Head of Political Unit

Position description

The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party is the European party composed of more than 70 member parties from over 40 European countries. Its members share the common belief that freedom is key to the development of the individual and is core to the protection of civil liberties and free markets. ALDE Party works with its members throughout Europe to strengthen liberal democrat parties and policies and to engage effectively with European citizens.

The Brussels-based Secretariat supports the activities of the ALDE Party, organises its meetings, manages its external communication, provides strategic consultancy and organisational development, facilitates European policy development and networking amongst liberal parties. To support our work, we are now seeking a Brussels based: Head of Political Unit.

JOB BACKGROUND

The Political Unit leads ALDE Party’s membership and policy developments as well as our political research and data analysis. The unit serves to create a favourable pathway for European Liberals to continue growing with a view towards the next European Parliament elections in 2029, provide research and insights for its member parties, stakeholders other European institutions.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The Head of the Political Unit will lead a team of approximately 8-10 members to:

• Advise the Secretary General and President on ongoing political and membership development including the identification of possible new member parties. Assess politically delicate developments for ALDE Party concerning individual member parties or divisive political issues within the ALDE Party or at European level;
• Manage the staffers of the unit with regular unit, team, and one-to-one meetings, ensure good cooperation between all colleagues;
• Establish the goals of the unit and their alignment with the Party’s strategy. Agree objectives with their team members and provide inspiration, communication, guidance and skills development to their team;
• Provide input for a regular evaluation of the party’s strategic goals implementation as a service provider to member parties and to sharpen the political profile of the party;
• Suggest the annual budget of the unit to the Secretary General and ensure activities are kept within the agreed budget;
• Manage the political project scheme and provide expertise to member parties through our empowerment program;
• Liaise closely with relevant counterparts in ALDE Party’s parliamentary group and with member parties by using the existing networks of Party Leaders, Heads of Delegations in the European Parliament, International Officers, Parliamentary Assistants etc.;
• Contribute to politicising ALDE Party’s communication acting as an echo chamber of European Liberals in the different European institutions.

 

Qualifications

• Master’s level University degree in Political Science or Social Sciences;
• The candidate must be a member of an ALDE Party member party;
• Preferably 8 years of post-graduation working experience including a strong focus on policy analysis and development either in a national or European political context;
• Ability and experience to manage and lead a team of colleagues;
• Strong acumen for/understanding of EU policy topics and understanding of European political landscape;
• Ability to adopt a “campaign mindset” and translate abstract policy into easy-to-digest, highly engaging materials;
• Strong ability to work with multiplicity of various partners and deliver multi-stakeholder projects, both inside and outside the party;
• Creative mind and ability to proactively suggest content;
• Solid conviction/public speaking skills;
• Pro-active and responsive with ability to quickly understand tasks and situations;
• Efficiency, strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a highly organised, practical approach;
• Strong identification with liberal values and policies of ALDE Party and its members;
• Experience in party politics as a party official, candidate or volunteer desirable;
• Fluency in spoken and written English essential, other languages an advantage.

BENEFITS

• This position is considered an opportunity to be part of the management team of the Secretariat and the creation and implementation of a high priority program within the ALDE Party;
• A dynamic, and professionally enriching international working environment;
• A role that will offer multiple opportunities for learning and development;
• A competitive salary package;
• Some travel around Europe.

Application instructions

To apply, please send your Curriculum Vitae and cover letter by Friday 29 November 2024 at noon (CET), mentioning the vacancy reference “Head of Political Unit” in the subject line.

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