Science Europe respects the privacy of its applicants and treats their personal data in the strictest confidentiality. Please see our Applicants Privacy Notice for more information.

Senior Policy Officer for the Green Transition

The Senior Policy Officer is responsible for supporting collaboration among Science Europe Member Organisations, for developing advocacy strategies on key issues for scientific research in Europe. To do so, the post holder works closely with experts from the Member Organisations, with the rest of the Science Europe Office and with relevant external partners.

Reporting to the Secretary General, the holder of this position will assume responsibilities in the framework of one of the main priorities of Science Europe, namely strengthening the role and contribution of science in tackling societal challenges. This is based on Science Europe’s convening role amongst national research performing organisations (RPOs) and research funding organisations (RFOs).

Working with Science Europe RPOs and RFOs, the post holder will look at: i) ways to enhance the transmission of scientific knowledge to policy making, ii) how to develop institutional policies to make research activity more sustainable environmentally, ii) foster dialogue between researchers, policy makers, and stakeholder organisations. The challenges associated to the green and digital transitions and sustainability of research will be a main focus area.

Responsibilities

• Supports the Secretary General as liaison between the General Assembly, the Governing Board and the Office (contributing to preparing relevant documents and assisting the implementation of activities and projects).
• Contributes to the strategic development of the organisation by ensuring that Annual Workplans are in line with the Science Europe Strategy Plan and the Multi-annual Action Plan.
• Co-ordinates all activities in the topic areas of responsibility, and collaborates with other Office staff to contribute to the overall realisation of the objectives of the organisation. This include the organisation of events, drafting publications, policy positions, and other activities related to Science Europe’s work.
• Implements activity with relevant Working Groups and Task Forces as necessary.
• Drafts and/or contributes to the development of policy documents and communications materials (expert reports, internal briefings, public policy statements, press releases, articles, newsletters, social media, and so on), as determined by Science Europe’s activities and outputs.
• Keeps abreast of the developments in the above areas in Europe and globally (to identify trends, needs, and assess complementary or competitor organisations), and proposes relevant actions.
• Maintains and develops relations with existing members, and with possible new ones.
• Monitors Member Organisation engagement in the above-mentioned areas and develops actions to maintain/improve participation and increase value to membership.
• Contributes to the Strategy monitoring system in co-ordination with other staff.

Credentials

We are looking for a candidate who has:

• education level of at least a Masters’ degree; a PhD degree is desirable, but not necessary.
• 6–8 years of relevant work experience, in the area of research policy or research administration.
• previous experience working in and/or a solid understanding of an international membership organisation or association.
• sound background working in, and/or a good understanding of, the mechanisms of publicly funded scientific national and EU research systems.
• sound background experience in, and/or an understanding of, EU public, legislative and regulatory affairs, including experience in advocacy and dealing with the European institutions.
• experience in working in thematic areas directly relevant to the position, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Climate change, green and digital transition, societal impact of research.
• in-depth knowledge of the policy-making processes at the European level.
• proven ability in project and event management.
• experience working in close contact with senior academics and policy makers, in an international context.
• advanced writing and editing skills in English, and capacity to write articles, reports, and policy papers for different audiences.

And the following key skills and competences:

• strong analytical thinking skills and policy awareness with the ability to interpret and explain policy developments.
• service-oriented and demonstrates concern for meeting the needs of Member Organisations.
• proven capacity to deal with stakeholders and broker common positions.
• excellent verbal and written communication in English.
• advanced presentation and facilitation skills.
• strong inter-personal, external networking, negotiation skills.
• strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage time and to work to deadlines.
• team-oriented and able to work collaboratively with colleagues for a common goal.
• able to work independently and without supervision when required.
• capacity to deliver high-quality results under pressure.
• pro-active, flexible, and ‘hands on’ approach to work.

What we offer

A 3-year full-time contract as well as a competitive salary with the possibility to become permanent at the end of that period. The salary offered will depend on level and number of years of relevant experience. We also offer benefits such as ‘chèques repas’ (meal vouchers), 13th month (additional salary payment in December), medical and hospital insurance, pension plan insurance.

Please note that Science Europe is established under Belgian law, and that employment is within the Belgian tax and social security system.

How can you apply?

You can apply by sending your CV and a cover letter (in English) to careers@scienceeurope.org specifying ‘Senior Policy Officer for the Green Transition’ in the title.

Your cover letter (maximum one page) should outline your suitability and motivation for the post. Please also include with your application 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 2 June 2024. Applications will be reviewed upon submission and suitable applicants may be contacted for interview prior to the closing date. If a suitable candidate is identified prior to the closing date, we reserve the right to close the recruitment before the advertised deadline. Please note that only successful applicants will be contacted.

