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Head of Communication and Conferences (HC&C) COST-ESF


European Co-operation in the Field of Scientific & Technical Research

Brussels, Belgium


COST - European CO-operation in Science and Technology - is a unique means for European researchers to jointly develop their own ideas and new initiatives across all scientific disciplines through trans-European networking of nationally funded research activities. Based on a European intergovernmental framework for cooperation in science and technology, COST has contributed since its creation 40 years ago to closing the gap between science, policy makers and society throughout Europe and beyond. COST mission is to enable break-through scientific developments leading to new concepts and products and thereby contributing to strengthen Europe’s research and innovation  capacities.
The COST Office, located in Brussels, is provided by the European Science Foundation (ESF) – the implementing agent for COST, through a Grant agreement with the European Commission. The COST Office implements Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) decisions and supports  all COST activities, in particular the evaluation and selection of proposals, the monitoring and assessment of COST Actions and the  communication and outreach activities to promote their outcomes and impact.
The ESF-COST Office is currently looking for a Head of Communication & Conferences. He/she will be responsible for the development and  execution of the COST Communications Plan, the implementation of strategic events and high level conferences, management of all the  communications channels, and the development and consistent communication of the organisation's internal and external messages. Reporting to the COST Office Director, he/she will be responsible for the management of the Communication and Conferences Team (4 staff members) and will be a member of the management group.
The person should be available to start as soon as possible.

Position responsibilities:

  • Being responsible for creating, implementing and measuring the success of a comprehensive communications strategy that will enhance COST”s image and position within the European Research Area and beyond; facilitating internal and external communications;
  • Developing, implementing and monitoring innovative COST communication tools and procedures necessary to the smooth running of the communication activities;
  • Forecasting, monitoring, evaluating and assuring adherence to project budgets within the overall ESF-COST financial regulations and providing necessary information allowing the regular presentation of financial reports and negotiated rates;
  • Developing and maintaining media relations, communicating with relevant journalists and other key stakeholders in a way that benefits COST’s reputation;
  • Overseeing the production of high quality, printed and online publications, including professional lay-out and design, proof reading and illustrations and to produce appropriate marketing and corporate materials within budget and within ESF-COST financial regulations, including COST Annual Report;
  • Managing the COST website as the primary source of news and information about COST and developing a multi-media and social media strategy
  • Ensuring an efficient flow of internal communications for staff and other key internal stakeholders;
  • Supervising the Communication and Conferences team members: coordinating the operations, managing workload distribution and performances, including the timely completion of performance appraisals, regular feedback, and appropriate action planning;
  • Promoting a climate of positive, trustful and respectful staff collaboration by encouraging communication and information sharing between the Communication & Conferences team activities and the science and technology related activities in close coordination with the Head of Science Operations;
  • Acting as a key role in the management of the COST Office as a member of the management group and as the Head of the Communication and Conferences activities;
  • Endorsing other responsibilities & undertaking other tasks as necessary for the good organisation of the office, as requested and under the responsibility of the COST Director.

Profile and competencies:

The successful candidate should demonstrate the following competencies:

a. Education

  • University degree (minimum Master level) in communications/journalism/or equivalent by experience.

b. Experience

  • Recognised 5 to 8 years’ experience in Communication and Events or Conference organisation, preferably in a research environment;
  • Knowledge of the European and national research structures and institutions;
  • Good understanding of European and international science and innovation policies;
  • Experience with a science or technology environment and/or familiarity with university-level outreach activities (research background or knowledge appreciated);
  • Experience in academic or not-for-profit environment;
  • Good understanding of IT projects, financial management and administration.

c. Profile

  • Excellent inter-personal skills, including diplomacy, discretion and confidentially;
  • Improvement-minded to enable process review in a spirit of simplification;
  • Collaborative and flexible style, with a strong service mentality, sound judgment and initiative;
  • Strong aptitude to offer interesting solutions to increase efficiency within the organisation;
  • Proven presentation skills necessary to represent COST externally and ability to give exhaustive and instructive explanations on the activities;
  • Adaptability to the changing environment;
  • Strong analytical and problem solving skills.

d. People Management Skills

  • Demonstrated motivational skills: being able to match the motivations and strengths with the tasks for each staff member;
  • Ability to develop team members and to link individual effort to team and organisational goals;
  • Leadership skills for directing staff and overseeing projects;
  • Excellent team work capacities and relationship building abilities.

e. Specific Competencies

  • Proven skills in implementing and creating communication and media strategies;
  • Proven and demonstrable competencies in working with a wide range of media, developing media strategies and relations, preparing press releases and press conferences, social media platforms (such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube), etc.;
  • Sound knowledge of website management (web development, producing content for the web, etc.);
  • Proven and demonstrable experience of drafting, editing and producing publications;
  • Excellent oral and writing, grammar and editing skills; critical attention to detail;
  • Fluent spoken and written English, knowledge of other European languages is an asset;
  • High standard working knowledge of MS Office systems and of electronic databases and Web sites.

ESF-COST Office offers:

  • A full-time contract under the Belgian law with a duration linked to the FP7 COST Grant Agreement II (ending 31 May 2014), with an  initial probation period of 4 months;
  • An international working environment located in Brussels (Avenue Louise 149, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium);
  • Unless a national of the ‘EU and EEE’ candidates must be eligible to work in Belgium and must have a Work Permit.
Electronic applications (motivation letter with possible start date mentioned + CV) should be addressed to Barbara Bottiau and sent to job@cost.eu.
Reference code: HC&C.
For more information, please visit our website http://www.cost.eu.
Deadline for application: 10 February 2013.