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We are hiring for our Brussels Office!

18 December 2024

Research Policy and Advocacy Officer

We seek to hire a highly motivated Policy and Advocacy Officer with proven professional experience in the field of higher education, research and innovation to reinforce our Brussels office.

Key responsibilities could include:

Policy and advocacy work on an evolving portfolio of research-oriented priorities – among others: EU R&I framework programmes; Open Science; research security/dual-use research; AI in Science, etc.

  • Identify, monitor and assess new policy initiatives and developments, draft legislation and any other relevant policy information at European/global level that could impact Coimbra Group (CG) member universities and proactively share relevant information and expertise within the network (briefing papers, memo, etc);
  • Drive CG advocacy on portfolio issues: respond to EU/international consultations with the support of CG members; take initiative to propose and draft CG position papers, statements; formulate and promote CG’s position towards relevant policy makers and stakeholders, in close collaboration with the Executive Board; consult and liaise inside and outside the network, as required; collect and prepare data to feed into the policy work (online surveys, meetings, desk research, etc.); develop and implement advocacy strategies and campaigns with the support of the Executive Board and CG members and when appropriate, in collaboration with relevant partners; contribute to developing key messages or drafting communication materials;
  • Strengthen CG relationships with key actors in the EU institutions (Parliament, Commission, Council) and relevant EU stakeholders;
  • Ensure an active participation of the network in the roll-out of the Barcelona Declaration on Open Research Information.
  • Harness the potential of CG central strategic initiatives, Working Groups’ activities and EU projects where the CG is involved, to feed into the policy work; and
  • Participate and represent CG in stakeholder meetings and other events.
  • Draft new articles, press releases, social media posts, briefings, reports and other documents;

Contribution to other services provided to Coimbra Group members:

  • Monitor and provide support to the work of a few thematic CG Working Groups;
  • Prepare, organise, participate in and/or report on internal and external meetings and events;
  • Contribute, as required, to implement centrally managed initiatives and projects;
  • Write articles for the CG web site, newsletter, social media posts;
  • Contribute to providing inputs, support and advice to CG members as appropriate;
  • Collaborate effectively with the other staff members to support shared team outcomes; and
  • Undertake other relevant duties as appropriate, in line with the priorities of the Coimbra Group.

Profile and skills:

  • Master’s degree in relevant discipline, or equivalent work experience;
  • Minimum 3 years of proven track record in policy analysis and advocacy work at EU and/or international level (e.g. at an EU institution, representation office, stakeholder organisation, or in a consultancy, etc.);
  • Previous experience in academia is an asset;
  • Thorough understanding of EU institutions, policy-making processes and funding instruments;
  • Good knowledge and understanding of higher education, research and innovation issues, notably their European and international dimensions;
  • Excellent analytical and reasoning skills;
  • Excellent drafting skills (capacity to draft concise effective policy messages, etc);
  • Good communication and presentation skills (confidence in engaging with a wide range of stakeholders);
  • Fluent spoken and written English – other EU languages is an asset;
  • Fully computer literate with advanced knowledge of MS Office 365;
  • • Qualitative and quantitative analytical skills (desirable);
  • • Ability to work on multiple tasks;
  • • Sound organisational skills and ability to prioritise work and to meet deadlines;
  • • Team player with a flexible, positive attitude towards work;
  • Ability and willingness to travel on the European continent occasionally (10%) as required;
  • Have the right to live and work in Belgium at the time of application.

Starting date: ASAP

How to apply:

Please e-mail your application in English (short CV and motivation letter + 2 references) to Ms Emmanuelle Gardan, Director, info@coimbra-group.eu, quoting in the subject line: ‘CG PAOR position – your name and surname’.

Download the full position:

Job Position Policy and Advocacy Officer Research Coimbra Group