European Endowment for Democracy is looking for a Knowledge and Communications Specialist (6-months period)

Overview

The European Endowment for Democracy (EED) is a grant-making organisation established by the European Union Member States, and the European Union institutions to foster and encourage democratisation and deep and sustainable democracy. EED has been established as an independent private law foundation with its seat in Brussels.

EED is looking for a Knowledge and Communications Specialist to support its secretariat in Brussels.

The Knowledge and Communications Specialist will be responsible for gathering, curating, organising and disseminating knowledge to support EED’s work. This role will focus on consolidating key insights, developing and executing communication strategies, and ensuring that accurate, relevant, and timely information is delivered to EED’s stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Policy and Research Monitoring

• Monitor publications and other output by relevant think tanks and other members of EED’s community of practice to gather information on key policy and communications trends pertinent to EED’s work;

• Monitor and analyse reports produced by EED’s secretariat staff, consultants and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) team on regions of EED’s work;

• Track and analyse policy developments, legislative changes, and regulatory trends relevant to EED’s work within Brussels, Member States and within the European Neighbourhood and beyond;

• Participate in relevant meetings and events;

• Provide ongoing updates, briefings and summaries on key policy trends.

2. Knowledge Management System Development

• Develop and implement knowledge-management strategies (focused on how to best store, organise and share knowledge) to promote EED's objectives and political advocacy efforts;

• Maintain and update a centralised knowledge management system with relevant information (e.g. intranet, databases, document repositories) accessible to all staff.

3. Communications Strategy Development and Content Creation

• Collaborate with Senior Communications Manager to design and implement communication strategies that can best communicate key issues to EED’s stakeholders, based on this information gathering;

• Plan, develop and implement relevant newsletters and events, and other relevant publications;

• Provide talking points for Executive Director for relevant speeches and reports;

4. Evaluation

• Monitor and analyse communication efforts, using metrics and feedback to improve strategies and ensure outreach effectiveness;

• Prepare periodic reports on communication activities and knowledge management outputs to share with senior leadership and funders.

Any other task as agreed with the Senior Communications Manager.

Key Deliverables during contract:

• Conduct a Knowledge Audit, assessing current knowledge management practices and communication systems, identifying gaps, strengths, and areas for improvement;

• Identify and implement quick, low-cost improvements in existing processes, such as improving document organisation, enhancing internal knowledge-sharing tools, or upgrading communication templates;

• Write and distribute relevant newsletters and other knowledge products to communicate EED’s work and successes to external audiences;

• Manage events relevant to knowledge management;

• Enhance Communication Platforms, including EED’s website and intranet to ensure they reflect strategic communications needs;

• Provide a report outlining achievements, lessons learned, documenting processes and recommendations for the future.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Political Science, International Relations, Journalism, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in communications, knowledge management, or a related role, preferably within an NGO or political environment.

• Strong understanding of European Commission and Member State policies and developments.

• Strong knowledge of EU Neighbourhood region.

• Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences.

• Proficiency in digital tools, social media platforms, content management systems, and design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).

• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise in a fast-paced, politically charged environment.

• Experience working in international settings or with diverse stakeholders is highly desirable.

• Fluency in English (required); additional EED language skills are a plus.

Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to think strategically and develop creative communication solutions.

• High degree of cultural sensitivity and political acumen.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Application:

Expressions of interest in this position should be made online using the “apply” panel on this page.

Please submit your CV (Europass format required) and contact information for two referees. Based on Key deliverables, please also provide a strategic plan and your suggestions for implementation.

After successfully submitting your application you will receive an automatic email confirming receipt of your application. Please no phone calls/emails/letters. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The information provided in the applications is subject to EU legislation on protection of personal data and confidentiality of information.

The application deadline is Wednesday, 15 January 2025 at 12 midnight Brussels time.

The successful candidate will be offered a fixed-term contract for six months. Indicative GROSS salary will be around 6000-7000 EUR per month, depending on the candidate’s qualification and experience. The salary includes standard benefits foreseen under Belgian labour law with additional medical insurance.

NB: This position is also open to freelancers/independent consultants. Should you apply as a consultant, please indicate your expected daily rate. All independent applicants must be able to issue EED with an invoice for services.

Expected start day at EED: February 2025