Digital Policy Analyst (m/f/d)

The Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS – www.feps-europe.eu) is currently looking for a Digital Policy Analyst to lead FEPS thematic field on Digital Economy and Society.

The successful candidate is to join the FEPS Team based in Brussels from early February 2023 (cf. selection timetable below).

Depending on the experience and qualifications of the chosen candidate, a position of junior policy analyst or senior policy analyst may be offered.

FEPS is an equal opportunity employer, committed to enhancing fairness and to achieving workplace diversity. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.

Reporting Line

FEPS’ Policy Analysts report daily to the delegate of the Secretary General (i.e. the Director appointed to supervise the thematic field in question)

Mission of the role

The mission of the Policy Analyst is to substantiate FEPS’ work on digital policy with particular attention given to issues of artificial intelligence and automation, technological change and innovation, digital single market, data governance and, not lastly, future of work.

S.he will co-shape FEPS’ activities in the field. The Digital Policy Analyst will steer and implement a portfolio of FEPS (co-)funded projects aimed at impacting policies, political debates and/or public awareness related to European digital and innovation policy.

This is expected to be done in line with a social-democratic compass; with the objective of identifying the path towards digital justice and uncovering the interrelation between digital policy objectives and social, climate and territorial justice.

Main tasks

• Monitor key trends and major debates (both political and academic) regarding the developments of EU digital policies, ensuring FEPS’ capacity to provide innovative analyses, implement impactful projects and propose pioneering ideas
• Provide FEPS’ leadership and network of foundations with insight and analysis relevant to development of a progressive stance and a furthering of European integration on digital and innovation policy
• Develop, organise and manage FEPS’ network of stakeholders, primarily FEPS’ Members and partners to foster cooperation on digital affairs
• Organize expert meetings and policy input for the benefit of FEPS projects and activities
• Inform, frame, design and lead the implementation and follow up on FEPS’ projects and activities in compliance with applicable rules and procedures
• Coordinate the drafting of policy related content within a variety of formats (e.g. policy briefs, policy studies, project summaries, briefing notes, op-eds, etc.)
• Liaise with EU institutional and political stakeholders, as also with trade unions and civil society organisations with the view to influence agendas
• Produce strategic input for FEPS’ Annual Framework Activity Programme
• Support FEPS with an expertise regarding data analyses and design of surveys
• Contribute to the coherent articulation of projects and activities (to be) enshrined in the FEPS’ Annual Work Plan
• Represent FEPS and present FEPS research outputs in external events as assigned

The ideal candidate will have the following profile

• Academic degree in social sciences, economics or European studies at MA or MSc level; a PhD will be considered as a relevant asset and account to the years of professional experience
• At least 4 years professional experience in a field connected to digital policy, future of work or data governance
• In-depth knowledge in some of the following areas: managing the digital transition, automation and robotization, future of work, platform economy, regulation and taxation of the digital sector (or companies), artificial intelligence regulation or ethical implications, technological developments and transfer, digital services act, GDPR, privacy and data governance
• Capacity to follow developments at international, European, national, regional, and local levels, and analyse relevant trends across political, economic, and social dimensions, in the respective domain of competences
• Knowledge and interest for EU affairs and political sensitivity
• Experience in overseeing and managing multi-stakeholders’ projects
• Written and oral proficiency in English and in a second European language. Any additional European language will be considered an asset
• Proven expertise in quantitative research, data analyses and/or surveys design
• Proven ability to draft analysis, research and policy recommendations
• Excellent writing and communication skills coupled with political sensitivity
• A strong set of soft skills, with specific reference to:

• Innovative and out-of-the-box thinking
• High organisational and time-management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Advanced interpersonal and social skills
• Exceptional team player with the ability to contribute positively to a team
• Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines
• Readiness to occasionally travel and adapt to flexible working hours

Employment conditions

The position is to be filled out as from early-February 2023 onwards.

The contractual offer will be for an initial period 6 months but aimed at being continued in the form of an indeterminate contract (CDI). In exceptional cases an indetermined contract may be offered from the onset, depending on the profile of the selected candidate.

The salary – which is paid on a 13,9 months per year basis – will be discussed depending on experience and qualifications. It is part of a generous remuneration package (including benefits such as: a complementary pension scheme, DKV hospitalization insurance, public transport compensation, a professional phone including the right to use it for private purposes, ecocheques, meal vouchers).

The workplace will be Brussels (Belgium): applicants must be able to work and reside in Belgium.

FEPS has put in place an internal policy allowing for telework, under conditions.

As FEPS is registered in Belgium, the contract will be under Belgian law.

Applications’ composition and deadline

Please submit your application by Tuesday 20^th of December 2022 at noon CET.  

The application should contain:

• A cover letter outlining your motivation for the post and your understanding of progressive values (maximum 2 pages)
• A detailed CV without picture (possibly in Europass format)
• A sample of work authored in the thematic field covered by the present notice (links or attached)
• The name of 2 referees with the related contact details

Applications not respecting the instructions for completing and submitting the application will not be considered.

The selection timetable will be the following

• Deadline for submission of complete applications: 20.12.2022 noon CET

• Eligibility check and first assessment of written applications
• This will result in a shortlist of no more than 10 candidates who will be invited for the subsequent step.

• First round of online interviews of candidates with a panel including FEPS’ management and expert(s) followed by a written test will take place between 06.01.2023 and 11.01.2023
• This will result in a shortlist of no more than 3-4 candidates who will be invited for the subsequent step

• Second interview of shortlisted candidates with a minima FEPS Secretary General will take place between 16.01.2023 and 18.01.2023
• Candidates preselected at this stage will be requested to provide a Criminal Record Extract (i.e. “Certificat de Bonne Vie et Moeurs” in Belgium) as well as a transcript of the highest degree obtained

• Communication of the final results to candidates: by end of 20.01.2023

During the entire selection procedure, FEPS is absolutely committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background. We value diversity and lived experience, and acknowledge the underrepresentation of people from certain backgrounds. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all employees feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential. The equal opportunity principle encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, origins or disabilities.

Should you have specific questions or issues of a technical nature (only), please send your enquiry to feps-jobs@feps-europe.eu.