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

About Education International

Education International (EI) is the world’s largest Global Union Federation bringing together organisations of teachers and other education employees from across the world. Through our 383 member unions and organisations, we represent more than 32 million teachers and education support personnel in 178 countries and territories in a shared mission to achieve quality education for all.

Based in the global secretariat in downtown Brussels, the Research, Policy, and Advocacy unit provides critical analysis and advice to EI’s operational and elected leadership in the development and implementation of our policies. A diverse, international, and highly professional staff is central to EI’s efforts to influence and lead global policy-making, and to defend and promote the rights of teachers and other educators.

The Coordinator will join a dynamic and collegial unit, while interacting at the highest professional levels with the staff of global governmental, non-governmental and partner organisations. The Coordinator will also advise the leadership of EI on a wide variety of global issues on a daily basis.

About the role

Reporting to the Director of Research, Policy, and Advocacy, the Coordinator undertakes work to analyse and evaluate policy proposals, initiatives and developments in the field of education, and their impact on the teaching profession and EI’s wider membership. The post-holder works closely with stakeholders and international and regional agencies to influence relevant policy developments in support of EI’s advocacy goals and strategic objectives.

The successful candidate will have first-hand experience of either: teaching (at any level); working as an education union organiser, official or employee; or a combination of these roles. The successful candidate will also have skills and knowledge in the areas of education research, policy, and advocacy. In-depth knowledge of labour relations and/or economics – particularly as these impact the work of trade unions – is strongly desired. The role requires solid political judgement, working knowledge of the global political landscape and the ability to collaborate effectively and sensitively with diverse colleagues from around the world.

Duties and Responsibilities

• 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;
• Liaise with EI member organisations, external partners, policymakers, and other stakeholders providing briefings, analysis, and policy recommendations in line with EI’s strategic objectives and advocacy goals;
• Actively monitor relevant social, political, and economic developments to be able to advise EI colleagues, leadership, and members on relevant topics;
• Guide relevant research, policy, and advocacy development by employing a strong understanding of EI’s strategic direction and organizational goals, and gather data and evidence to support EI’s policy and advocacy positions;
• Contribute to the development and implementation of quantitative and qualitative research projects by determining project goals, research methods and test parameters;
• Manage projects and coordinate and collaborate within and across EI teams/units;
• Maintain strong relationships with and support EI regional offices and member organisations in 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

• Knowledge of the education sector, and commitment to EI’s mission, values, and objectives;
• In-depth knowledge of research methods, policy development, and advocacy strategies in the education sector;
• Ability to apply a political economy lens to policy debates in the field of education;
• Ability to collaborate effectively and sensitively with teammates and external stakeholders in a multicultural environment;
• 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 a strong attention to detail;
• Ability to effectively meet deadlines by managing competing responsibilities and multiple tasks.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in a related field;
• At least 5 year-experience either, as a classroom qualified teacher, or in a policy role, preferably in a trade union or in a not-for-profit environment, or both;
• English language proficiency, with additional fluency in another official language of EI (French, Spanish);
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

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 to 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, but the fulfilment of the duties and responsibilities may require some foreign travel;
• The appointment will be made from an agreed date upon the completion of the selection and appointment process.

How to apply

Applications must include a resume (CV) and a cover letter outlining in detail 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 (jobeducation@ei-ie.org) by: Friday 22 April, 2022.

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.