Policy Officer - R&I EU Legislation and Advocacy

Position description

The Policy Officer – R&I EU legislation and advocacy is responsible for supporting co-operation among Science Europe Member Organisations and for developing advocacy strategies on key regulatory developments for scientific research in Europe, as well as to support science diplomacy efforts. To do so, the position holder works closely with experts from the Member Organisations, Science Europe Office staff, and with relevant external organisations.

The Association

Science Europe is a membership association of national public research funding and research performing organisations based in European countries. Located in Brussels, the association promotes the collective interests of its Member Organisations through its advocacy work and supports them in their efforts to foster the European Research Area (ERA). With a focus on fundamental science, we contribute to the development of current and future research and innovation policies in the ERA and beyond, engaging with key partners at European and international levels.

The Position

As a Policy Officer you will assume responsibilities on advocacy in regulatory EU frameworks and policies relevant to the development of research and innovation systems, in line with the Science Europe Strategy Plan. Reporting to the Secretary General, this is a full-time position that requires the job holder to be based in Belgium.

Working with Science Europe’s Member Organisations, the areas of work include:

• Regulatory frameworks on areas covering a wide range of ERA policies, such as intellectual property rights, artificial intelligence, use of non-animal technologies in research, environmental sustainability, public procurement and so on;
• Research and innovation advocacy areas, including academic freedom, institutional governance, science diplomacy and impact of research.

The responsibilities include:

• Promote members’ interests in the areas of work indicated above;
• Monitor EU legislative developments that affect research policies and propose strategies and actions for advocacy in line with SE Member Organisations’ interests;
• Support the Secretary General to liaise between the General Assembly, Governing Board, and the Office, prepare relevant documents, and assist in the implementation of activities and projects;
• Support co-operation between Member Organisations and implements activities with relevant Working Groups and Task Forces as necessary;
• Develop and maintain relationships with officials from European institutions, and from other relevant stakeholders and organisations;
• Co-ordinate activities related to EU legislation and legal frameworks that impact research and innovation. Develop advocacy messages, campaigns, and long-term agendas in the work areas;
• Draft or contribute to briefings and reports, policy documents, and other communication materials, such as press releases, press articles, communication campaigns, newsletters, and social media, as determined by Science Europe’s activities;
• Work together with other Office staff to contribute to the overall realisation of the objectives of the organisation.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 4–6 years relevant work experience, in research policy or research administration, and/or in thematic areas relevant to research policy topics;
• Education to at least Master’s degree, in law and/or in economics with legal knowledge, with orientation towards European research affairs and legislation. A doctoral degree is an added value;
• Sound background on mechanisms of publicly funded scientific research systems, at European and ideally also at global level;
• Experience working in a research performing or research funding organisation and a good understanding of an international membership organisation or association;
• In-depth knowledge of the policy-making processes at European and global level;
• Proven capacity in project and event management;
• Experience working with academics and policy makers in a European context;
• Advanced writing and editing skills in English, and capacity to write articles, reports, and policy papers for different audiences;
• Pro-active, flexible, and ‘hands on’ approach to work;
• Strong analytical thinking and scientific awareness with the ability to interpret and explain policy developments in their own contexts;
• Service-oriented and demonstrated concern for meeting the needs of members in membership organisations;
• Proven capacity to deal with stakeholders and broker common positions;
• Ability to work both in a team and independently, on own initiative;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively with tight deadlines;
• Strong inter-personal, external networking, and negotiation skills.

What we offer

We offer a 3-year fixed-term contract with the possibility to become permanent, as well as a competitive salary. The salary offered will depend on the qualification level and number of years of relevant experience. We also offer a package of benefits such as meal vouchers, medical and hospital insurance, and group pension plan.

Please note that Science Europe is established under Belgian law, and that employment is within the Belgian tax and social security system. The job requires being located in Belgium.

Application instructions

You can apply by sending your CV and a cover letter (in English) to [email protected] specifying ‘Policy Officer – R&I EU legislation and advocacy’ in the title.

Your cover letter (maximum one page) should outline your suitability and motivation for the position. Please also include the names and contact details of two people (ideally a current or former line manager or supervisor) who could provide references.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The deadline for applications is Monday 25 May at 23:59 CEST. Applications will be reviewed upon submission and suitable applicants may be contacted for interview prior to the deadline. Please note that only successful applicants will be contacted.

Further Information

Please direct any questions to [email protected]; telephone + 32 (0)2 226 0307. More information on Science Europe can be found at www.scienceeurope.org.

Protection of personal data

The personal data (CV, motivation letter, and so on) that you communicate to Science Europe will be treated confidentially and processed according with our Applicant’s Privacy Notice.

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