Knowledge and Research Coordinator - Social Affairs

Knowledge and Research Coordinator - Social Affairs

EUROCITIES

Brussels, Belgium

Responsibilities

As knowledge and research coordinator, you will play a pivotal part in collecting, analysing, and managing data and knowledge (such as good practices, reports, policy trend papers) about the implementation of social policies at local level. You will make sure that knowledge from past and present EaSI projects is accessible, actionable, and leveraged to inform future policies and initiatives. Your work will directly contribute to the design and implementation of robust knowledge management policies and processes at Eurocities, fostering synergies across projects and enhancing the impact of our work to build a stronger Social Europe. You will report to the Head of Social Affairs, and you will work closely with the Projects & knowledge sharing director.

The main tasks will include:

• Knowledge Management: Develop and maintain processes for collecting, organising, and disseminating knowledge and data related to social policy implementation in cities;
• Process Improvement: Identify gaps and opportunities in knowledge management processes; suggest and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and impact;
• Research & Analysis: Conduct research and analysis on social policies, trends, needs assessments, and best practices; use the findings for evidence-policy making in cooperation with the rest of the team. Contribute to the evidence-based inputs for EU social policies as well as the social monitoring reports;
• Data collection: Work closely with our members and the SAF team to gather and share knowledge about the implementation of EU social policies (i.e. European Pillar of Social Rights, EU Child Guarantee, forthcoming anti-poverty strategy, etc.) in cities;
• Research coordination and cross-team integration: Coordinate knowledge and research activities within the Social Affairs Team by maintaining an overview of ongoing and planned research tasks, aligning outputs and timelines, and ensuring synergies with other Eurocities teams. This includes connecting social policy research with cross-cutting themes such as the just transition, energy poverty, social economy and digital inclusion, and promoting consistent evidence standards and knowledge sharing across the organisation;
• Content Development: Contribute to reports, briefings, case studies, communication materials and other knowledge products with data and good practices from Eurocities members;
• Capacity Building: Contribute to the development of tools, guidelines, and training materials to strengthen knowledge sharing and learning within the network;
• Strategic Partnerships: In partnership with the policy and research advisor, establishing links and connecting with other knowledge institutitons and think tanks, to ensure the dissemination of new research and knowledge, and the contribution to the debate about EU social policies in cities.

Profile

You have:

• a successful track record of at least 5 years of work experience in social inclusion policies in the European context and/or in research and/or in knowledge management or/and data analysis;
• a Master’s degree or equivalent in social policies, social sciences, urban development, EU studies or related fields;
• excellent research and analytical skills, including the ability to summarise complex information;
• excellent understanding of EU policies in social inclusion, inclusive labour market and/or 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;
• good understanding of urban policies and cities in general, including the role of cities in the EU;
• excellent planning, organisation and coordination skills;
• excellent verbal and written communications skills in English;
• problem-solving approach;
• able to work autonomously and as part of a team.

Assets:

• experience of working in a membership association;
• knowledge of digital tools and platforms for knowledge management and collaboration;
• experience in working on EU-funded projects (preferably in the field of social inclusion);
• other languages.