Project and Policy Manager

ERRIN (European Regions Research and Innovation Network) is a Brussels-based platform that gathers around 120 regional organisations in more than 20 European countries. ERRIN aims to strengthen the regional and local dimension in EU Research and Innovation policy and programmes.

ERRIN was established in 2001 as an informal network and has since then been on an incremental growth path moving from an informal network to a not-for-profit organisation that employs ten full-time staff members. ERRIN’s office is located in the Nordic House on rue du Luxembourg, 1000 Brussels, where many ERRIN regions are situated.

Job description – the purpose of the role

The role’s objectives include raising the profile of ERRIN within the EU research and innovation environment in Brussels, building relationships with ERRIN members, EU policymakers, and other relevant organisations and institutions, and taking an active role in managing projects and developing networks policy activities.

Initially, the successful candidate with manage one of the current projects in our portfolio: RIPEET, which focuses on energy transition in regions, and which ERRIN leads a work package related to communication and mutual learning.

ERRIN currently has 13 Working Groups covering a wide variety of research and innovation topics. The Working Groups are co-led by ERRIN members and supported by the ERRIN secretariat. The Working Groups constitute a core of the networks’ activity, and all staff members are engaged in facilitating and ensuring the efficient functioning of the Working Groups. The Project and Policy Manager will support two of the Strategic Working Groups on Policy, Science and Education for Society (SEFS) as well as the thematic Working Group on Energy and Climate Change, thus creating synergies with the RIPEET project.

The Project and Policy Manager will work closely with the Director and the Director of Projects and collaborate with other staff members facilitating ERRIN Working Groups.

Responsibilities and foreseen scope of tasks

Project work

• Project management;
• Development of project deliverables;
• Organising events and meetings related to the projects;
• Developing a yearly work plan for the ERRIN deliverables in the project(s) and linking to the ERRIN working groups;
• Supporting the day-to-day operational aspects of a project and scope;

Policy work

• Support the ERRIN Policy Working Group and the director in developing ERRIN’s policy work, draft policy papers and messages.
• Analyse policy developments and maintain up-to-date knowledge in the research and innovation field, including new and emerging issues. Identify opportunities for ERRIN to engage, for example, in consultations, public meetings, dialogues with policymakers.
• Together with the Director and the Project & Outreach Manager, develop and manage effective relationships with key stakeholders in the EU research and innovation ecosystem.

Working groups

• Facilitate the general functioning of three ERRIN Working Groups;
• Support the Working Groups to develop annual work programmes, define priorities and, whenever possible, follow up linked processes and initiatives run by the European Commission.
• Support organisation of ERRIN events and meetings. This will involve close cooperation with ERRIN members, especially Working Group leaders;
• Support the development of Work Group meeting agendas, attend the meetings and organise the reporting of the meetings on the ERRIN website;

Requirements

• University degree;
• Minimum of five years experience in the field of project management;
• Knowledge on European research and innovation policy and the related funding programmes, in particular, Horizon 2020 / Horizon Europe;
• Experience in working with local and regional authorities;
• Experience in the area of energy policy is a plus;
• Excellent use of English (both written and spoken) and fluency in another EU language would be an asset;
• Ability to work and contribute to a multicultural environment;
• Ability to multitask and the capacity to work well under time constraints.

We offer a competitive monthly salary between €3000-4000 depending on experience, meal vouchers, Brussels transport pass, a permanent contract and healthcare benefits.

• Potential candidates are asked to send a CV and cover letter to [email protected], clearly stating the possible starting date and contact details.

Deadline for applications: 28 April 17.00 CET

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.