All Things Urban

The European Urban Initiative (EUI) is an instrument of the urban dimension of Cohesion policy. EUI supports European cities in developing transferable and scalable innovative solutions to urban challenges of European Union relevance. EUI supports cities of all sizes to tackle these challenges and contribute to sustainable development of the entire European Union and its citizens, and to build capacities and increase knowledge sharing in order to strengthen the transformative power of all EU urban areas. The Initiative has a total ERDF budget of EUR 450 million for the programming period 2021-2027. to create and offer opportunities and an environment for implementing bold urban strategies. These projects test new solutions, techniques and planning models, building capacities and sharing knowledge in sustainable urban development. EUI takes its roots in a strong commitment to strengthen the urban dimension of EU policies and the conviction of the EU that cities must be involved in the design and implementation of policy responses to their local challenges.

The European Urban Initiative is opening a vacancy "Communication Officer" position (for a long-term contract) to join the Permanent Secretariat (PS) based in Lille (France). This is a challenging opportunity to join an international team working in the field of sustainable urban development and innovation in Europe in the frame of the new European Urban Initiative. 💡 Hybrid work is possible!

1.General tasks - Organisation and implementation of the cross-cutting communication tasks of the European Urban Initiative: implementation of the communication strategy, development of communication tools, follow-up of the communication call for tenders, implementation of the communication activities (events, website and multi-media, publications) in close cooperation with the digital communications officer and other units. 2.Initiative Promotion - Responsible for the implementation of the communication strategy of the European Urban Initiative - Responsible for the content and update of the Initiative website: update of the website pages / structure according to the European Urban Initiative developments; publication of news, calls for proposals etc., search engine optimization, in liaison with the digital communication officer - Responsible for the editorial planning and draft the content of Initiative promotional documents: newsletter, Initiative leaflets... - Report on Initiative activities through Initiative communication channels: website, newsletter, social media - Organise and contribute to EUI events promoting activities and results at Initiative level such as annual events, cooperation fairs and other events on demand - Coordinate the implementation of the Initiative graphic identity - Draft and implement communication and disseminations plans related to Initiative activities - Monitor communication strategy implementation and work progress, expenses and supplies - Contribution to and participation in Urban Agenda for the EU publicity, communication and dissemination, in coordination with the Communication and Partnership officer - Contribution to and participation in Portico, the knowledge platform of EUI - Coordination and work with external service providers contracted for communication support 3.Initiative level communication - Draft communication-related sections of the Innovative Actions and Capacity-Building Application packs, the Communication toolkit and other information material for Innovative Actions or Capacity-Building cities - Draft and implementation of the Initiative annual Communication Plan, in liaison with Urban Contact Points - Contribution to relevant sections of the Initiative Annual Report - Presentation of EU regulations related to Communication at training seminars for applicants or project partners and regular follow-up and assistance with project Lead partners or cities involved in capacity building activities, on compliance to requirements - Preparation and follow-up of public call for tenders to outsource some tasks on communication activities - Represent the Initiative in EU networks when relating to communication - Work with partner organisations and in particularly the Urbact programme, on joint communication activities 4.Promotion and communication for individual EUI strand activities - Participate in the organisation of different events and promotional activities and publications - Provide guidance on communication and its requirements for applicants - Contribute to the assessment of proposed communication activities - Follow-up of implementation and closure: assistance to beneficiaries on communication issues 5.Languages &Translation The official languages of the Initiative is English. - Draft content of news and website articles - Proofread and occasional translation of the Initiative communications 6.Additional Tasks - Other additional tasks of relevance to the position if required

Requirements - Master’s degree and/or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant field linked to the post; with minimum 3 to 5 years demonstrated experience in relation to the above tasks - Excellent communication, facilitation and drafting skills - Excellent organisational and project management skills with a proven track record of delivery - Knowledge of EU institutions and policies, in particular Cohesion Policy - Strong interest in urban trends and the urban dimension of EU policies, in particular Cohesion Policy - Experience managing the work of external experts and overseeing public procurement processes Computer literate - Good team player with capacity to work in a multicultural / international and multilingual environment - Ability to translate strategies into actions - High level of proficiency and fluency in English, with French and other EU languages as an asset - Flexible approach to work; prepared to travel and work irregular hours

Applications should reach the Permanent Secretariat by 19 June at 12 noon CEST. We will not consider any application sent beyond that deadline. Before applying, it is necessary to check whether tasks and required competences match your experience and profile. Please indicate in the subject line of your email the job position for which you are applying. Interviews with the shortlisted candidates should start on week beginning 3rd of July, in Lille or online. Terms and conditions of employment: - The working place is located at the office based in Lille, France in close proximity to Lille Flandres and Lille Europe train stations (direct train connection of 35 minutes from Brussels Midi and just over 1 hour from Paris Gare du Nord) - The position is based on a contract under French law. - Contract will be made between the individual and the GECOTTI-PE (employer), on behalf of the Région Hauts-de-France, Entrusted Entity (EE) of the Initiative. - The corresponding assignment is based on long-term contract and is expected to start as soon as possible. - The jobholder will be offered a gross monthly salary starting from € 3996 (around € 3086 net before income tax). - Employees can benefit from up to two days of remote work per week. - Employees can benefit from a public transport reimbursement and restaurant vouchers.

This job is available for international candidates.