Junior Consultant for Technical Assistance (m/f/d) – Structural Reform and Programme Implementation

Who we are:

VVA Brussels is a fast-growing policy and market consultancy providing top quality advice to the European institutions and private sector clients. We are a truly European company, part of a group based in Brussels and Milan with a team of professionals from many different academic and national backgrounds. What motivates us is our mission to progress the “European project” by helping our clients:

• anticipate change;
• design public policy responses;
• understand how the EU can improve the lives of Europeans, support European businesses and transform our economy and society; and
• communicate decisions and actions to key stakeholders.

Our daily work is guided by core values and beliefs such as trust, entrepreneurship, cooperation, and quality and what motivates us is our vision & mission:

• Enabling access to top tier knowledge & networks across Europe;
• Bringing together a diverse team of dynamic and engaged people, with experience beyond academic achievements;
• Specialising in selected areas: economics, policy, law, technical assistance & programme delivery;
• Working together in a flexible & hands-on manner with our clients to create & sustain momentum.

We have a high-profile, expanding project portfolio including evaluations and impact assessments, economic, market and legal studies, expert assistance to support reforms and implement programmes.

We have various framework contracts with many DGs of the European Commission like DG REFORM, DG MOVE, DG ENER, DG JUST, DG MARE, DG DIGIT and DG ECFIN.

Your workplace environment:

You will join the Reform and Programme Implementation team that is working on European projects in the areas of digitalisation, EU citizenship rights, public administration, international development and capacity building. Our activities consist mostly of developing and delivering projects to support and assist the Member States and neighbouring countries to design and implement reforms for sustainable growth to improve citizens’ life and businesses activities.

What will you be doing?

Our success is due to our excellent team of consultants and researchers and we are now looking to strengthen our team further with a Junior Consultant focused on EU public policy and International comparative studies with previous experience in on-site technical assistance and programme implementation to fulfil a position within our Reform and Programme Implementation team. The Junior Consultant will contribute to delivering top-quality projects and tenders to EU institutions and national governments in our core areas of business, notably:

• Data search and collection in project workstreams (desk research and statistical data, surveys, interviews, case studies, focus groups, etc.);
• Support drafting of sections of deliverables and proposals;
• Supporting work streams (desk research, needs assessment, surveys, interviews, case studies, focus groups, workshops; training, etc.) and projects and coordinating staff including briefing,
• reviewing, and coaching;
• Meet project deadlines providing high quality contributions.

Profile:

• MSc in EU studies, political science and international comparative studies, economics or related;
• Fluent (written & spoken) English (additional EU language preferred but not essential – currently we appreciate fluency in German/Spanish/French/Greek);
• Excellent analytical skills;
• Familiarity with stakeholder’s consultation, engagement, and training techniques;
• Robust reporting abilities;
• Strong managerial and organisational skills;
• Brilliant communication and conflict resolution aptitudes;
• 2 years of professional experience preferable in a consultancy environment or public administration;
• Strong self-motivation as at VVA you can grow quickly into new and exciting responsibilities;
• Demonstrated interest in public policy (studies, traineeship etc.);
• Experience with Technical Support Instrument (TSI) of DG REFORM is considered an advantage.

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;
• a very dynamic and exciting work environment;
• flexible work arrangements; and
• training opportunities.

The position can be based in one of our offices in Brussels or Milan or be completely remote with occasional trips to Brussels.

Application:

We encourage interested and qualified candidates to visit Economics & Policy | VVA and submit their CV and 1-page cover letter in English by 15/02/2023. In case of a positive evaluation, only pre-selected applicants will be invited for an interview and case assessment. Interviews will be held online in February to start in March 2023, but the start date is negotiable.

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.