Position description
Position Details
- Function:Director-General, Egmont – Royal Institute for International Relations
- Contract:Full-time, three-year contract (renewable)
- Starting date:As soon as possible
- Place of work:Rue des Petits Carmes 24A, 1000 Brussels
General Description of the Role
In an uncertain international environment characterised by growing tensions between major powers and significant challenges for the European Union as a geopolitical actor, Egmont aims to further strengthen its position as an independent knowledge institution in the coming years. This will involve continued professionalisation of the organisation, alongside increasing the impact of its research and expanding its training activities.
To this end, Egmont is seeking aDirector-Generalresponsible for the strategic direction, fundraising, positioning and external representation of the organisation. Internally, the role focuses on strengthening governance, collaboration and a shared organisational vision. Externally, it requires high-level visibility and profile-building with government, the private sector and academia.
Main Responsibilities
The Director-General will be responsible for:
- Overall coordination and day-to-day management of the Institute.
- Defining and ensuring a clear strategic direction for the research and training portfolios.
- Acting as a change manager and implementing necessary organisational reforms.
- Human resources management, fostering team cohesion and collaboration.
- Financial management and fundraising, with the aim of structurally increasing the share of external sponsors and projects other than the MFA.
- Identifying, developing and managing partnerships with institutional, governmental and private partners, as well as with other knowledge institutions.
- Interaction with and reporting to the Board of Directors.
- External representation of the Institute at national and international level.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate:
- Is an academically trained, inclusive and inspiring leader (minimum Master's degree required).
- Has experience leading a knowledge-based or policy-oriented organisation with societal relevance at the intersection of academia, politics, public policy and diplomacy.
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of current international challenges and the ability to translate these into a strategic focus for the Institute.
- Connects strategy with implementation, safeguards the independence and quality of research, and effectively bridges research and policy.
- Possesses strong governance and management skills, with the ability to motivate and unite teams around a shared mission.
- Brings a relevant (international) professional network or demonstrates the capacity to further develop one in support of partnerships.
- Has proven experience in financial management, including increasing and diversifying funding sources.
- Communicates clearly and credibly in Dutch, French and English.
- Is willing to work flexibly, including regular evening commitments.
Application instructions
Applications should be submitted to the Chair of the Board, Mr Alexis Brouhns, at [email protected], no later than 18 March 2026.
The application will include a letter of motivation, a detailed CV and a short note (one page maximum) setting out the strategic view on Egmont.
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