Project & Policy Officer (f/t)

Project & Policy Officer (f/t)

ESN – European Social Network

Brussels, Belgium

1) About ESN

The European Social Network (ESN) is the European Network for public social services, bringing together more than 170 national, regional, and local public social services administrations from 35 countries.

ESN promotes the development of effective social policy and social care practice through building and exchange of knowledge and expertise. ESN contributes to European policymaking to improve people’s life chances through quality public social services. To find out more, visit www.esn-eu.org.

2) About the Role

This position is key in fulfilling the European Social Network (ESN)’s vision as key advocate for new models of care and support to promote people’s autonomy and inclusion.

3) Responsibilities

• Develop and implement detailed project content;
• Draft thematic policy documents informing about project progress and outcomes;
• Prepare and adapt written documentation for different stakeholders at local, national, and European levels;
• Manage resources in an effective and efficient manner and predict resources needed to reach the project’s objectives;
• Prepare and track project budget and work planning based on scope of work and resource requirements;
• Be responsible for contracts for project related activities;
• Monitor progress and adjust as needed;
• Measure project performance to identify areas for improvement;
• Plan and manage content for project’s deliverables, including reports planning and implementation, meetings, national and European seminars, and conferences;
• Prepare presentations and represent ESN as a speaker at national and European meetings to communicate about projects progress and outcomes;
• Identify and propose new membership opportunities; develop good working relationships with ESN Members and external stakeholders (EU institutions, NGOs, private organisations, national governments, etc.).

This list of duties is not exhaustive, and other duties may be required commensurate with the role.

4) Qualifications

• University degree in public health, social policy, or public administration;
• Knowledge of social care and social services for children or adult social care;
• Knowledge of or sensitivity towards social care, social services, and social work;
• 3-5 years of demonstrable project implementation and related experience;
• Proven ability to complete projects according to outlined scope, budget, and timeline;
• Knowledge of project management methodologies and best practice;
• Knowledge of policy scaling-up, event management;
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English, other European languages are welcome;
• Experience in drafting policy briefings and reports;
• Excellent analytical skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills and extremely resourceful.

5) Conditions

• Full-time position (38h/week), permanent contract;
• Remuneration according to experience and in line with similar posts in Brussels;
• Additional benefits include holiday pay, a 13th-month bonus, year-end bonus, lunch vouchers, transportation reimbursement, hospitalization insurance, eco-vouchers, extra vacation days, and Christmas leave.

We offer the opportunity to work with a well-respected European network working for a more inclusive society in a multicultural work environment. ESN supports staff in their professional development.

6) Submission

Please note that we only accept applications following these requirements:

In a single PDF file, no longer than 3 pages, address your application in English to ESN’s CEO Alfonso Lara-Montero at [email protected] including:

1. Your CV;
2. A cover letter detailing your experience and how you meet the requirements;
3. In the subject of your email: ESN Project & Policy Officer – Your Name Surname.

7) Recruitment process

• Deadline 11/02/2024, but quickly send your application;
• If your CV is retained, you can be called for an interview rapidly;
• Desired start date: As soon as possible;
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted;
• Apply early if interested as we may contact applicants on a rolling basis;
• Apply only if you have the right to work and live in Belgium (work permit, currently living in Belgium or willing to relocate soon).

8) Equal Opportunities Statement

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly from applicants from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, any ethnicity or ability.

It is the policy of the European Social Network to treat all employees and job applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, age, disability or trade union membership status or any other protected characteristic.

Candidate details are retained in a reserve list for six months. You are required to inform ESN if you wish to have your data removed earlier.