EuroTech Universities Alliance is looking for a Secretary General

Founded in 2011, EuroTech Universities Alliance AISBL is an international not-for-profit registered in Belgium. It is a strategic partnership of leading European universities of science and technology committed to excellence in research and jointly developing solutions to the grand challenges of society.

The Alliance’s current members are:

• Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

• Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

• Technion Israel Institute of Technology

• Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IPP)

• Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

• Technical University of Munich (TUM)

By promoting in-depth collaboration across research and education, as well as nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship, the Alliance combines the complementary strengths of its partner universities to jointly achieve multi-scale initiatives of high impact to society and to industry. The Alliance also openly engages with all societal actors to raise awareness on the opportunities offered by science and technology.

The EuroTech Brussels Office is a service entity to the EuroTech partner universities and facilitates collaboration between them across the value chain of research, education, innovation entrepreneurship and public sector consultancy. The office currently consists of a Secretary General, a Communications Manager who also serves as Deputy Head of Office, an Office Manager and four liaison officers from the partner universities. It collaborates pro-actively with a broad range of both internal and external stakeholders to stimulate collaboration and raise awareness of funding and policy opportunities.

About the role

Responsibilities:

• To translate the Alliance’s strategy into a strategic delivery and action plan, and lead on the implementation of that plan (working closely with the Governing and Operations Boards);

• To implement the Alliance’s governance processes (e.g., support the Alliance’s various Boards), ensuring that decisions are implemented effectively, monitored, and reported back;

• To manage the staff of the office while cultivating a collaborative and motivating work atmosphere;

• To manage the Alliance’s AISBL (association internationale sans but lucrative), including budget, finances, and legal compliance;

• To monitor European and international developments in education and research policy to provide expertise and coordinate joint position papers and other tools to promote the Alliance´s views and position;

• To contribute to the positioning and visibility of the Alliance, including in, but not limited to, the context of European Universities Initiative in general and the EuroTeQ Engineering University in particular;

• To conceptualise and implement high level meetings, events and roundtables;

• To organise workshops, trainings and network meetings for the Alliance’s researchers in close coordination with the liaison officers of the partner universities;

• To lead on the identification and pursuit of additional sources for the Alliance´s activities, including, but not limited to, competitive European sources.

The work will be undertaken in close collaboration with the Alliance partners. The Secretary General reports to and is accountable to the Alliance’s Governing Board Chairperson. The Secretary General acts as a trusted and principled advisor to the whole of the Alliance’s governance (Board of Presidents, Governing Board, Operations Board).

Required Skills and Experience

The desired candidate should have:

• Team management experience in a cross-cultural environment with a demonstrated ability to foster collaboration, inclusivity, and a positive workplace culture;

• Significant work experience in EU affairs with a clear understanding of its intricacies and relevance to the Alliance;

• A well-established network of relevant contacts in Brussels and proven track record in engaging stakeholders from political, educational, scientific and business sectors in European societies;

• Knowledge of EU policy and funding programmes for research, innovation and education;

• A proven ability to lead and navigate across complex international membership organisations building consensus and progress even in challenging, multi-stakeholder settings. Experience in managing an AISBL is an advantage;

• Experience in implementing strategies, preferably in multilateral organization where competing priorities are common;

• Experience with the inner workings and boundary conditions of universities and the ability to align these with the shared vision of the Alliance;

• Excellent spoken and written English; a knowledge of French and/or Dutch would be an asset.

The candidate should also have:

• Excellent analytical and communication skills;

• Excellent administration and financial planning skills;

• An ability to work across hierarchies and cultures;

• A diplomatic, and solution-oriented approach.

What the job offers:

• A Dynamic and Multicultural Environment: Work closely with leading universities, policymakers, and experts from across Europe in an inspiring, diverse, and innovative setting.

• Personal and Professional Growth: Engage in high-level policy discussions, build valuable networks, and expand your expertise in EU affairs, governance, and strategic planning.

• A Prime Brussels Location: Be at the heart of European decision-making and policy development, with opportunities to engage in Brussels’ vibrant professional community.

The salary is commensurate with experience. It is intended that the appointed candidate will take up the post as soon as possible. The role includes occasional travel.

How to apply

If you have any questions, please contact: Gillian Olivieri (gillian.olivieri@epfl.ch).

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications including a CV and a cover letter through the recruitment platform at Technical University of Denmark no later than midnight on 29 January 2025. Open the “Apply now” link, fill out the form and attach the required documents.