This vacancy is also available in downloadable PDF format.

Policy Officer for EU Framework Programmes for R&I, Cross-border and International Research Collaboration (Temporary Position)

The Policy Officer – EU Framework Programmes on R&I, Cross Border and International Research Collaboration is responsible for supporting co-operation among Science Europe Member Organisations and for supporting advocacy strategies on key issues for scientific research in Europe. To do so, the post holder works closely with experts from the Member Organisations, Science Europe Office staff and with relevant external organisations.

Reporting to the Secretary General, the position holder will assume responsibilities on the EU Framework Programme on R&I, and on Cross Border and International Research Collaboration, in line with Science Europe’s Strategy Plan.

Working with Science Europe RPOs and RFOs, the post holder will:

• Follow the developments on EU Framework Programme for R&I and inform Member Organisations.
• Advocate investments in R&I, better co-operation between national and European actors in collaborative initiatives such as Partnerships, and other relevant developments identified by Science Europe.
• Promote actions in support of widening participation and fostering brain circulation.
• Promote international research collaboration beyond Europe through bodies such as the Global Research Council or through Science Europe policy initiatives (for instance, dialogue on collaboration with China).

To achieve these, the post holder will develop and maintain relationships with officials from European Institutions and global R&I organisations.

Responsibilities

• Co-ordinates all Science Europe activities related to the EU Framework Programme on R&I, and Cross Border and International Research Collaboration.
• Supports the Secretary General as liaison between the General Assembly, the Governing Board and the Office, contributing to prepare relevant documents and assisting the implementation of activities and projects in line with the SE Strategy Plan.
• Maintains and develops relationships with Member Organisations, including collecting and discussing existing initiatives in the areas of responsibility.
• Supports co-operation between Member Organisations and implements activities with relevant Working Groups and Task Forces as necessary.
• Develops advocacy messages, campaigns and long-term agendas in the areas of responsibility.
• Co-ordinates all activities in the topic areas of responsibility, including the organisation of events and meetings.
• Develops partnerships with external organisations in Europe and globally as necessary, keeping abreast of the developments in the areas described above.
• Drafts or contributes to draft briefings and reports, policy documents, and other communication materials (such as press releases, press articles, communication campaigns, newsletters, social media, and so on) as determined by Science Europe’s activity.
• Collaborates with other Office staff to contribute to the overall realisation of the objectives of the organisation.

Credentials

We are looking for a candidate who has:

• education level to at least Masters’ degree, with an orientation towards research values and research in and for society. A PhD degree is desirable, but not necessary.
• 2–4 years of relevant work experience, in research policy or research administration; experience in working in thematic areas relevant to research policy topics.
• sound background on mechanisms of publicly funded scientific research systems in at national, European, and global levels.
• experience working in a Research Performing Organisation or Research Funding Organisation and a good understanding of an international membership organisation or association.
• in-depth knowledge of the policy-making processes at the European level.
• proven capacity in project and event management.
• experience working with academics and policy makers in an international context.
• advanced writing and editing skills in English, and capacity to write articles, reports and policy papers for different audiences.

And the following key skills and competences:

• strong analytical thinking and scientific awareness with the ability to interpret and explain policy developments.
• service-oriented and demonstrated concern for meeting the needs of members in membership organisations.
• proven capacity to deal with stakeholders and broker common positions.
• advanced presentation and facilitation skills.
• strong inter-personal, external networking, negotiation skills.
• strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage time and to work to deadlines.
• capacity to deliver high-quality results under pressure.
• team-oriented and able to work collaboratively with colleagues for a common goal.
• able to work independently and without supervision when required.
• pro-active, flexible, and ‘hands on’ approach to work.

What we offer

We offer a temporary 1-year full-time contract as well as a competitive salary. The salary offered will depend on level and number of years of relevant experience. We also offer benefits such as ‘chèques repas’ (meal vouchers), 13th month, medical and hospital insurance,  pension plan insurance and supplementary vacation days.

Science Europe is established under Belgian law, and, in consequence, employment is within the Belgian tax and social security system.

The post can also potentially be filled on a secondment basis (for example, a secondment from a Science Europe Member Organisation).

The position is available immediately.

How can you apply?

You can apply by sending your CV and a cover letter (in English) to careers@scienceeurope.org specifying ‘Policy Officer – Horizon Europe’ in the title.

Your cover letter (maximum one page) should outline your suitability and motivation for the post. Please also include with your application 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 2 June 2024. Applications will be reviewed upon submission and suitable applicants may be contacted for interview prior to the closing date. If a suitable candidate is identified prior to the closing date, we reserve the right to close the recruitment before the advertised deadline. Please note that only successful applicants will be contacted.

This vacancy is also available in downloadable PDF format.