Secretary General European Parkinson's Disease Association

Brussels, Belgium

Organization

The European Parkinson’s Disease Association (EPDA), formed in 1992 is the only European Parkinson’s disease umbrella organisation. It represents 45 member organisations and advocates for the rights and needs of more than 1.2 million people with Parkinson’s and their families. Its vision is to enable all people with Parkinson’s in Europe to live a full life while supporting the search for a cure. The EPDA aims to achieve this by becoming the leading voice for Parkinson’s in Europe – providing innovative leadership, information and resources to national Parkinson’s associations, European policy makers, the treatment industry, healthcare professionals and the media. In achieving these aims, the EPDA hopes to raise the profile of Parkinson’s and enable people living with the disease to be treated effectively and equally throughout Europe.

Requirements

• A hardworking and dedicated professional with a genuine passion for partnership working, who is self motivated and can lead and manage others to achieve results;
• Flexible with an open mind and the ability to adapt to change;
• Strong team player who recognises and acknowledges the importance of each player’s role within the overall organisational plan;
• Excellent understanding of English with strong writing and presentation skills;
• Other languages would be beneficial;
• Experience of working within voluntary organisations or within the community;
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels i.e. Members of European Parliament, media, healthcare professionals and people with Parkinson’s etc;
• Lateral thinker - with the ability to make connections;
• Needs to be able to provide loyal support to the elected Board members while being responsive to their personalities, have the confidence to say 'No' when necessary, and to attend weekend Board meetings;
• Good sense of humour;
• Entrepreneurial experience would be an asset.

Key Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence others and communicate effectively at all levels, with a positive attitude, working to high professional standards;
• Strong collaborative skills with the ability (and experience) to raise income to support the organisation;
• Hardworking and conscientious with a confident nature and the ability to critically and objectively analyse issues and provide appropriate solutions;
• Ability to work both in a team and independently;
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, e-mail and the internet.

Responsibilities

• Business strategy, planning and direction;
• Political affairs and policy management;
• Raising income and financial control;
• Member organisation relations;
• Participation in external European congresses and meetings;
• Organisation of Board meetings (3 per annum);
• Annual General Assembly overall management.

Applicants' Note

Applicants must reside within the greater London area or Brussels and be willing to travel.

This freelance position commences Monday 2nd April 2012.

Fee: GBP 40,320 per annum.

Deadlines for applications: Friday 20th January 2012.

Applicants should send CV together with a covering letter by email to Lizzie Graham, Secretary General: lizzie@epda.eu.com.