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EUA is recruiting a Research & Innovation Director

EUA is seeking an experienced professional to take responsibility for the Association’s Research & Innovation unit. The post is of strategic importance to EUA as it is focused on enhancing the role of universities as key research actors at the European level. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in research and/or research administration/management at the university level, as well as in-depth knowledge of European higher education, research and innovation policy.

The R&I Director is responsible for the planning and implementation of all relevant activities, including policy and project development, external fund raising and cooperation with other relevant European organisations, and also plays an important representative role on behalf of EUA at conferences, meetings and events in Brussels and across Europe. The successful candidate will be expected to liaise proactively with senior officials from the European Commission and other European Institutions. He or she will also be expected to work with the EUA Board to develop an ambitious research strategy.

The policy areas covered by the Research & Innovation unit include the EU Research Framework Programme (Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe), the European Research Area, Open Science, innovation ecosystems, international research cooperation, research infrastructures, research ethics and integrity, energy and environment, and doctoral education.

Reporting to the Secretary General, the key responsibilities of the R&I Director are:

• implementing EUA’s R&I strategy, as agreed by the Board;
• organising and managing EUA’s Research Policy Working Group (RPWG), including preparation and follow-up of agendas and documents, and input to EUA Statutory meetings (Board and Council);
• supporting and managing a skilled and dynamic R&I team, and the work of related Expert Groups;
• overseeing the EUA-Council for Doctoral Education (EUA-CDE);
• maintaining strategic dialogue with, and representation towards, European Institutions and other European bodies, as well as co-ordination of these activities with members at the national level;
• developing and supporting partnerships and collaborations with major European university groups and networks, as well as with European membership associations representing other R&I partners; and
• leading any new R&I activities that EUA might develop.

Your profile

This is a demanding position at senior level that requires a strong commitment to the development of the research and innovation mission of European universities, as well as managerial and organisational talent and experience. The successful candidate will therefore demonstrate:

• at least ten years relevant experience, including in a university or research policy environment;
• excellent working knowledge of European research and innovation policy, including familiarity with the programmes, instruments and funding of the European Union and national research systems (experience in the Brussels policy environment would be an advantage);
• knowledge of at least some of the R&I topics covered by the unit (as listed above), as well as the ability to quickly assimilate and apply new knowledge;
• relevant academic qualifications (a PhD could be an advantage but is not essential), preferably with a strong background in academic research and/or research management, administration or policy;
• understanding/experience of the dynamics of an international membership-based organisation, which exists to serve the collective interests of its members;
• ability to balance longer term strategic thinking and shorter term and operational activities;
• ability to represent the Association externally at a senior level and to persuasively influence policy makers;
• demonstrated ability to relate to senior university leaders and policy makers;
• proven ability to successfully manage, support and develop a team;
• excellent spoken and written communication skills, as well as confidence in public speaking (please note that the working language of EUA is English; knowledge of other European languages is an advantage but is not essential);
• excellent organisational and project management skills;
• a flexible approach to work and the ability to adapt to internal and external changes; and
• willingness to travel when required.

What EUA offers

The Association offers a permanent contract under Belgian law and an attractive remuneration package, including the full reimbursement of your public transport costs, lunch vouchers and a pension scheme.

EUA’s dynamic and committed staff members come from across Europe and beyond and the Association highly values its diversity. The office is conveniently located in the European Quarter near the Merode metro station.

How to apply

If you feel that you have the skills and competences for the job and could fit into our team, please email your CV and a motivation letter (maximum two pages), quoting your salary expectations, to HR@eua.eu

Deadline for applications: 10 March 2020.

EUA regrets that it is unable to acknowledge all applications received. Please note that only suitable candidates will be invited for an interview.

this job offer is not open for applications