Research, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator – Gender Equality (m/f/d)

We are looking for a

Research, Policy, and Advocacy Coordinator

to lead our work on gender equality and women’s leadership in education and in education unions.

About the role

The Research, Policy, and Advocacy Coordinator leads our work on gender equality and women’s leadership and guides our efforts to mainstream gender equality and intersectional perspectives across the organisation. The Coordinator analyses and evaluates policy proposals and developments in the field of education, and their impact on the teaching profession and EI’s wider membership; develops EI policy and advocacy strategies; designs research projects; and works closely with EI’s member organisations as well EI’s governmental and non-governmental organisations and international partners organisations to influence relevant policy developments in support of EI’s advocacy goals and strategic objectives.

Reporting to the Director of Research, Policy, and Advocacy, the Coordinator provides critical analysis and advice to EI’s operational and elected leadership in the development and implementation of our policies. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about gender equality and the right to education, and interested in influencing global policy-making, and defending and promoting the rights of teachers and other educators.

The successful candidate will have in-depth knowledge and understanding – demonstrable experience – of working on gender equality and women’s leadership. Professional experience of either: teaching (at any level); working as an education union organiser, official or employee; or a combination of these roles, and/or in-depth knowledge of education research, policy, and advocacy would be valuable assets. The role requires a commitment to gender equality and human and trade unions rights, solid political judgement, working knowledge of the global political landscape, and the ability to collaborate effectively and sensitively with colleagues from around the world.

As a global organisation, we are committed to diversity and inclusion, and encourage candidates with diverse experiences and backgrounds to apply.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Guide relevant research, policy, and advocacy development by employing a strong understanding of EI’s strategic objectives;
• Gather data and evidence to support EI’s policy and advocacy positions from intersectional gender perspectives;
• Actively monitor relevant social, political, and economic developments to be able to advise EI colleagues, leadership, and members on relevant gender-related topics;
• Review and critically evaluate trends, developments, and policy proposals that impact EI’s membership;
• Research, draft, and contribute to EI position papers, policy documents, and other materials as required;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of quantitative and qualitative research projects by determining project goals, research methods, and test parameters, with a particular focus on gender equality and women’s leadership in the education sector;
• Liaise with EI member organisations, external partners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to provide gender-related briefings, analysis, and policy recommendations in line with EI’s strategic objectives and advocacy goals;
• Manage other projects and coordinate and collaborate within and across EI teams/units;
• Maintain strong relationships with and support EI regional offices and member organisations in gender-related research, policy, and advocacy development;
• Assist and provide support to internal EI structures as required;
• Represent EI at external meetings and events with member organisations, external partners, policymakers, and other stakeholders, as required;
• Organise and coordinate meetings;
• Other related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned.

Knowledge and skills

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of gender equality and the structural obstacles to achieving gender equality, and of intersectional perspectives in the fields of education and labour;
• Knowledge of policy development, advocacy strategies and research methods in the education sector. Knowledge of gender-transformative education is an asset;
• Ability to collaborate effectively and sensitively with teammates and external stakeholders in multicultural environments;
• Ability to grasp complex information and present it to diverse audiences in an accessible fashion;
• Ability to employ active listening skills and empathy to interpret and understand diverse perspectives;
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and exhibit strong initiative and judgment;
• Ability to deliver high quality, accurate work with strong attention to detail;
• Ability to effectively meet deadlines by managing competing responsibilities and multiple tasks.

Qualifications

• Degree in education, gender studies or other relevant disciplines; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered;
• Classroom experience as a qualified teacher and professional experience in a policy role, preferably in a trade union or in a not-for-profit environment would be an asset;
• English language proficiency, with additional fluency in another official language of EI (French, Spanish).

Working Hours

• Full-time position;
• Normal office hours apply from Monday to Friday, though some flexibility is desirable in recognition of the international nature of the organization. Work that falls outside normal hours during the week, and at the weekend may be expected. There may be a requirement of regular travel to attend meetings and functions.

Other Information

• Salary and conditions of service are in accordance with the Education International collective agreement, which defines a competitive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with experience and based on pre-established salary ranges. This position is subject to Belgian fiscal regulations;
• The post-holder will be based at the EI Head Office in Brussels;
• The appointment will be made from an agreed date upon the completion of the selection and appointment process.

Note:

All EI staff are accountable to the General Secretary, either directly or through designated staff members. If the needs of the organisation so require, staff members may be requested to perform appropriate duties related to another position, either on a temporary or permanent basis, provided that these duties correspond to the level of their position and that their professional experience and training is adequate. Position descriptions are not definitive and may be adapted.

How to apply

Applications must include a resume (CV) and a cover letter outlining how the candidate meets the criteria for appointment set out above. All applications will be treated confidentially. Please address your application to the EI General Secretary and submit it to (jobeducation1@ei-ie.org) by Wednesday 31^st May, 2023.

EI is committed to the principles of employment equity and to diversity in its workforce.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Research, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator – Gender Equality (m/f/d)