Federation for Innovation in Democracy is looking for a Europe - Research Officer

BACKGROUND

The Federation for Innovation in Democracy - Europe (FIDE) is an international non-profit organization based in Brussels (Belgium) that wants to increase the involvement of everyday citizens in policymaking at all government levels in Europe. Our focus to achieve this is on deliberative democratic methods. FIDE brings together democratic innovators from all over Europe to advise governments and policymakers on best practices in this field. We also advocate and communicate through different channels to increase awareness and support for these methods among policymakers, influencers and the public at large. FIDE curates the best available existing research and acts as a documentation center for all aspects of deliberative democratic processes and civic lotteries. For more information see www.fide.eu

To reinforce our team and to specifically increase our activity in research, we are looking for a full- time Research Officer.

MAIN TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

As our Research Officer you will be responsible for designing, conducting and analyzing research related to deliberative democracy. You will work closely with the members of our advisory board to ensure that the research you will be producing is grounded in evidence and informed by the lasted updates in deliberative processes.

Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct research on deliberative democracy, including literature reviews, surveys, interviews and focus groups.

• Analyse data using quantitative and/or qualitative methods.

• Support on project and research work through data gathering from different processes across Europe.

• Observe deliberative processes to report on them from a research perspective.

• Communicate research findings through reports, presentations and other formats, mostly for non-academic audiences.

• Build relationships with key players, including academics, think tanks, polling companies and other organisations, in support of our projects.

• Work with our team to ensure that our projects on deliberative democracy are grounded in evidence.

• Keep up to date with the latest research on deliberative democracy and related fields.

• Any other duties that might be required in light of the main purpose of the position.

• FIDE’s staff dedicates a small amount of its time to administrative tasks (about 15%).

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• This position aims to focus on applied work and in that regard it diversifies from original post- doc positions.
  

• At least 4 years of previous experience conducting research on deliberative democracy.

• Strong quantitative and/or qualitative research skills.

• Knowledge and interest in deliberative democracy.
  

• English language skills at a native-speaker level with very strong writing abilities required. Knowledge of another European language would be an asset.
  

• Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills are essential. Especially aimed towards a non- academic audience such as civil

• servants, politicians, democratic practitioners, civil society actors.
  

• Knowledge of MS Office Package.
  

• Knowledge of relevant software tools for research and data analysis.
  

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team.
  

• EU-citizen or Belgium work permit.

If you believe you could be a suitable candidate for the position, please don't hesitate to apply, even if you don't meet all of the criteria we're seeking.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Full-time permanent position (contract under Belgian Law). Initial contract of 12 months

• Expected starting date: July-August 2023 (but open to negotiation if needed)

• Gross salary plus benefits (lunch vouchers, transport and representation benefits)

• Location: Brussels, Belgium. After two years of employment for FIDE working location (within the EU) can be discussed

• Flexibility in terms of working hours

• Ample opportunity to work from home. However, you will come to our office in the centre of Brussels at least two days a week.

• Work in a small, horizontal organization. Everything can be deliberated...

• FIDE is connected to many actors in this field throughout Europe, this job will let you meet them and grow your network

HOW TO APPLY

To express interest, please send the following to [email protected], FIDE’s project manager, with the subject line ‘Research officer - FIDE’ by the 25 of June, 17:00 COB.

• CV (up to 2 pages)

• Cover letter (up to 1 page)

• Two examples of your research work

Interviews will be held, preferably in person, from the 3rd to the 6th of July.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If you are passionate about promoting citizen participation through deliberative democracy and meet the qualifications listed above, we encourage you to apply.