EUA is looking for a Research & Innovation Director

EUA is recruiting a Research & Innovation Director - Full-time (38h/w) permanent contract – Brussels.

EUA is seeking an experienced professional to take responsibility for the Association’s Research & Innovation (R&I) unit. The post is of strategic importance to EUA, as it is focused on enhancing the role of universities as key research and innovation 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 the unit’s activities, including policy and project development, as well as cooperation with other relevant European organisations. The Director 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. They will also coordinate the Association’s Research & Innovation Strategy Group, and oversee its other expert groups in the area of R&I, e.g. those dedicated to Innovation and Open Science. In addition, they will work with EUA Board members and colleagues to develop an ambitious research strategy.

The policy areas covered by the Research & Innovation unit include the EU Research Framework Programme, the European Research Area, Open Science, innovation ecosystems, research assessment, international research cooperation, research infrastructures, research ethics and integrity, and doctoral education.

EUA

The European University Association (EUA) represents more than 900 universities and national rectors’ conferences in 49 countries, and is the independent voice of Europe’s universities.

EUA’s mission is support its members to excel in the service of society, and the Association works to strengthen the system of education, research and innovation at European level through policy development, projects and services to members.

Located in Brussels, the EUA Secretariat is comprised of over 40 staff members.

THE ROLE

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

• implementing EUA’s R&I Agenda, and developing new R&I strategies as required;
• organising and managing EUA’s Research & Innovation Strategy Group, including preparation and follow-up of agendas and documents, and input to EUA Statutory meetings (Board and Council);
• overseeing the organisation and management of related Expert Groups, currently including the Expert Group on Open Science and Expert Group on Innovation;
• supporting and managing a skilled and dynamic R&I team;
• 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.

BACKGROUND, QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

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:

• relevant academic qualifications (a doctorate could be an advantage but is not essential), preferably with a strong background in academic research and/or research management, administration or policy;
• at least ten years relevant experience, including in a university and/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);
• 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);
• 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;
• 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 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, mainly within Europe.

WHAT EUA OFFERS

The Association offers a full-time (38 hours/week) permanent contract under Belgian law, along with an attractive benefits package. This includes teleworking compensation, comprehensive supplementary health insurance, full reimbursement of public transportation costs, meal and eco-vouchers, a pension plan, and additional benefits.

This position provides a unique opportunity to work in a large and diverse European membership organisation in a multicultural environment, and to gain insights into its work with and for universities from across Europe as well as the functioning of European policy making for higher education and research.

EUA’s dynamic and committed staff members come from across Europe and beyond and the Association highly values its diversity. The position is based in Brussels, and it is expected that the successful candidate will relocate if they are not already based in Brussels. The office is conveniently located in the European Quarter near the Merode metro station.

HOW TO APPLY

Please email your CV and a motivation letter (maximum two pages), quoting your salary expectations, to [email protected].

Deadline for applications: Monday 9 December 2024.

EUA regrets that it is unable to acknowledge all applications received.

Please note that only suitable candidates will be invited for an interview.