
- Application letter, explaining your strengths as a candidate and specifically outlining your motivations for working for Una Europa;
- A current CV, no longer than two pages.
In case you have any questions about the position, please contact Ms. Emily Palmer (jobs@una-europa.eu).
Deadline for application: 3 June 2022
Tentative interview date: 14 June 2022
Tentative starting date: August/September 2022
