Associate Director - European Social Policy
Associate Director - European Social Policy
Ecorys UK
Brussels, Belgium
About Ecorys
Ecorys is a world-class research-based consultancy that helps our clients make a positive impact on society. We are leaders in research and evaluation, project management and communications providing the evidence and advice that our clients need to tackle the issues that affect communities around the world. Our 600 staff are justifiably proud of our innovative and thought-provoking contributions to policy and programme delivery.
About the Role & Business Unit
Ecorys is looking to recruit talented senior staff at Associate Director level with experience of research and/or EU evaluation/impact assessments. The successful candidate will join our growing EU Policy and Research team, working with Directors and directing the work of more junior staff.
We are looking for applicants with in-depth knowledge, experience and understanding of European policy in either employment, education, training and skills development, social inclusion, equalities, occupational health, youth, culture, sport and research and innovation. The ideal candidate will have strong experience of winning and delivering work for European institutions, especially the European Commission and its agencies. They should also have solid experience of qualitative and/or quantitative research and/or evaluation methods. Strong communication and leadership skills and an excellent command of English (written and verbal) are also essential to this role.
The role will involve leading tenders to win new work and directing a portfolio of research-related and technical assistance projects in our core market areas of employment and education. It will also include leading large projects or strands of projects in our current research areas. Examples of topics covered by our current projects include skills development, graduate tracking, gender equality in research, the European gaming society, supporting the Working Groups under the European Education Area Strategic Framework, labour market mobility, and the use of EU funds during the Covid pandemic. Our main clients are the European Commission – DG EAC, DG EMPL, DG COMM and DG RTD – and EU agencies such as EU-OSHA, Cedefop and Eurofound.
Successful candidates will work in a team-based environment, where they will have the freedom to grow their role and portfolio and help junior colleagues to develop their skills and experience.
This is a permanent role, and is available full or part-time. You can choose to be based out of one of our UK offices (London, Birmingham or Leeds), our Brussels office, or work fully remotely. A wide range of hybrid and flexible working options are available.
Role Responsibilities & requirements
What we are looking for
Essential
- Strong academic credentials up to at least Masters level in a subject relevant to social policy;
- A significant body of relevant work experience in consultancy, research or evaluation;
- Knowledge of European policy and institutions;
- Proven track record of winning work;
- Strong organisational and project management skills;
- Strong qualitative and/or quantitative research skills;
- Ability to work in large multidisciplinary and multicultural teams;
- Line management experience;
- Commercial awareness and evidence of an entrepreneurial ‘can do’ attitude;
- Excellent written and spoken English.
Desirable
- Additional EU language skills.
What we can offer
A competitive salary with additional bonus and benefits available.
The opportunity for personal and career development in a stimulating environment.
Our working culture promotes team working and we have a strong focus on personal and career development. Successful candidates will be part of a large international group with offices worldwide. Ecorys operates a flexible working policy and our team is currently working in a hybrid capacity.
This role will require some European travel, when permitted.
To apply for the position, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your motivation here: https://careers.ecorys.com/en/ad/associate-director-european-social-policy/2x2q4h.
