Policy Analyst on International Relations

Policy Analyst on International Relations

(6-months Long Determinate Contract Aimed at Continuation with Indeterminate Contract)

FEPS – Foundation for European Progressive Studies

Brussels, Belgium

Deadline for Applications: Monday June 24^th 2024 noon CET

The Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS – www.feps-europe.eu) is currently looking for one Policy Analyst for a thematic field: International Relations.

The successful candidate is to join the FEPS Team based in Brussels from early October 2024 onwards (cf. selection timetable below).

FEPS is an equal opportunity employer, committed to enhancing fairness and to achieving workplace diversity. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.

About FEPS:

The Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) is the think tank of the progressive political family at EU level. Our mission is to develop innovative research, policy advice, training and debates to inspire and inform socialist and social democratic politics and policies across Europe.

FEPS operates as hub for thinking to facilitate the emergence of progressive answers to the challenges that Europe faces today.

FEPS works in close partnership with its members and partners, forging connections and boosting coherence among stakeholders from the world of politics, academia and civil society at local, regional, national, European and global levels.

Today FEPS benefits from a solid network of 75 member organisations. Among these, 40 are full members, 30 have observer status and 5 are ex-officio members. In addition to this network of organisations that are active in the promotion of progressive values, FEPS also has an extensive network of partners, including renowned universities, scholars, policymakers and activists.

FEPS’ ambition is to undertake intellectual reflection for the benefit of the progressive movement, and to promote the founding principles of the EU – freedom, equality, solidarity, democracy, respect of human rights, fundamental freedoms, human dignity, and the rule of law.

Reporting Line:

FEPS’ Policy Analysts report daily to the delegate of the Secretary General (i.e. the Director appointed to supervise the thematic field in question).

Mission of the Role:

The mission of the Policy Analyst is to substantiate FEPS’ work on international relations with particular attention given to issues related to EU foreign, security, defence, and development cooperation policies; to the EU’s take on multilateralism, as well as to peace and human security in the broad sense.

S/he will embody FEPS’ internal expertise in the field. To do so, the Policy Analyst will steer and implement a coherent portfolio of FEPS (co-)funded projects (including its development and consolidation) aimed at impacting policies, political debates and/or public awareness related to the EU’s approach to, and position in the world.

This is expected to be done by building on the social democratic tradition of international cooperation and development – acknowledging peace and human security being central pieces of progressive identity – while understanding the centrality of the strategic autonomy concept for contemporary EU foreign policy.

The ideal candidate will have the following profile:

• At least an MA or MSc degree in a relevant field. A PhD will be considered a relevant asset and account to the years of professional experience;
• At least 5 years professional experience in a field connected to International Relations including: familiarity with the evolution of EU foreign, security, defense, cooperation and development policies; familiarity with the mission and operations of multilateral institutions; and understanding of the concept of strategic autonomy;
• Knowledge and interest for EU affairs and political sensitivity;
• A set of both realist and idealist thoughts about international relations, geopolitical thinking and international political economy;
• A set of ideas and thoughts about the EU’s role in reviving peace politics and disarmaments talks; contributing to the social democratic approach to a peaceful world order;
• Proven expertise in quantitative and qualitative research, data analyses and surveys design;
• Capacity to follow developments at international, European, national, regional and local levels, and analyse relevant trends across political, economic and social dimensions;
• Experience in overseeing and managing multi-stakeholders’ projects;
• Written and oral proficiency in English and in a second European language. Any additional European language will be considered an asset;
• Proven ability to draft analysis, research and policy recommendations;
• A strong set of soft skills, with specific reference to:
  • Innovative and out-of-the-box thinking;
  • High organisational and time-management skills;
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
  • Advanced interpersonal and social skills;
  • Exceptional team player with the ability to contribute positively to a team;
  • Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;
  • Readiness to travel and adapt to flexible working hours.

Employment conditions:

The position is to be filled out as from early October 2024 onwards.

The duration of the contract is determinate to 6 months and aimed at being continued in the form of an indeterminate contract (CDI).

The salary – which is paid on a 13,9 months per year basis – will be discussed depending on experience and qualifications within a range. It is part of a remuneration package (including benefits such as: a complementary pension scheme, DKV hospitalization insurance, public transport compensation, a professional phone including the right to use it for private purposes and ecocheques).

The workplace will be Brussels (Belgium): applicants must be able to work and reside in Belgium.

FEPS has put in place an internal policy allowing for telework, under conditions.

As FEPS is registered in Belgium, the contract will be under Belgian law.

Applications’ composition and deadline:

Applications are to be done online by Monday the 24^th of June 2024 at noon CET.

Your application is to include:

• A cover letter outlining your motivation for the post and your understanding of progressive values (maximum 2 pages);
• A detailed CV without picture (possibly in Europass format);
• A sample of work authored in the thematic field covered by the present notice (links or attached);
• The name of 2 referees with the related contact details.

Applications not respecting the completion and submission instructions will not be considered.

The tentative selection timetable is the following:

• Deadline for submission of complete applications: Monday 24.06.2024 noon CET;
• Eligibility check and first assessment of written applications;
• This will result in a shortlist of no more than 10 candidates who will be invited for the subsequent step;
• First round of interviews of candidates & short written test between 15.07.2024 and 19.07.2024;
• This will result in a shortlist of no more than 3-4 candidates who will be invited for the subsequent step;
• Second interview of shortlisted candidates between 26.08.2024 and 30.08.2024;
• Communication of the final results to candidates: by first week of September.

During the entire selection procedure, FEPS is absolutely committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background. We value diversity and lived experience, and acknowledge the underrepresentation of people from certain backgrounds. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all employees feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential. The equal opportunity principle encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, origins or disabilities.

Apply Now