All Things Urban

Eurocities is the network of more than 200 cities in 38 countries, representing 130 million people, working together to ensure a good quality of life for all. You greet your neighbour as you leave home on your way to do work that is meaningful and decently paid. The air is clean and free of honking car horns. Using the free public wifi, you see that today the public square is a local artisans’ and farmers’ market. Your phone polls you on a few quick ideas that the local administration wants to try. You truly feel like you are a part of the city, and, as such, a part of Europe. This is the future that European cities have been working to build through Eurocities since 1986. We help cities inspire each other. When a crisis hits, the urgency of local coordination and information sharing is starkly obvious – but with longer-burning issues like climate change, social equality and a vibrant economy this ‘glocal’ approach is no less essential. That’s why we work with over 200 of Europe’s largest cities to improve the lives of over 130 million residents across 38 countries. That’s the ‘cities’ part of ‘Eurocities’. Hundreds of cities have already committed to getting carbon emissions down to zero, welcoming migrants and refugees, and governing through dialogue with their residents. Local governments work on the ground with citizens and residents, and are essential partners for turning EU policies and ambitions into reality. As such, cities must be included directly in European decision making and should be in direct receipt of European funds. That’s the ‘Euro’ part of ‘Eurocities.’ So Eurocities, Europe plus cities, equals a better future for all.

Eurocities, the network of major European cities, is recruiting a policy advisor in the field of economic development. The candidate would ideally start in October 2021.

As policy advisor, you will be responsible for supporting Eurocities activities related to the economic development forum, by contributing to the organisation’s networking, advocacy and project activities with a specific focus in fields such as recovery, long-term investment, local innovation ecosystems, financing the green, digital and inclusive transition. In this role, you will : - coordinate, support and provide content-related input to the Eurocities economic development forum - support the working groups related to the economic development forum - maintain an up-to-date overview of policy developments in the above-mentioned fields and contribute with expertise and strategic insights to the policy work of Eurocities - maintain contacts with the EU institutions, with member cities, and with other stakeholders - coordinate the preparation of relevant policy statements - take the lead on the development and implementation of Eurocities’ advocacy strategy in these fields - advise management on forthcoming priorities, anticipate policy challenges and opportunities and mobilise members accordingly - organise capacity building and mutual learning events such as study visits, peer-reviews, focus groups, and develop capacity building tools such as guidelines, toolkits, etc. - cooperate with other Eurocities forums and projects in cross-cutting areas, such as jobs and skills, digital transition, public procurement, etc. - ensure that any potential synergies with other policy areas, projects and communications activities of Eurocities are developed through coordination with relevant colleagues - ensure effective communication to members and more widely through the various channels available - support Eurocities general policy and project work, as well as other activities in line with the overall objectives

You have: - a successful track record of at least 5 years of work experience in policy advocacy at EU level and EU project implementation - a Masters degree or equivalent in economic development, urban development, EU studies or related fields - thorough understanding of the EU institutions, decision making processes and funding instruments - excellent knowledge of urban policies and cities in general, including the role of cities in the EU - excellent research and analytical skills, including the ability to collect, analyse and present information in a clear and concise way - experience in mutual learning/policy transfer methodologies - excellent political judgement for advocacy and lobby work - experience in organising events and mutual learning activities - experience in coordinating working groups - experience in advocacy, lobby and influencing EU institutions and other relevant stakeholders - strong organisation and coordination skills - excellent organisational awareness - excellent oral and written communications skills in English - good interpersonal skills for an international environment You are: - a strategic liaison for a specific Eurocities community and key EU representatives - a dynamic team player who also takes full responsibility for delivering results on own work - agile in a changing environment with the ability to juggle competing deadlines - a self-starter, driven by the motivation to deliver outcomes for cities and citizens Assets: - experience of working with cities, either in a city administration or through a network - knowledge of indicators, notably in the area of economic development - other languages

We offer - an open ended full-time position in Brussels, starting as soon as possible - salary according to profile and experience Benefits - Meal vouchers, pension plan, hospitalisation insurance, public transport costs, 13th month, éco-chèques Some other benefit examples are : - training opportunities and access to on-line trainings - a dynamic international team - a pleasant working environment - flexible working and relaxed dress code - part time teleworking. Eurocities recognises the importance of a work life balance Applicants are requested to send a letter of motivation explaining their suitability for the position, together with a CV by COB on 15 September 2021 to: Patricia de Wouters, Head of HR, at [email protected]. Please send the documents in pdf format and mention ‘policy advisor EDF’ in the subject line. Interviews will be held remotely at the end of September 2021.

Unfortunately, it seems like this job is not available for international candidates. Unless you’re eligible for a work visa otherwise, please double-check with the company.