Senior Policy Officer , Senior Scientific Officer

Background

Science Europe (www.scienceeurope.org) is an association of 51 European research funding organisations (RFO) and research performing organisations (RPO) in 26 countries, founded in October 2011 and based in Brussels.

It promotes the collective interests of the RFOs and RPOs of Europe and supports its member organisations in their efforts to foster European research. It aims to strengthen the European Research Area through direct engagement with key partners. In doing so it is informed by direct representation of all scientific communities in its reflections on policies, priorities and strategies. 

The Science Europe Office currently has a team of ten staff (Director, Head of Research Affairs, Head of Policy Affairs, Communications Manager, Office Manager, Senior Policy Officer, three Senior Scientific Officers, and an Administrative Assistant).

Vacancies

• Senior Policy Officer (2 Posts)
• Senior Scientific Officer (3 Posts)

Senior Policy Officer (2 Posts)

In order to support the development of Science Europe, we are currently looking for two further Senior Policy Officers.

The Policy Affairs unit, in co-operation with the member organisations, strives to develop and implement common policies and standards in European research support. The unit will promote activities in policy areas where collaboration will bring added value and foster new approaches. These include open access, research infrastructures, research careers, cross-border funding, science in society, and gender and diversity issues. Together with major stakeholders and institutions in the research policy field, the unit will seek to strengthen and streamline relevant processes at European level.

Responsibilities

• You will work within a team of three Senior Policy Officers, reporting to the Head of Policy Affairs;
• You will oversee and support policy activities amongst member organisations, principally by co-ordinating the further development of the Science Europe Roadmap actions;
• You will contribute to Science Europe’s formal and informal input to the development of research policies across Europe;
• Depending on your background and experience, you will be responsible for monitoring European and global developments in specific research policy areas; and
• You will liaise with European Institutions, stakeholder organisations and the wider international community.

Profile

Essential

• You are educated to at least degree level;
• You have a minimum five years relevant work experience, in the area of research administration or research policy;
• You have a solid understanding of the mechanisms of international research co-operation, research funding or related fields;
• You have good knowledge of the policy-making processes at the European level and of the EU-Institutions;
• You feel comfortable working in close contact with senior academics and policy makers, in an international context;
• You have strong communication and relationship building skills, as well as negotiation and persuasion skills;
• You have an understanding of project management;
• You have good writing skills, and are comfortable writing articles, reports and policy papers;
• You have a pro-active, flexible and ‘hands on’ approach to work;
• You are fluent in English, which is the working language of Science Europe; and
• You are willing to travel within Europe if required (though your main activities will be in Brussels, occasional travel for short periods may be necessary).

Desirable

The following skills and experience would be beneficial:

• Knowledge of other European languages; and
• Knowledge of the European Research Area (ERA)/EU research and innovation programmes and policies.

Senior Scientific Officer (3 Posts)

In order to support the development of Science Europe, we are currently looking for three further Senior Scientific Officers.

 These positions are within the Research Affairs team, which ensures a strong voice for excellent and active researchers, through six Scientific Committees. The Senior Scientific Officers (SSO) support the establishment and activities of these six Committees, which are:

• Medical Sciences
• Life, Environmental and Geo- Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Humanities
• Physical, Chemical and Mathematical Sciences (including Materials Sciences)
• Engineering (including Geo- and Bio-engineering and Technological Sciences)

We are seeking Senior Scientific Officers to work with each of the following Committees:

• Life, Environmental and Geo- Sciences
• Social Sciences OR Humanities
• Physical, Chemical and Mathematical Sciences (including Materials Sciences)

Responsibilities

• You will work within a team of six Senior Scientific Officers (SSOs), reporting to the Head of Research Affairs;
• You will be responsible for managing Science Europe’s formal and informal contributions to the common views on future evolutions and priorities in science and research by the Scientific Committees;
• You will provide input to Science Europe statements to the European Commission, national governments or other bodies;
• You will support the Committee Chairs, and other members as required, in drawing up reports and recommendations;
• You will organise activities supporting inter-disciplinary issues between Committees, in collaboration with colleagues;
• You will provide a secretariat function one Committee, including meeting and agenda preparation, communication with members and drafting minutes;
• You will brief the Head of Research Affairs on issues relating to the Committee that you support; and
• You will work closely with the Communications Manager, the Policy Affairs Unit and other staff, to ensure that relevant outputs from the Committees are widely disseminated and achieve impact.

Profile

Essential

• You have a PhD degree or equivalent active research experience in a discipline related to one of the Committees;
• You have a sound background and experience in research policy administration and/or science management/co-ordination, ideally within member organisations or similar;
• You have experience working in collaboration with senior academics;
• You have an understanding of the European research landscape (including its funding structures and institutions and related science policy issues);
• You have excellent inter-personal and communication skills, as well as networking, negotiation and persuasion skills;
• You have sound writing, briefing and analytical skills;
• You have strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage your time and to work to deadlines;
• You are team-oriented and able to work collaboratively with colleagues, as well as independently and without supervision when required;
• You have a pro-active, flexible and ‘hands on’ approach to work;
• You are fluent in English, which is the working language of Science Europe; and
• You are willing to travel within Europe if required (though your main activities will be in Brussels, occasional travel for short periods may be necessary).

Desirable

The following skills and experience would be beneficial:

• Knowledge of other European language(s);
• Experience of managing or supporting committees;
• A good basis in project management; and
• Experience of working in an international environment.

Salary and Benefits

You will have the opportunity to help shape a newly-founded organisation, and a high level of autonomy and a great challenge is therefore guaranteed. 

These positions are full time for three years with possibility of extension. 

Science Europe offers a competitive salary, in the range of €56K to €64K (gross annual salary), as well as benefits such as hospital and group insurance and extra vacation days. The salary offered within this range will be dependent on level of experience. Please note that Science Europe is established under Belgian law, and that employment is within the Belgian tax and social security system. 

Posts can also potentially be filled on a secondment basis (for example, a secondment from a Science Europe member organisation).

How to Apply

Please apply by sending your CV and a cover letter to careers@scienceeurope.org. 

Your cover letter (maximum two pages) should outline your suitability and motivation for the post. 

IMPORTANT: For the Senior Scientific Officer posts, please indicate clearly in your cover letter which of the following Committees you are applying to work with:

• Life, Environmental and Geo- Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Humanities
• Physical, Chemical and Mathematical Sciences (including Materials Sciences)

Please also include with your application the names and contact details of two people who could provide a reference if you are short-listed for interview. 

The deadline for applications is Friday 8th February 2013.

Interviews

• Senior Policy Officers: Interviews are provisionally scheduled for Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th February
• Senior Scientific Officers: Interviews are provisionally scheduled for Monday 4th March and Thursday 14th March

If you know in advance that you will not be available on one or both of these dates please clearly indicate this in your cover letter.

Further Information

Please direct any questions to careers@scienceeurope.org; telephone + 32 (0)2 550 15 12. More information on Science Europe can be found on the website at www.scienceeurope.org.