European Union of the Deaf is looking for a Policy Manager

Position: Policy Manager
Reports to: Executive Director
Salary: 4.500€ - 5.500€ per month (depending on experience)
Contract: Full-time Belgian contract (38 hours, initially for a one-year, permanent contract after that, dependent on positive evaluation and funding available)
Benefits: Annual public transport pass (train or metro/bus within Brussels) from and to the office covered by the employer
Annual leave: 20 days
Based in: Brussels, Belgium
Working type: Hybrid (20% - 80% on-site)
Starting date: March 2023

The European Union of the Deaf (EUD) is a European not-for-profit umbrella organisation whose membership comprises National Associations of Deaf people in each EU Member State. Established in 1985, EUD is the only organisation representing the rights of deaf persons at the European level. EUD maintains EU-level dialogue with European Union institutions in consultation and cooperation with its members.

EUD is seeking a dynamic and motivated Policy Manager with outstanding knowledge of and experience in the management/coordination of policy work of the European non-governmental organisation and the policy team. Policy Manager must have an excellent understanding of CRPD and its implementation at the EU level through the EU legislative as well as a policy framework and understand how to implement it for deaf persons in the EU. The ideal candidate has at least four years of experience working in an NGO, European Union institutions, or a comparable national or European-level position. Impeccable external representation skills are essential, as is the commitment to a human rights/social model approach to deafness and disability.

EUD is an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourages people who know sign language or are willing to learn a national sign language to apply. The EUD office is a complete signing environment.

Main Tasks

• Designing, leading, monitoring, and supervising the implementation of EUD policy objectives of the EUD 2021 – 2025 work programme as well as annual programmes, which the European Commission funds under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme.

• Leading the work on EUD Policy & Capacity Building work, ensuring its annual implementation, providing annual programmes and implementation reports, organising, and achieving all deliverables and milestones within deadlines.

• Transforming EUD policy work into more engaging work with national members to increase its quality (through regular meetings and consultations).

• Planning and directing the work of policy staff (2 people).

• Managing the implementation of EUD policy work and its quality by establishing and putting into force engagement and quality evaluation mechanisms.

• Organising training activities and workshops for EUD member organisations.

• Establishing mechanisms for collecting data, statistics, and national evidence.

• Establishing a more robust network with the Disability Intergroup of the European Parliament in liaison with the European Disability Forum’s work.

• Undertaking the management of capacity-building work – through relevant workshops and training for EUD staff.

• Monitoring, analysing, and, together with the policy team, influencing the EU-level initiatives, policies, legislation, and strategies related to human rights, inclusion, accessibility, equality, and non-discrimination to ensure the rights of deaf persons are protected, respected, and fulfilled.

• Supervising staff and leading when conducting and drafting policy analyses, reports, advocacy letters, recommendations, and toolkits.

• Supervising staff and leading when drafting position papers that reflect deaf perspectives on various topics.

• Supervising staff and leading when contributing to ad-hoc public or targeted consultations and thematic strategic dialogue meetings on related issues.

• Organising workshops, seminars, and webinars to build the capacity of the National Associations of the Deaf and inform about EU-level policies, legislation, and initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience Required

1. KNOWLEDGE

Essential

• Substantial knowledge of how to manage EU-funded projects and ensure their correct and timely implementation, preferably how to manage multiannual projects under the European Commission’s Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme

• Substantial knowledge of the EU institutional framework

• Excellent understanding of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its role when protecting, promoting and fulfilling the rights of deaf persons at national as well as European levels

• Outstanding knowledge of the EU Disability Rights Strategy 2021 – 2030, the EU Pillar of Social Rights, the EU Semester process and their role when protecting, promoting and fulfilling the rights of deaf persons at national as well as European levels

• University degree (at least Bachelor level)

Desirable requirements

• University degree (Master level)

• Law degree (European law, human rights law, disability law)

2. SKILLS/ABILITIES

Essential

• Excellent management skills: planning, prioritising, strategic thinking

• Excellent written (and, where appropriate, spoken) English skills

• Ability to work in a small, busy team

• Ability to work independently after the minimal introduction

• Ability to manage a small team (2 persons)

• Analytical skills and ability to assimilate and process the information on a wide variety of issues and for a wide variety of audiences

• Ability to deliver results on time at the highest quality

• Ability to manage a complex workload

• Ability to communicate clearly to various audiences

Desirable

• Knowledge of a national sign language

3. EXPERIENCE

Essential

• At least four years of experience in an NGO or EU institution or comparable position at the national level

• Experience in policy and advocacy work

Desirable

• Five years or more experience in a similar position

• Experience managing a multiannual work programme funded by the EU Commission

Application procedure

For applications to be valid, candidates must submit the following:

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (Europass format) no longer than two pages;

• Letter of motivation no longer than 1-2 pages;

• Name and contact details of at least two references, of which at least one must be your last or current employer;

• Earliest possible starting date.

The CV must be sent in English. The motivation letter can be sent in written English or both in English and in International Sign.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We want our organisation to represent the diversity of European talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, fairness and inclusion, and a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; deaf and persons with disabilities; LGBTQI+ people.

The closing date for receipt of applications is noon on Friday, 3rd February 2023.

Applications must be sent to the EUD Executive Director at mark.wheatley@eud.eu. Please indicate ‘Application EUD Policy Manager’ in the subject line.