Head of Knowledge & Innovation

Position description

EASPD is recruiting a Head of Knowledge and Innovation.

Support for persons with disabilities is essential in terms of enabling people to access employment, education and live independently. Support services also going through a process of transformation from the outdated medical model to the social model based on human rights. This means providing inclusive, person-centred approaches to social support.

EASPD’s job is to facilitate this change. Its Knowledge and Innovation Team has the specific role of enabling the creation, exchange and use of knowledge and innovation from within membership, but also outside (disability movement, academia, mainstream services, etc), in order to facilitate this transformation of support for persons with disabilities.

The Knowledge and Innovation teams helps to provide technical expertise, peer-learning, e-learning and training, and research activities. A significant priority for the upcoming years will be improving the visibility, outreach, and impact of the EASPD knowledge and innovation tools such as the Lighthouse Network, EURECO Network, Innovation Awards and Knowledge Hub, in particular in terms of ensuring they are useful and used at local level by service providers, public authorities and other stakeholders.

We are looking for an motivated and dynamic Head of Knowledge and Innovation willing to take on this challenge. The position will involve managing a team of Knowledge and Innovation Officers (3 people) to help achieve EASPD’s mission. The Head of Knowledge and Innovation will support their growth and development within the organisation and the sector.

Another significant part of the position is to build relations with members, as well as well external partners from international institutions, academics, training providers and other stakeholders.

In addition to this, the Head of Knowledge and Innovation will have the chance to lead, guide and support the implementation of EU-funded projects, as well as to identify funding opportunities. They would work directly under the supervision of – and report to – EASPD’s Secretary General.

Main Tasks will include to:

• Be an active member of EASPD’s Management team, which focuses on the overall health, growth and sustainability of the organisation in view of implementing our Mission;
• Lead and manage EASPD’s Knowledge & Innovation team, including setting objectives and professional development;
• Coordinate and develop the implementation of EASPD’s Knowledge and Innovation objectives, programmes, and activities; with a particular focus on the take-up of existing and future tools;
• Identify funding opportunities to further build on the huge potential of the Knowledge and Innovation activities at EASPD;
• Represent EASPD externally and build partnerships with existing and new stakeholders;
• Other tasks such as events organisation, project management and administrative tasks.

 

Qualifications

Essential:

• Proven ability to work collaboratively, through a friendly, constructive and open-minded mindset and attitude;
• Proven understanding of the main knowledge gaps and innovation within support services for persons with disabilities, in particular when it comes to the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities;
• Proven experience in either management, coaching or mentorship;
• Proven experience in communication, marketing or other fields, in particular in view of improving the uptake of training material and other knowledge and innovation tools;
• At least 5-year of proven professional experience in a relevant position;
• Proven experience in networking and building partnerships with external stakeholders, in particular in fields related to Knowledge and Innovation (e.g. academia, membership, etc.);
• Degree in relevant disciplines (e.g.: policy, law, international development, European studies, Social Studies, etc.);
• Oral and written fluency in English;
• Ability to work independently and excellent attention to detail and accuracy;
• Capacity to work in a team and engage with different types of stakeholders;
• Strong organisation and time management skills, ability to multi-task, prioritize tasks effectively and respect deadlines;
• Good command of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and videoconferencing tools (Zoom).

Desired:

• Solid knowledge of project management and implementation;
• Solid knowledge of events organisation;
• Fluency (oral and written) in at least one additional European language;
• Basic knowledge of IT Skills (experience with Word Press would be a plus);
• Basic knowledge of financial literacy, especially with regard to project budget management.

Application instructions

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