New Technologies and Innovation Officer EDF
European Disability Forum
Brussels, Belgium
PURPOSE OF JOB:
To support the work on digital and web-accessibility, standardisation and research related to the key objectives of the European Disability Forum.
MAIN TASKS:
All tasks are to be implemented on the basis of decisions adopted by the Governing Bodies of the EDF and under the supervision of EDF Director, in the areas of the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, related mainly to accessibility of information and communication technologies and websites; European standardisation; Research and innovation programmes and projects.
1. To monitor developments, policies and actions in relation to disability covering the fields of main responsibility outlined above at EU level
- To alert the EDF to threats and opportunities for persons with disabilities at EU level: implementation of EU adopted legislation in the area of ICTs, standardisation and research, and EDF strategy towards further legislation.
2. To provide user-friendly information for EDF members on policy and legislative initiatives covering the fields of main responsibility
- To research and write briefings and reports on policy and legislative initiatives and programmes;
- To write regular pieces for the EDF newsletters and other publications;
- To prepare toolkits on adopted legislation that includes provisions of interest for persons with disabilities.
3. To provide political intelligence and a political overview.
4. To provide expertise in the area of ICTs, with a focus on web-accessibility, standardisation and research.
5. To assist in the development of campaigning strategies in the development of EU legislation including accessibility requirements.
- To support EDF campaign on freedom of movement;
- To support the preparation of the EDF contribution to the development of a European Accessibility Act for the ICT- and standardisation-related aspects;
- To follow up and advocate on EDF position on the Proposal for a Directive on accessibility of public sector bodies’ websites;
- To prepare in consultation with EDF members written submission on the basis of analysis of work and developments at EU level.
6. To support EDF in developing contacts with the EU institutions, as well as national, European and international organisations, industry, consumer and professional organisations in the field of ICT and standardisation.
7. To support EDF involvement in current & future research programmes
- To support through the preparation of information material and toolkits EDF members participation in research;
- To coordinate EDF participation in the DISCIT project (Making Persons with Disabilities Full Citizens.
8. To undertake research and provide background briefings and information for members and external organisations on request
- To provide the required comprehensive and tailored information about EU matters to effectively support EDF members in their work;
- To assist in the preparation required for EDF meetings and meetings between EDF and external organisations and actors.
9. To coordinate the EDF ICT Email Expert Group
- To provide support to the Chair of the EDF ICT Email Expert Group;
- To foster close links and co-operation with members on ICT and standardisation policy matters and to support the group of experts and taskforces.
PERSON SPECIFICATION POST: NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND INNOVATION OFFICER
1. KNOWLEDGE
Essential
- Good knowledge and experience of ICT, web-accessibility, standardisation;
- Understanding of the culture of membership based NGOs;
- At least two years’ work experience in the field.
Desirable
- Knowledge of EU policies and human rights instruments related to persons with disabilities;
- Knowledge of EU Institutions and procedures as well as insight on their functioning;
- Knowledge on advocacy instruments and strategies.
2. SKILLS/ABILITIES
Essential
- Ability to critically analyse the legal and policy developments related to persons with disabilities in the area of digital and web-accessibility as well as standardisation;
- Ability to apply the human-rights approach to disability under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in practice;
- Ability to process technical information on a range of issues, in particular relating to policies in the area of ICT, standardisation and research, and assimilate it for a wide variety of audiences;
- Ability to work effectively within an organisation with an EU-wide membership, maintain the confidence and co-operation of member organisations and staff through good-quality communication and consultation;
- Ability to be accountable to elected officials and understand the importance of working within a mandate;
- Ability to manage a complex workload and to plan and prioritise under pressure;
- Ability to work in a small, busy and international team;
- Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally, in English and in French;
- Excellent communication and presentation skills;
- High computer literacy, including its accessibility dimension;
- Good organisational and team-support skills.
Desirable
- Ability to critically analyse developments in EU policies related to research and the internal market;
- Ability to understand the technicalities of digital accessibility;
- Ability to work effectively in other EU languages, including sign languages;
- Ability to manage and contribute to European projects.
3. EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Good knowledge and experience in one of more of the following areas: ICTs, web-accessibility and standardisation;
- Experience in analysing policy and legal documents, interpreting and pinpointing implications for specific groups;
- Experience in writing reports and briefing documents;
- Experience in advocating for human rights (particularly disability rights).
Desirable
- Experience of membership-based organisation, either as staff or as a member;
- Experience of working in the NGO sector;
- Experience of EU policy and legislative work;
- Experience of European project management.
Post a Comment