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 leading network for public social services, bringing together 180 national, regional, and local public social services administrations from 35 countries.

ESN promotes the development of effective social policy and social care practices through building and exchange of knowledge and expertise. ESN contributes to European policymaking, aiming to improve people’s life chances through high-quality public social services. For more information, 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. Projects you may be involved in include integrated care and support, social services and care workforce development, children and adults social care.

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) What We Offer

• Full-time permanent contract;
• A well-respected, multidisciplinary, and multicultural working environment within an organisation dedicated to promoting no-one is left behind;
• A dynamic team of social inclusion leaders eager to leverage your communications skills to advocate effectively to the EU and beyond;
• A competitive package:
  • A salary commensurate with experience and role;
  • holiday pay, 13^th month (92%), year-bonus;
  • lunch vouchers, transportation allowance, medical insurance (extended plan AZ: hospitalisation, consultations, medicines, etc.) and eco-vouchers;
  • extra-legal leave, seniority leave, Christmas leave.
• We support staff in their professional development.

6) Apply

Please note that we only accept applications that meet the following requirements:

Submit your application in a single PDF file, no longer than 3 pages, addressed in English to ESN CEO Alfonso Lara-Montero at recruitment@esn-eu.org, including:

• Your CV in Europass format;
• A cover letter detailing your interests to work for ESN and your fit with the role;
• Subject of your email: ESN Project & Policy Officer – Your Name Surname.

7) Recruitment process

• Deadline: Sun 18^th Aug @ 12 midnight;
• Desired start date: Beginning of September;
• 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, 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.