Advocacy & Healthy Ageing Co-ordinator

EuroHealthNet

Brussels, Belgium

EuroHealthNet is a not-for-profit partnership of bodies working to improve health, wellbeing and equity in Europe (see www.eurohealthnet.eu and www.healthpromotion.eu to access our extensive online sites and channels for full information). We seek an experienced public affairs professional and skilful communicator in policy to ensure the external impact of our new development plan 2014 – 2020 is successful.

This full-time post will have three linked priority elements:

1. Work within the new EuroHealthNet Framework Contract with the EU EASI Programme to help develop the European Platform for Health & Social Equity (PHASE);
2. Proactively liaise with EU Institutions to build knowledge of opportunities and advocate for approaches for health improvements in all policies and programmes (with DG SANCO in particular);
3. Effectively advocate for health literacy, healthy ageing and age-friendly environments and specifically promote the EU co-funded IROHLA project (www.irohla.eu).

Reporting to the Social Policy and Innovation Manager, the successful candidate will work primarily in Brussels with some travel and out of hours working expected. Candidates must be available soon.

The priority tasks will include:

• Work within our Strategic Development Plan 2014 – 20 objectives, the EASI Framework Contract and other contracted projects as needed;
• Improve the visibility of the EuroHealthNet partnership, participants and objectives for policy, practice and programme impact linked to the EU 2020 and WHO health 2020 strategies;
• Foster health in all EU policies approaches using all opportunities such as presentations, informal contributions in events, negotiations with decision makers and stakeholders;
• Support the development and maximise effective use of communication tools working with our Operations Communications Co-ordinator via the production of an external newsletter, the use of social media and websites; writing of news releases, reports, articles and blogs;
• Support network development and attract new participants for the partnership;
• Contribute to office performance within our Business Plan, for example helping sound record keeping such as our databases;
• Elaborate and implement the communication and dissemination activities of IROHLA (website, newsletters, events, etc.) to high standards and liaise with relevant national, EU and WHO initiatives; 
• Coordinate and monitor the dissemination and communication activities implemented by IROHLA partners;
• Support the identification and promotion of innovative solutions for age-friendly environments and link with the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIPAHA).

Essential skills required:

• Absolutely fluent and confident spoken and written English (test at interview);
• Confident networking skills;
• Advocacy, media and/or communications and ICT skills and background;
• Knowledge of EU institutional policy processes;
• Ability to grasp and communicate complex briefs accurately and quickly;
• Demonstrable ethical approach and empathy with objectives of promoting health, wellbeing and social equity.

Other skills which will be helpful:

• Knowledge of public health, healthy ageing and social or related fields: if not already then must show can learn very quickly;
• Demonstrable knowledge, skills and experience in high pressure multi-media environment;
• Able to deliver high quality work to deadlines on multiple work streams and prioritise;
• Adaptable personal skills to work with colleagues in not for profit organisation in small teams and be responsible on own initiative;
• Understand sensitivity of working with accountable authorities and policy processes.

We offer:

• An attractive working environment in a well-placed modern office in Brussels near to EU institutions as part of a team of experienced networking professionals;
• Fair and ethical working conditions and benefits package appropriate for a not-for-profit organisation comprised of public and civil society bodies;
• Good personal development opportunities: however please note this is not a training post and only experienced professional people should apply;
• Well-established and recognised opportunities for involvement in policy, programme and practice dimensions at levels from regional to international.

To apply:

Send your CV and cover letter to Stecy Yghemonos (s.yghemonos@eurohealthnet.eu) by January 13, 2014 at noon (CET). Your cover letter must indicate how your skills and experience match the advertised job and how you think you can contribute to the objectives of EuroHealthNet.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews are scheduled to take place in Brussels on the 16th and 17th January but online or phone interviews are also envisaged, if needed.

Please note: if invited for interview you will be asked to demonstrate your communications skills.