Communication and Capacity Building Adviser

Preliminary campaign for current and future vacancies (maximum two positions)

EIB - European Investment Bank

Luxembourg

The EIB, the European Union's bank, is seeking to recruit for its Operation Directorate - Advisory Services Department, at its headquarters in Luxembourg, a Communication and Capacity Building Adviser. Appointment will be made on the basis of a fixed term contract of 4 years.

Purpose

Financial Instruments represent a resource-efficient way of deploying EU budget resources in pursuit of Europe 2020 objectives. Targeting projects with potential economic viability, Financial Instruments provide support for investments by way of loans, guarantees, equity and other risk-bearing instruments, possibly combined with interest rate subsidies or guarantee fee subsidies. Financial Instruments have been used for delivering the Cohesion Policy investments since the 1994-1999 programming period and their relative importance has increased ever since. The current Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) aims to extend the scope and increase the use of Financial Instruments under the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) during the programming period 2014-2020. To achieve this aim, a co-ordinated information, advisory and capacity building effort is required to the benefit of ESIF stakeholders across all Member States.

In this context, the European Commission (EC) requested the EIB to set up, implement and manage a single Advisory Platform that is accessible to all European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) stakeholders, advising on how to design, set-up, implement and manage decentralised European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) Financial Instruments in the 2014-2020 programming period. This platform integrates the advisory components of the JESSICA, JEREMIE and JASMINE initiatives of 2007-2013 , and provides support in accordance with the enlarged thematic scope for European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) Financial Instruments. The advisory platform is envisaged to (i) prepare methodological guidance (e.g. in the form of handbooks and manuals), (ii) develop and deliver capacity building services (e.g. through classroom training or e-learning solutions), (iii) design and deliver awareness raising campaigns and (iv) disseminate information/knowledge through a variety of delivery channels - including a web-based knowledge management and communication hub (the “hub”).

The hub will serve as a dynamic online platform that will not only disseminate information, but also provide a possibility for stakeholders to acquire and exchange knowledge. Information will be provided through guidance documents, a database of good practice, FAQs, e-learning, thematic videos, newsletters and regularly updated links to other relevant information sources or events.

The technical set-up of this web-based platform, its infrastructure maintenance and updating will be done by an external service provider in close cooperation with EIB.

EIB currently manages the advisory platform with a small team of Financial Instruments and ESIF specialists and is looking for Communication and Capacity Building Adviser(s) in order to strengthen its online presence.

Operating Network

The selected candidate will report to the Head of Unit in charge of implementing the single Advisory Platform. As part of this work, he/she will co-ordinate external consultants and cooperate with other Departments of the Bank, the European Investment Fund (EIF) and the European Commission (EC). The successful candidate must be prepared to travel.

Accountabilities

The Communication and Capacity Building Adviser will have overall responsibility for the non-IT day-to-day operation of the Knowledge Management Hub and its associated delivery mechanisms, reporting to the Head of Unit. This is a full-time role, requiring strong project management skills in addition to knowledge of FIs, the new 2014-2020 ESIF regulations, and stakeholder advisory needs.

Key functions for this role would include:

• Developing the hub’s overall strategy for communication, marketing and stakeholder engagement;
• Manage the hub’s content: Coordinate targeted, to the point and timely dissemination of technical guidance developed by the Commission as well as advice developed by the platform team through the Hub website;
• Write summary texts for online publication, based on contributions from EIB colleagues and external thematic experts;
• Devise and coordinate the marketing and communication of FI public events (conferences, seminars, workshops), training courses and e-learning;
• Build and manage a community around the use of ESIF Financial Instruments, e.g. via social media, periodic newsletters and surveys;
• Manage a database of users and analyse feedback of the website; track and evaluate the usage of the web site;
• Assure continuous development of the hub in line with stakeholder requirements and technical options;
• Participate in relevant events;
• Manage external service providers that maintain/update the hub and prepare/deliver training sessions.

Qualifications

• University degree in Communication/Marketing/European Studies/Public or Business Administration or any related subject;
• At least 3 years’ relevant professional experience, preferably related to promoting EC financial facilities or in managing a similar communication portal or in capacity building initiatives;
• Knowledge of EU, Member States’ and Managing Authorities’ institutional context;
• Good knowledge of and writing skills for different communication channels in English;
• Good knowledge of technology used for an online knowledge management and networking hub, including an understanding of relevant web analytics is an advantage;
• Understanding of web-based campaigning, including through newsletters, social media, etc.;
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English and a good knowledge of French (*);
• Experience in organising international public events. A track record in devising and coordinating organisational capacity building activities (face-to-face and/or web-based) is considered an asset.

Competencies

• Highly developed sense of responsibility and initiative;
• Ability to perform in an evolving environment and interdisciplinary teams;
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written;
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills;
• Project management;
• Ability to make sound judgements under pressure;
• Diplomatic skills and ability to deal with stakeholders at all levels;
• Ability to work to work under pressure and commitment to deadlines;
• Excellent team worker;
• Good negotiation skills;
• Attention to detail.

(*) There may be certain flexibility on this requirement, but limited to particularly suitable candidates who may not yet be proficient in French. If selected, such candidates will be hired on the condition that they build up rapidly knowledge of French and accept that their future career in the EIB may be subject to the attainment of sufficient proficiency in both of the Bank's working languages.

For more details and to apply, please go to https://erecruitment.eib.org.

Deadline for applications: 10th September 2014

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