Policy Officer | Belgium

Are you interested in working on digital economy, international cooperation and Africa-Europe relations, and do you have experience in policy-oriented research and project leadership? We are looking for a policy officer to join our team on digital economy and governance in Maastricht or Brussels.

Who are we?
The European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) is a leading independent ‘think and do tank’ that wants to make policies in Europe and Africa work for inclusive and sustainable development. We have two offices: one in Maastricht and one in Brussels.

Our more than 60 staff members from over 25 countries worldwide provide independent research, advice and practical support to policymakers, advisors and practitioners in Europe, Africa and beyond. Our focus is on EU foreign policy and policies related to digital affairs, climate and green transformation, peace and security, migration, governance, sustainable food systems, regional integration, business, finance and trade.

About the digital economy and governance team

Digital cooperation is a vital ingredient in driving forward sustainable development and a strong focus of contemporary geopolitical competition. Without the right infrastructure, policies and skills, there is a risk of worsening the digital divide, growing inequality and the abuse of digital technologies by private and public actors. Our digital economy and governance team wants to promote strong digital partnerships between the EU, the AU and other regional blocs.

In the next year, the team will look at various aspects of digital cooperation in EU foreign and development policy. This may include research on how the digital element of the EU’s Global Gateway connectivity strategy lands in Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, Latin America and the Caribbean. We will also focus on cross-border interoperability of digital payments in Africa. New work may look at the EU’s innovation partnerships and how the EU supports skills development in Africa and other regions.

For all our publications, have a look at our team page.

What will you be doing?
As a policy officer in the digital economy and governance team, you will:

• Conduct research on policy issues related to the digital economy, including digital innovation and skills, digital finance, digital trade and regulation.
• Lead small projects, which includes responding to requests from partners.
• Write high-quality publications, including long research reports, policy briefs, short comment pieces and occasional short memos on workshops and other activities.
• Help build, expand and maintain relevant strategic contacts, networks and partnerships, particularly in Africa, and potentially in the Asia-Pacific region, Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Represent ECDPM at external events and engage in outreach and communication activities.
• Help organise public events, webinars and workshops.
• Travel within Europe, Africa and potentially other regions to conduct research.
• Help identify new funding opportunities, develop funding proposals and secure funds for assigned projects.
• Coach junior team members and contribute effectively to team work as required.

Depending on your experience and in accordance with the needs of ECDPM’s other teams, other activities may be assigned to your portfolio as well.

You will report to the team lead, and will be based in our head office in Maastricht, our office in Brussels, or within the Netherlands or Belgium.

Who are we looking for?

Our ideal candidate:
• Has a master’s degree with a strong academic record, preferably in digital policy, economics, law, or international political economy.
• Has at least four years of professional experience in digital policy-focused research and writing, preferably with a focus on digital economy.
• Has comprehensive knowledge of and proven expertise in key aspects of digital economy development, or related policy areas. Knowledge of the European and/or African digital economy context is a plus.
• Has excellent writing skills and a strong track record in publishing policy research.
• Has strong oral presentation skills and is a proven networker, with experience facilitating policy change or providing advice to policymakers.
• Has proven experience responding to donor-funded research or policy projects, managing projects and delivering high-quality work to partners.
• Has some knowledge of the funding environment for policy-oriented research and is motivated to further develop thus.
• Has a thorough acquaintance with the relevant stakeholders, institutions and networks, notably within the EU and international organisations such as the AU.
• Is fluent in English and ideally has strong language skills in French, Arabic and/or another African language.
• Is enthusiastic, motivated, flexible and able to work across a number of different policy domains and quickly familiarise themselves with new topics.
• Is a team player with strong interpersonal and intercultural communication skills and a willingness to work across multiple teams and subjects.
• Experience working in Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, Latin America or the Carribean would be a big plus.
• Is available to start in early 2023. The preferred work location is Maastricht or Brussels, with some flexibility to work remotely within the Netherlands and Belgium.

What do we offer you?
• We initially offer a two-year contract (a Dutch or Belgium contract for 40 hours a week), which can be converted into a permanent contract upon proven suitability and available budget.
• A competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• A holiday and end-of-year allowance.
• A generous leave package of 47.6 days per calendar per year, based on a 40-hour work week.
• An individual professional development budget of 0.2% of your salary per year.
• A strong and professional organisational support team (IT, communications, travel, administrative and finance-related support).
• Flexible working hours and flexibility between office and home working.
• A collegial working environment with centre-wide activities for staff and their families.

How to apply?
If you are interested in the position, please send us (1) your CV and (2) a cover letter before 4 December 2022, 12:00 CET, clearly explaining your motivation and how you meet the job criteria. Please send your completed application to jobs@ecdpm.org. The subject line of your application should read: ‘Policy officer – digital economy and governance’. We will only consider applications that are complete, on time and in English.

Selected candidates will be asked to complete a written assessment as part of the application process. More information will be communicated to shortlisted candidates in due time. Interviews will take place in the week of 12 December 2022.