Head of Social Affairs

EUROCITIES

Brussels, Belgium

Responsibilities

As the Head of Social Affairs, you will lead, guide and coordinate the social affairs team. You will be responsible for leading Eurocities activities related to social policies. These activities are implemented in the framework of the European Commission EaSI operating grant on social inclusion (2026-2029). You will report to the Projects & knowledge sharing director. As Head of Social Affairs, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating Eurocities’ efforts to work with cities across Europe to fight poverty, improve social inclusion, implement the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Child Guarantee as well as the Union of skills at local level, etc.

The main tasks include:

Leadership: leading, managing and guiding the Social Affairs team (10 people), providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities to ensure effective project implementation;
Project Oversight: managing and overseeing the sound implementation of the EaSI operating grant, ensuring alignment with Eurocities’ strategic objectives and compliance with funding requirements;
Stakeholder Engagement: fostering strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including city members, European institutions, trade unions and relevant NGOs;
Technical Knowledge: thorough understanding and knowledge of social inclusion and social affairs;
Reporting and Communication: ensuring high-quality project documentation, including progress reports, deliverables, and communication materials;
Collaboration and synergies: working collaboratively across a diverse team environment, facilitating cooperation and knowledge sharing among team members. Developing potential synergies with other Eurocities policy areas, projects and communications activities by coordinating with relevant colleagues;
Strategic Planning: contributing to the strategic planning and development of Eurocities’ social affairs initiatives, and contributing to the work of the Extended Strategy Team (i.e. directors and head of teams);
Business development: leading on project development in the field of social affairs, and engaging dormant members or new members in the social affairs forum.

Profile

You have:

a successful track record of at least 10 years of work experience in social inclusion policies in the European context;
a Master’s degree or equivalent in social policies, social sciences, urban development, EU studies or related fields;
strong experience in managing and coordinating large EU-funded projects (preferably in the field of social inclusion);
at least 3 years’ experience in successfully managing a team of people;
strong experience in EU advocacy and influencing EU institutions, and other relevant stakeholders;
experience in organising events and/or capacity building initiatives;
excellent understanding of EU policies in social inclusion, inclusive labour market and fighting poverty;
excellent understanding of the EU institutions and the EU decision-making processes;
good understanding of evidence-based policymaking, challenges and opportunities;
good understanding of mutual learning and policy transfer methodologies;
excellent knowledge of urban policies and cities in general, including the role of cities in the EU;
excellent research and analytical skills;
excellent political judgement;
good planning, organisation and coordination skills;
excellent oral and written communications skills in English;
problem-solving approach;
flexibility to deal with multiple and changing priorities;
able to work autonomously and as part of a team.