Open Society European Policy Institute
Brussels, Belgium
The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people.
We seek to strengthen the rule of law; respect for human rights, minorities, and a diversity of opinions; democratically elected governments; and a civil society that helps keep government power in check.
We help to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights.
We implement initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media.
We build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information.
Working in every part of the world, the Open Society Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.
The Open Society European Policy Institute (OSEPI) is the policy arm of a global foundation working to build vibrant and tolerant societies in over 100 countries. The policy analyst will join a dynamic team working in the heart of Europe to influence EU policy and debates. Our mission is to foster open societies by leveraging the EU’s policies, legislation, funding, and political influence.
Purpose of Position
The policy analyst will work in Brussels in the Open Society Foundations’ EU policy advocacy team. S/he will have principal responsibility for influencing the EU’s external action and funding to strengthen human rights, democratization, and civil society.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
The policy analyst will identify advocacy opportunities, and develop and implement strategies directed towards the EU and other European governmental and intergovernmental institutions to advance the goals of the Open Society Foundations. S/he will liaise between EU policymakers and colleagues in relevant grantmaking and operational roles, and build relationships with partners and grantees. The policy analyst will contribute to open societies by holding the EU to its commitments to civil society and human rights, and by leveraging EU policies, funding and political influence abroad. The geographical focus of the position will depend on regional developments and Open Society priorities, and could include a combination of Central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Specific tasks include:
- Building high-level contacts and strong working relationships with EU officials and member-state representatives who make decisions about EU external policies. Maintaining constructive relationships with relevant NGOs, think tanks, academics, and other stakeholders in policy communities;
- Researching and writing substantive analytical and advocacy documents on EU external policies; attending and speaking at public events; and understanding, monitoring, and influencing EU policymaking processes and political debates relevant to open society;
- Developing and implementing advocacy strategies towards EU policy-makers. Organizing and holding relevant advocacy events in Brussels. Liaising and maintaining contacts with Open Society foundations (national and regional) and programs to facilitate their access to EU policymakers, and providing support in developing advocacy strategies and material targeting EU policymakers;
- Providing policy expertise to the Open Society network on human rights in EU external policies, notably the EU human rights strategic framework and action plan, EU commitments to civil society in its external action, and the EU’s policies for countries in transition;
- Providing training to colleagues and partners on advocacy towards the EU;
- Reviewing funding proposals from Open Society programs and foundations on issues relating to EU human rights and other policies;
- Contributing to the OSEPI contacts database and supporting the efforts of OSEPI’s policy team to build knowledge, capacity, and ability to influence EU policy.
The areas of responsibility will evolve over time according to changes in the OSEPI strategy and overall OSF priorities. The policy analyst will report to the director of OSEPI and work closely with the head of EU policy development.
Education/Experience
- Deep understanding of EU policy processes and extensive contacts in EU institutions;
- Advanced degree in international relations, European studies, area studies, diplomacy, or related field;
- At least eight years’ experience working in government, EU or international institutions, NGOs, think tanks, or academia. Policymaking experience would be a major advantage;
- Expertise on two or more countries in the following regions: Central Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Skills Required
- Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills;
- High level of motivation and proven ability to work both within a team and independently;
- Ability to work well under pressure while maintaining attention to detail;
- Flexibility and willingness to work simultaneously on a wide range of projects, with strong ability to prioritize tasks;
- Diplomatic and professional manner in interactions with senior management, colleagues, and officials;
- Familiarity with open society issues including human rights, civil society, justice, minority rights, transparency, and accountability;
- Excellent written and spoken English. A high standard of written and spoken French is desirable. Competence in other languages, including Russian or Arabic, will be an advantage.
Compensation
Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits package.
Application Instructions
Applicants are invited to send an email with a cover letter explaining motivation for this position, CV, and a recent writing sample. Please include in the subject line of your email: SPA-HR and CS.
Application Deadline: October 11, 2013
No phone calls, please. The Open Society Foundations are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
