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Vacancy: Science policy adviser

The JPI Oceans secretariat is looking for a science policy adviser in support of its tasks and activities, with a focus on two new Horizon Europe initiatives.

Vacancy: Science policy adviser


  • 30 March 2022

Job setting

The Joint Programming Initiative Healthy and Productive Seas and Oceans (JPI Oceans) is a pan-European intergovernmental platform that strives to increase efficiency and impact of national investments in marine and maritime research and innovation. JPI Oceans focuses on long-term collaboration between EU Member States, Associated Countries and international partners and adds to the value of national research and innovation investments by aligning national priorities, addressing them with Joint Actions and amplifying impact through strategic engagements.

JPI Oceans is involved in two major initiatives of the EU Horizon Europe research and innovation programme. In the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership*, JPI Oceans is a partner with responsibilities in communication, outreach, community building, capacity enhancement and ocean literacy. In the Coordination and Support Action (CSA) PREP4BLUE in service of the Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’, JPI Oceans has roles in engaging communities and innovating funding mechanisms.

The JPI Oceans secretariat is looking for a science policy adviser in support of its tasks and activities, with a focus on the abovementioned Horizon Europe initiatives.

Dynamic working environment

The JPI Oceans secretariat is based in the heart of Brussels and amidst many of the key EU institutions. The position offers the opportunity to work in a multicultural European environment and be part of a dynamic constellation engaging with policy-makers, ministries, research funders, academics and other stakeholders. There will be ample opportunities to attend international conferences and meetings and build networks with colleagues from across Europe and beyond.

Are you looking for an opportunity to join a small but growing, international team that works towards sustainable seas and oceans, and be immersed in the European research and innovation sphere? We would love to hear from you!

Key responsibilities

In general, you will help to achieve the ambitions outlined in the JPI Oceans Strategy Framework 2021-2025. The design of your portfolio of responsibilities will include a broad range of aspects.

  • Support the implementation of the Horizon Europe project PREP4BLUE, which focuses on the preparation of the research & innovation core for Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters. Your roles will be to:
    • establish an inclusive network of European initiatives and organisations;
    • elaborate public/private funding opportunities for the roll out of the Mission.
  • Support the communication activities of the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership*. Your main roles will be to:
    • develop of a communication, dissemination and outreach strategy;
    • establish a digital presence for the partnership;
    • enable and manage a multi-stakeholder community of practice;
    • organise events and symposia;
    • develop ocean literacy and human capacity building activities.
  • Support JPI Oceans’ thematic Joint Actions and Strategic Engagements;
  • Prepare reports, background notes and policy documents;
  • Represent and present JPI Oceans and the above Horizon Europe initiatives at international meetings and conferences.
Requirements
  • A degree or relevant experience in marine or maritime sciences, relevant natural or social sciences or related fields;
  • Demonstrated project management skills;
  • A demonstrated affinity to science communication, stakeholder engagement, ocean literacy or human capacity enhancement;
  • Strong interest in research policy and marine and maritime research;
  • At least 2-5 years working experience (preferably in an international/European working environment);
  • Excellent written and verbal language skills in English. Knowledge of French and/or other European languages is an asset;
  • Inter-personal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations within a multi-cultural environment;
  • Experience with the Adobe suite (Indesign, Photoshop, Illustrator), the content management system Drupal, or other communication-relevant software is an asset.
JPI Oceans offers
  • Opportunities to collaborate with external colleagues on European and international science and innovation projects;
    • The opportunity to be part of a small, dynamic, and diverse Brussels-based team;
  • Immersion into European research and innovation and in science-policy processes;
  • Three year contract with competitive salary based on public sector remuneration scales;
  • Meal voucher contribution at 6.91 EUR per work day, hospitalisation insurance, internet allowance and public transport are provided;
  • 30 days of annual holidays.
Conditions
  • Starting date: as soon as possible
  • Occasional travelling will be required
  • Location: Rue du Trône 4, 1000 Brussels,
To apply

Please send your application by 24 April 2022 to Willem De Moor willem.demoor@jpi-oceans.eu as one pdf file including a cover letter and your CV. Supporting documents can be added as considered relevant.

*(subject to approval of the partnership proposal by the European Commission).