Position description
Established in 2023, ICFG is dedicated to shaping a future where decision-makers anticipate and responsibly govern the societal impacts of rapid technological change, ensuring that emerging technologies are harnessed to serve the best interests of humanity. The ambition of ICFG is to become the most impactful think-and-do-tank in the European Union by working with stakeholders within the EU, as well as national governments, and providing them with expertise and concrete policy suggestions. ICFG executes rigorous, independent, and policy-oriented research to create awareness about emerging technologies that require the urgent attention of political decision-makers.
With 2024 being an important election year, we are poised to make a significant impact and we want you to be part of it!
The role
As the Public Policy Officer for the ICFG Biotechnology Program, you will be responsible for our public policy outreach and advocacy initiatives, focusing on biotechnology policy and biosecurity. Your primary responsibilities will include engagement with key stakeholders in Brussels and beyond, and developing and maintaining a broad network of partnerships ranging from NGOs to policymakers and implementers. You will review existing relevant legislation and propose new policy initiatives in the area of biotechnology that can be implemented at a Union and/or member state level. You will craft compelling advocacy messages and execute successful public outreach campaigns aimed at influencing EU policies. Through your strategic efforts, you will enhance the program's visibility and impact, positioning ICFG as a key player in shaping biotechnology policy and governance.
How You Will Make an Impact
As the Policy Officer, you will be at the forefront of shaping the future of biotechnology policy and its implications on global health and security. Your efforts will drive significant policy and societal outcomes by:
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- Policy Analysis and Strategy: Analysing emerging EU and global policies to identify opportunities for ICFG’s input, to enhance the impact and ensure a risk-conscious approach to technology regulation.
- Proactive Policy Engagement: Demonstrating a proactive approach to identify and prioritize the optimal public policy outreach opportunities within the EU and on a global scale, ensuring that ICFG is a key player in critical policy discussions on biotechnology and biosecurity.
- Developing Policy Scenarios: Collaborating with the Biotechnology Research Analyst and the Foresight Team to develop realistic scenarios for potential policy opportunities and challenges related to emerging biotechnologies.
- Legislative Partnerships: Maintaining robust contacts with key players in European institutions involved in drafting EU legislation in healthcare and biotechnology, and identifying opportunities for joint legislative drafting and advocacy initiatives.
- NGO and Event Engagement: Acting as a focal point for engagement with other NGOs in the areas of biosecurity and pandemic preparedness. Engaging in networking and relationship-building activities with external stakeholders, attending and hosting relevant events, and coordinating the interface with the Communications team.
- Writing and Publications: Contributing to the development and dissemination of policy briefs, research publications, and outreach materials that highlight key findings and recommendations, enriching the global dialogue on biotechnological advancements.
- Outreach and Communication: Working closely with the Governance and Communications teams at ICFG to shape outreach materials tailored to various audiences, particularly focusing on biotechnology governance and pandemic preparedness.
Qualifications
- Excellent Communication & Networking Skills: You must possess outstanding communication abilities to effectively engage with a diverse range of stakeholders. A good understanding of the Brussels ecosystem is a bonus.
- Experience in Policy Research and Advocacy: We are looking for a candidate with a proven background in policy analysis, and advocacy, ideally gained within think tanks, policy organizations, public institutions, or similar environments. Experience in or comprehensive understanding of EU institutions is an asset.
- Commitment to Impact: Essential knowledge of the potential development areas within biotechnology and their impacts on society is preferred.
- Strong Project Management Abilities: You should have excellent organizational skills, ability to work independently and to oversee projects from inception to completion, ensuring high-quality outcomes.
- Critical thinking and analysis of EU legislation : You need to be comfortable to read and analyse communication pieces, reports and policy proposals from relevant EU institutions or other governmental or non-governmental bodies with the objective to identify opportunities for ICFG inputs and impact. This work requires regular screening of emerging policy materials in the field of biotechnology and biosecurity.
- Collaborative and Professional Attitude: Success in this role demands a collaborative spirit and a professional attitude. Specific aspects of the role might require collaboration with different teams across the organisation to deliver cross-cutting results.
- Diverse Academic Backgrounds Welcome: This is a mid-career level role for candidates with relevant work experience. Candidates with degrees in Public Policy, Public Administration, Technology Management, Natural Sciences, International Relations, or related fields are encouraged to apply. We value the unique insights that diverse academic experiences can bring to our team.
What we offer
- An indefinite contract
- Work location: The working location for this position is Brussels. We offer flexible working that will enable a hybrid home and office working arrangement.
- Vacation days: Aside from mandatory leave, we offer 3-5 shut-it-down days usually during Christmas holiday.
- Learning & Development: An annual contribution toward personal education & development.
- Wellness & Wellbeing: An annual contribution toward personal wellness & wellbeing. Aside from this contribution, we consider ourselves a caring, compassionate employer that fosters a healthy working environment.
- Inclusive workplace: We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace for all.
About ICFG
- Our technology programs revolve around the following focus areas: advanced artificial intelligence, neurotechnology, biotechnology, quantum technology, and Climate Interventions. In addition, there are two cross-cutting programs - Foresight and Governance - that dig into the bigger picture challenges of effective policy making.
- We are funded by private philanthropists and we do not accept funding from commercial interests. Our funders don’t gain from our activities. Independence in the research and outreach of ICFG is of the utmost importance.
- We’re a start-up organization of about 20 people at the moment and growing fast. Some are working from Brussels, some remotely.
Application instructions
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