European Policy Centre - Associate Director - Head of Programme

Oxford HR | Candidate Pack

Associate Director/Head of Programme: Sustainable

Prosperity for Europe

AUGUST

About the EPC

The European Policy Centre (EPC) is an independent, not-for-profit think tank dedicated to fostering European integration through analysis and debate, supporting and challenging decisionmakers at all levels to make informed decisions based on evidence and analysis, and providing a platform for engaging partners, stakeholders and citizens in EU policy-making and in the debate about the future of Europe.

THE SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY FOR EUROPE PROGRAMME

SPfE explores the foundations and drivers for achieving an environmentally sustainable and competitive European economy. While the climate crisis is a complex challenge to be addressed, non-action is not an option. Prospering within the planetary boundaries requires rethinking the existing ‘take-make-dispose’ economic model, reducing pollution and being smarter with the resources we have.

The Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Agenda provide the direction, and the SPfE Programme currently engages in a debate on the needed measures to achieve a fair transition to an environmentally sustainable economy and society. It focuses on areas where working together across the EU can bring significant benefits to the member states, citizens and businesses, and ensure sustainable prosperity within the limits of this planet.

The Role

ROLE

Associate Director/Head of Programme, Sustainable Prosperity for Europe

LOCATION

The successful candidate will preferably be predominantly based in Brussels, although we will consider applicants who need more flexible arrangements.

COMPENSATION

This position is recruited on a self-employed consultancy basis.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Monday 2nd October 2023, 23:59 CET

Job Summary

As Head of Programme, it will be your role to take the work of the SPfE forward in a way that connects to the current global and domestic fragmentation, watershed and permacrisis that the EU faces. We encourage applicants to outline what these would be in your application.

She/he is expected to provide thought leadership in the programme topics, develop and acquire funding for projects and lead the EPC’s work on their cross-cutting policy area, including managing the analysts working on relevant projects and coordinating activities across EPC programmes. The Management Team works with the Chief Executive, the Deputy Chief Executive, and the Chief Operating Officer to set and implement the strategic direction of the EPC.

Candidates who suit the Associate Director/Head of Programme profile will be a member of the EPC management team and contribute to the strategic direction and decisions of the organisation.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Head EPC’s programme on Sustainable Prosperity for Europe (SPfE), including the elaboration & implementation of the programme’s activity plan mainly on climate, environment, energy and circular economy, the Green Deal, as well as the twin digital and green transition and provide overall coordination of the programme and its finances;

• Coordinate the work of the SPfE with the other programmes and identifying cross-cutting opportunities for impact;

• Identify and pursue programme funding opportunities;

• Support the development and implementation of the strategic vision of the EPC.

Candidate profile

Candidates should have a solid, policy-relevant, academic and analytical background with the following profile:

• university degree in a relevant subject and post graduate specialism;

• upwards of 7 years’ experience in policy analysis in the above policy areas, with think tank and/or policy experience an important asset;

• a thorough understanding of EU institutions and a good understanding of past and current developments in relevant EU policy areas;

• existing network and ability to engage and network with EU institutions, experts and interested stakeholders;

• proven capacity in writing, publishing and presenting policy analysis at a high level, including experience in enriching and leading policy debates;

• proven experience in engaging with the media, including an active presence on social media;

• proven ability to fundraise and manage strategic projects;

• experience in managing (multinational) teams;

• ability to work independently, as well as in a multidisciplinary team;

• excellent communication skills (oral and written) and ability to network;

• dynamic, flexible, reliable and attentive to detail;

• fluent in English; fluency in at least one other major European language is desirable.

How to Apply

All correspondence, at this stage, should be via Oxford HR.

To apply for this post, click on the “Apply” button on the job advert page, complete our online application form, and submit your CV including publications and cover letter as two different documents, which should be prepared before applying as they will be considered in the application process.

The cover letter should be no more than 1.5 pages of A4, and explain why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you a good fit. You should note any personal areas of particular interest and expertise relating to the SPfE, and briefly set out your vision for sustaining and developing that programme with a view to maintaining and developing the EPC’s thought leadership, and influencing the EU policy debate in Brussels and beyond.

The document should be saved in PDF in the following format: Your First Name-Your Last NameDocument Name-Date (mmyy) e.g., Pat-Jones-CV-042023- EPC or Pat-Jones-CoverLetter-042023- EPC. Applicants must be allowed to work in Belgium.

SELECTION PROCESS

All candidates will receive an update regarding their application after the closing date. We advise candidates to add the role email epc-ad-head-programme@oxfordhr.com to their safe senders list and regularly check their spam folder.

EQUALITY STATEMENT

The EPC is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and particularly encourage applicants from sectors of society that are not well represented in Brussels think tanks, Brusselsbased civil society or European policy making. The EPC endeavours to ensure gender and diversity across our programmes. Due to the current high number of men in senior positions in the organisation, we particularly welcome applications from people who are currently underrepresented in the senior echelons of the organisation.

QUERIES

TIMELINE

Closing Date: 2nd October 2023, by 23:59 CET

First stage interviews: Qualified applicants will be interviewed on a rolling basis

Final interviews: early October 2023, exact date TBC

If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information, or would like to have an informal discussion, please email epc-ad-head-programme@oxfordhr.com in the first instance. The selection process will be led by Dr Rachel Barlow with final recruitment undertaken by the EPC.