European Haemophilia Consortium is looking for a Public Policy Lead

The European Haemophilia Consortium (EHC) is looking for an experienced, analytical and passionate European Public Policy Lead to join its small, dynamic team of staff and volunteers.  

Summary

The European Haemophilia Consortium (EHC) is an international patient-led and non-profit organisation representing 48 national patients’ organisations (NMOs) for people with rare bleeding disorders from 27 Member States of the European Union (EU) and most Member States of the Council of Europe. The EHC team is currently composed of a small group of 7 individuals of multiple nationalities. The team’s work is co-implemented together with a large network of volunteers, consultants, and service providers. The EHC was founded in 1989 but has recently undergone substantial organisational growth, now stabilising.

The ideal candidate will have some content background in public health, rare diseases and the role of civil societies in shaping health policies and legislations, and will possess excellent attention to detail, proven organisational and project management skills, and the ability to communicate eloquently and flawlessly in English with a broad range of audiences in a compelling and captivating manner. They must also be able to work flexibly and collaboratively within a close-knit team and patient community in cross-cutting ways.  

Main duties and responsibilities

The Public Policy Lead will be mainly responsible for:

• Cultivating and maintaining close working relations with key allies in the EU institutions and Council of Europe, in particular the European Parliament, European Commission and Permanent Representations to the EU of the Member States;

• Organising and implementing key public policy and awareness events such as Round Tables;

• Representing the EHC at, and reporting back from, key public policy events, as relevant and jointly with colleagues;

• Building and maintaining key contacts amongst policymakers and the media;

• Following relevant European policy and legislative developments, assessing their impact on the rare bleeding disorders community and suggesting appropriate actions;

• Producing policy reports, briefings, statements, and scientific reports used in our advocacy;

• Supporting colleagues working on thematic portfolios and NMOs to enable our network to engage with our advocacy priorities and contribute to our influencing work at a national level;

• Working closely with the communications team to ensure effective external communication of advocacy messages;

• Leading our Annual Conference and New Technologies Workshop (our flagship events) with the support of our Events support and our PCO;

• Supporting the development of events content, identifying priorities and relevant speakers/attendees;

• Carrying out any other public policy tasks as required. 

Qualifications and requirements

• 3-5 years of work experience, preferably in healthcare, research or EU affairs in a think tank, association or membership-based civil society organisation;

• University degree in life sciences or equivalent;

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of additional (EU) languages is an asset; capacity to translate high-level scientific content to diverse audiences such as patients and decision-makers;

• Knowledge and experience in designing and implementing advocacy strategies and campaigns;

• Experience in cultivating and maintaining close working relations with colleagues and key allies in the EU institutions;

• Curiosity, strong networking and communications skills and appetite for learning, personal and professional growth;

• Excellent organisational, problem solving and time management skills;

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic team environment;

• Able to show initiative, self-start, work under tight deadlines and deliver under high pressure;

• Able to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed. 

Desirable

• Experience working with or for non-governmental organisations or membership-based networks;

• Good understanding of haemophilia or other bleeding disorders.

Conditions

• 4000-4500€ gross monthly salary, depending on experience;

• Benefits: 13th month, meal vouchers, pension insurance, home allowance;

• Location: EHC office and remote, Brussels;

• Preferred starting date: September 2024 (or before);

• Type of contract: full-time permanent contract;

• The successful candidate must have the right to live and work in Belgium.

What we offer

• The opportunity to join a dedicated team and become part of a community passionate about making a positive impact on patient care and advocacy and improving the quality of life of people living with rare bleeding disorders;

• Networking opportunities with key stakeholders and influencers at the European level and shaping policies and practices in European health policy;

• Hybrid workplace;

• Flexible working hours;

• Professional growth.

Submitting applications

Applications should be submitted to zita.gacser@ehc.eu by Monday, 24 June 2024. The first round of interviews will be held in early/late July 2024.

Applications should consist of all of the following:

• Letter of motivation;

• CV;

• Range of expected gross monthly remuneration;

• Telephone and email contacts for 2 references (these will be contacted after the first interview).

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. 

We are grateful for all applications and thank all candidates in advance for their interest, time and motivation. Unfortunately, because we are a very small team with a heavy workload, we will only contact short-listed candidates. We thank you in advance for your interest and look forward to your application.