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.

Organisation
Eurocities, the network of major European cities, is recruiting a Policy Director.

The candidate would ideally start in September 2024.

Eurocities is a dynamic and international team where we trust in people, value diversity, constructive exchanges and collaborative work. We help people thrive in a sense-making, friendly, open and healthy environment while promoting a good work/life balance.

Our vision

We strive for a Europe where cities are at the heart of European, national and regional decision-making to create a sustainable and inclusive future for all.

Our mission

Eurocities is the leading network of major European cities, working together and with other stakeholders to make cities places where everyone can enjoy a good quality of life and a sustainable future.

Our values

As a network of more than 200 large cities, representing more than 150 million people across 38 countries, from within and outside the EU, our strategy and European collaboration is rooted in our democratic legitimacy. We strive to make our cities sanctuaries of freedom of expression and tolerance, recognising the richness of diversity. We believe in a strong European Union that defends and champions our shared values – human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, justice, and human rights – in Europe and beyond.

In addition, our organisational values are:

We are responsible. We care about our member cities, our staff, our partners, society, and the planet and we act accordingly.
We are professional. We are good at what we do, demonstrating the highest degree of proficiency, transparency, compliance and integrity, learning continually, and adapting quickly.
We empower. We work closely together to share knowledge, support, and inspire each other through mentorship, encouragement, openness, and trust.
We are impactful. We are committed to bold objectives and driven by the difference we make when we take initiative and use change as an opportunity.
Responsibilities
As policy director, you will lead Eurocities’ advocacy strategies towards the European Commission, Parliament and national governments, including EU presidencies. You will be a member of Eurocities’ Strategy Team, guide and coordinate the policy and advocacy activities in close collaboration with colleagues across Eurocities thematic teams, and work closely with our Executive Committee and members more generally.

In close cooperation with the Secretary General, you will strive to ensure that cities have a seat around the table in European decision-making processes. You will identify new trends and seize opportunities to further advance Eurocities’ impact. You will engage in strategic partnerships with other stakeholders, including local government networks at the European and national level, NGOs and other external actors to promote sustainable and inclusive cities.

You will oversee the development of all policy statements and ensure the coherence in the positioning of the network across different areas of work. You will represent Eurocities in high-level events and discussions to disseminate our positions as well as cities’ contributions and needs.

You will be a team player and ensure cohesive and effective messaging and communication flows, both externally and internally.

As policy director, you will lead Eurocities’ advocacy strategies towards the European Commission, Parliament and national governments, including EU presidencies. You will be a member of Eurocities’ Strategy Team, guide and coordinate the policy and advocacy activities in close collaboration with colleagues across Eurocities thematic teams, and work closely with our Executive Committee and members more generally.

In close cooperation with the Secretary General, you will strive to ensure that cities have a seat around the table in European decision-making processes. You will identify new trends and seize opportunities to further advance Eurocities’ impact. You will engage in strategic partnerships with other stakeholders, including local government networks at the European and national level, NGOs and other external actors to promote sustainable and inclusive cities.

You will oversee the development of all policy statements and ensure the coherence in the positioning of the network across different areas of work. You will represent Eurocities in high-level events and discussions to disseminate our positions as well as cities’ contributions and needs.

You will be a team player and ensure cohesive and effective messaging and communication flows, both externally and internally.

You are an experienced senior professional who is full of initiative, self-driven, curious, creative, flexible and impact-oriented.

You have:

an advanced degree in political sciences, European relations or other relevant area
a minimum 10 years of experience with a documented record in driving and managing policy and advocacy in an EU context
5 years of experience in managing a team, or in an executive management role
a strategic mindset and excellent insights into European politics with the ability to connect European goals to local developments
a thorough experience of working with European policy development and navigating the European decision-making process.
extensive experience in working with cities and/or on urban affairs
strong organisational and project management skills, ideally from a membership association
the ability to deal with competing priorities and work to tight deadlines
excellent personal written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking
you are a native speaker or bilingual proficiency in English. Other languages are an advantage.

We offer
a full-time position as employee, under Belgian legislation. The selected candidate will need to either live in Belgium or be willing to move to Belgium for the duration of the contract (candidates need to provide a Belgian address)
an open-ended contract, starting in June 2024
€85,000-€95,000 yearly gross salary, according to profile and experience
flexible working hours
part-time teleworking
Benefits
Meal vouchers, pension plan, hospitalisation insurance, public transport costs, 13th month, éco-chèques, 90€ net per month of teleworking allowance, training opportunities.

€85,000-€95,000 yearly gross salary, according to profile and experience

We’re not fully sure whether this role is open to international candidates. If you would need visa sponsorship or work authorisation, we recommend checking directly with the employer before applying.