Vanguard Initiative Network Manager

Vanguard Initiative Network Manager

Vanguard Initiative

Brussels, Belgium

Duration: 2-year contract (with the possibility of extension and permanent appointment)
Location: Brussels, Belgium (with potential for hybrid work)
Application Deadline: 18^th of November

About the Vanguard Initiative

The Vanguard Initiative (VI) is a leading network of European regions dedicated to promoting innovation-driven industrial regional growth. We work closely with regions, governments, industry groups, and key stakeholders to align innovation policies, support collaborative projects, and drive industrial transformation.

We are seeking a dynamic, results-driven Network Manager to lead our secretariat, steer network priorities and represent members’ interests towards key stakeholders including EU Institutions, and support our plans for organising the network. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and organized professional with a clear commitment to provide leadership and coordinate the development of a high-impact European network.

Who We Are/Vanguard Initiative (s3vanguardinitiative.eu)

The Role

The Network Manager role is both dynamic and evolving, aligning with the Vanguard Initiative’s ongoing restructuring phase. Initially, the focus will be on strengthening internal governance. As the organization adapts, the Network Manager’s responsibilities will expand to encompass both internal and external strategic leadership.

This position is important for both:

• Internally, the Network Manager will lead the network’s governance and operational improvements, ensuring that internal processes, collaboration, and decision-making are efficient and transparent;
• Externally, the Network Manager will play a key role in representing the Vanguard Initiative, fostering relationships with key European institutions, regional governments, industry partners, and other stakeholders to support the network’s objectives.

In addition to this strategic function, the Network Manager will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Vanguard Initiative. This role involves substantial leadership in managing internal processes and fostering effective collaboration across the network to drive its strategic growth.

The postholder will be responsible for recruiting necessary staff to support Administration and Communications.

The Network Manager will support the entire network in achieving its objectives and will report directly to the Board.

Key responsibilities will include

1. Governance Revamp:

• Conduct a review of the current governance framework, ensuring alignment with Belgian ASBL legal requirements;
• Propose enhancements to the governance model to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency, board effectiveness and strengthen the involvement of members regions in decision-making process.

2. Administrative Optimization:

• Evaluate and streamline administrative processes, improving coordination between the Secretariat, the Board, Task Groups, and network members;
• Enhance document management and internal communication systems to improve operations;
• Collaborate with the VI Accountant and Treasurer to refine financial management and reporting, ensuring legal compliance and operational efficiency.

3. Network Management:

• Conduct an assessment of the current network and develop strategies to deepen relationships with key partners and stakeholders;
• Implement or improve digital tools to enhance network management and communication;
• Strategic Coordination: Lead preparations for internal and external meetings, conferences, and General Assemblies, and facilitate strategic coordination between task groups and pilot projects;
• Team Management: Recruit and manage additional administrative/communication support staff member;
• VInnovate: The Network Manager will play an important role in making sure the Vanguard Initiative network supports the initiative. This includes promoting the initiative internally among members and externally, engaging with key EU stakeholders to enhance its visibility and impact.

4. Monitoring and Reporting:

• Review monitoring mechanisms: Implement regular reporting processes for governance, administration, and network management performance;
• Review reporting and transparency: provide the VI network an overview of all the activities/decisions/financial. Ensure that an annual report is produced, detailing activities, financials, and governance updates in line with Belgian ASBL requirements.

5. Change Management:

• Develop an implementation roadmap: Create a detailed plan with timelines for executing proposed changes in governance, administration, and network management;
• Stakeholder buy-in: Ensure that all network members are aligned and supportive of the changes through workshops, presentations, and ongoing communication.

6. External Representation:

• Represent the Network: The Network Manager will represent the Vanguard Initiative in interactions with external stakeholders, working alongside the Chair and Board members. The Network Manager will closely collaborate with leaders of Task Groups and the Pilots to leverage their advocacy insights and support their policy positions, aiming to influence European policies.

What We Offer

• Contract Duration: Initial 2-year contract, with a review after 1 year, at which point both the employee and the organization can decide whether to continue the collaboration and assess the focus of the tasks. After 2 years, the position may transition to a permanent contract;
• Incorporation to a dynamic association working in EU advocacy and projects;
• A gross monthly salary of €5.000/month to €7.000/month according to experience;
• Flexibility to work both from home and in the office.

Who We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate will have:

• Deep knowledge of R&I and industrial policies at the regional, national, and European levels;
• Experience in Network Management: Significant experience managing complex networks and partnerships, ideally within European institutions, government, or industry settings;
• Strategic Leadership: The ability to navigate change, develop long-term strategies and translate them into impact-driven action plans, and build consensus among diverse stakeholders;
• Skills in Governance & Administration: A strong understanding of governance frameworks and administrative processes;
• Adaptability & Proactivity: The ability to thrive in dynamic environments and take on varied responsibilities;
• Availability to travel and flexibility to execute necessary activities in sometimes time-constraint situations;
• HR Skills: Efficient in managing personnel matters;
• Communication and Information Skills, to provide key support to the network’s Communication Officer.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV, cover letter, and a one-page overview outlining your vision for the Vanguard Initiative.

The vision should address the network’s internal governance structures and reflect on the organisation’s role in tackling joint European challenges during the next programming period.

The key question in the vision is how a network of regions such as the Vanguard Initiative should position itself within the European context and the role the network should play while influencing European R&I and industrial policies.

Please submit your application to alis.socea@s3vanguardinitiative.eu by the 18^th of November.

The selection process will be organized in two steps:

1. Analysis and evaluation of applications: This will include a review of the submitted CV, cover letter, and the proposed one-page future governance model;
2. Interview process:

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview where the discussion will focus on the governance plan they submitted. The interviews are going to be organized between 25 – 29 November;
• If necessary, a second interview will take place to further assess the candidates.

For more information about the Vanguard Initiative, please visit our website.

Eligibility Criteria

The applicant shall:

• Have at least 4 years of proven experience in regional development, particularly in the context of smart specialization strategies and innovation-driven initiatives;
• Have at least 7 years of experience in public policy advocacy, with a focus on fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders within the EU framework;
• Hold a valid and recognised degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., public administration, political science, economics, regional studies, or innovation management);
• Have previous experience in roles involving governance assessment, strategic planning, and organizational development;
• Possess excellent spoken and written English (C1 level according to the CEFR, or the equivalent level according to other internationally accepted scales).

Evaluation Criteria

For the selection of the candidates to be interviewed, the evaluation will relate to:

• Education:
  • Higher education qualification (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, etc.) relevant to regional development or governance;
  • Additional qualifications (publications, scholarships, fellowships, awards, internships) that demonstrate expertise in governance and policy advocacy in innovation contexts.
• Professional Experience:
  • Proven experience in regional economic development with a focus on smart specialization and innovation strategies;
  • Experience in leading and facilitating collaboration among diverse stakeholders to drive regional growth;
  • Experience working with clusters or similar networks is a plus;
  • Experience in team leading and HR skills;
  • Experience working in a relevant national and international/multicultural environment, particularly within the EU context;
  • Demonstrated ability to deliver results through both individual contributions and collaborative efforts within culturally diverse teams.
• Governance Vision reflected in the future governance model;
• Language Skills:
  • Proficiency in spoken and written English (C1 level or above);
  • A B2 level in spoken and written French is an asset.

Only candidates shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.