Consultant: Mutual Learning, Training and Events Expert in Social Policy, Active Labour Market Policies and/or Gender (m/f/d)

You will be joining our Social and Cohesion Team which has a high-profile and expanding project portfolio for the European Institutions, bodies and agencies across a range of policy topics such as employment, labour mobility, social inclusion, equality, vocational education, migration and regional development. We currently run projects and framework contracts for DG EMPL, DG REGIO, DG REFORM, DG JUST, ELA, EIGE, ESPON, the EP LIBE, FEMM, CULT committees and others. Our success is due to our excellent team of consultants and researchers, and we are now looking to strengthen our team with a Senior Consultant who will be focussing on policy analysis and programme implementation.

What will you be doing?

You take a leading role in developing, delivering innovative, and engaging in virtual, on-site, and hybrid events: training, conferences, workshops, peer review, and peer learning activities, PA staff exchange for the European Union (European Commission; EU institutions and agencies) and its Member States. Together with the team you will submit proposals and lead implementation activities. You will be expected to manage and contribute to projects in the fields of social inclusion, gender and equal opportunity education and regional development. This involves developing event concepts and strategies on a wide portfolio of events, with a strong focus on utilising the maximum potential of the latest digital technologies and platforms. Most of the projects will be conducted on behalf of the European Commission or related institutions. Our events are usually attended by high-level officials (i.e., Commissioners, ministers, ambassadors, etc.), journalists, representatives from public and private sectors, and the wider public. They often involve multiple partners. You will maintain a network of experts and partners and collaborate with colleagues at VVA. Depending on your experience and skills we would discuss and agree with you the exact portfolio of your tasks and a career path for your future development in the company.

Profile:

• Diploma or certificate in management and/or university degree in communications, digital marketing, public relations, or other relevant fields;
• Experience in implementing EU programmes, platforms and projects;
• A track record of at least 3 to 5 years of work experience in a relevant field (organising physical and digital training and events from needs identification to strategy and planning to execution and evaluation);
• An excellent level of written and spoken English through an extended period of study or work experience in an English-speaking environment; knowledge of any other EU languages is considered an asset: currently we appreciate fluency in Italian/Spanish/Romanian – Danish/Swedish – Slovenian/Croatian – Greek/Bulgarian – Polish;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
• Experience in developing and successfully managing team and budgets;
• Experience of working with EU institutions as clients;
• Excellent coordination and organisational skills with a high degree of accuracy and eye for the detail;
• Proficient in digital event tools and Microsoft Office;
• Ability to work under pressure and on own initiative, to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines;
• Ability and flexibility to travel internationally;
• Ability to conduct research for topic of mutual learning and training;
• Ability to work in international, multi-cultural settings, and foster relations with colleagues, partners, clients, and stakeholders;
• Certificate in PM as Agile or PRINCE2 is a plus.

What we offer:

VVA offers its employees a professional, stimulating, and learning environment and scope to develop. We are a highly international, socially responsible, and employee-owned organization. We ensure that our employees rank among the best in their field. Talented professionals who opt for VVA want to make a difference and pursue change and progress VVA has an informal workplace atmosphere. You will work in teams alongside professionals and enthusiastic colleagues. You will be given a high degree of autonomy and responsibility.

VVA offers excellent opportunities for professional development with high levels of autonomy and room for growth:

• a competitive remuneration package; and
• a very dynamic and exciting work environment;
• flexible work arrangements;
• training opportunity.

The position can be based in one of our offices in Brussels or be completely remote with occasional trips to Brussels. If you are interested in this position, please provide your CV and a 1-page cover letter outlining why you are suited for the job.

Deadline for applications: 24 March 2023

Interviews with pre-selected participants will be held online/in person the last week of March 2023. The start date is April 2023 negotiable for the right candidates.