IFOAM Organics Europe is looking for a Research & Innovation Manager

About IFOAM Organics Europe

IFOAM Organics Europe is the European umbrella organisation for organic food and farming. We represent organic in European policymaking and advocate for a transformation of food and farming. Our work is based on the principles of organic agriculture – health, ecology, fairness and care. With almost 200 members in 34 European countries, our work spans the entire organic food chain.

The European institutions recognise IFOAM Organics Europe as the leading advocate for organic food and farming on EU policy. We are members of various Civil Dialogue Groups, multiple consortia working on EU-funded projects, and the founders and hosts of the TP Organics European Technology Platform.

IFOAM Organics Europe is an AISBL/ Ivzw. Its legal name is IFOAM EU Group - International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements.

Vacancy

Job title: Research & Innovation Manager
Reports to: Director
Full-time position

Job purpose

The Research & Innovation Unit of IFOAM Organics Europe promotes knowledge exchange and engages organic actors in participatory research to help develop the sector. The unit has ample experience in translating research outcomes into recommendations for policymakers and practitioners. The work is financed by projects of the Horizon framework programme of the EU. The Research & Innovation Manager is responsible for the supervision of the staff in the unit and acquisition of new projects.

Responsibilities

Management (70%)

• Supervise staff, give input and support them in the implementation of their respective projects. For a complete overview of the projects currently implemented by the Research & Innovation Unit, consult our website: https://www.organicseurope.bio/what-we-do/research-innovation/knowledge-for-organic/
• Depending on the role of IFOAM Organics Europe in the project, and your own interest, implement certain project tasks yourself
• Control quality of work and reports delivered by staff
• Plan use of resources (staff costs and purchase costs) in the projects
• Control quality of financial reports prepared by the financial consultant
• Stimulate team spirit, promote collaboration within the unit and with other units of the organisation
• Appraise staff, assess needs and expectations for development and training
• Participate in the Management Committee, support the overall development of IFOAM Organics Europe
• Participate in the management of TP Organics, the European Technology Platform for Organic Food and Farming, see www.tporganics.eu

Project acquisition (30%)

• Develop and implement a coherent strategy for project acquisition
• Ensure financial stability of the R&I Unit
• Stay up to date about trends and developments in the organic and wider agriculture sector. Integrate these trends in the project acquisition strategy
• Coordinate new project applications led by IFOAM Organics Europe
• Explore opportunities for joining project applications coordinated by other organisations
• Negotiate budget and tasks in new project applications

Requirements

Essential

• Master’s degree in agronomy, or other natural sciences
• Effective communication in English, both verbal and written
• Experience in management of R&I projects (5 years), preferably Horizon projects
• Experience in management of staff (at least 3 people)
• Knowledge about organic farming and the organic sector
• Knowledge of the EU’s food and agriculture policies
• Possession of a work permit valid for Belgium

Optional

• Knowledge of other European languages such as French or German is an asset
• Work experience in Non-Governmental-Organisations

Skills

• Strong computer skills (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint)
• Able to develop your work independently and as part of a team
• High attention to detail & good organisational skills
• Able to prioritise and used to work with tight deadlines
• Confident in speaking to public
• Confident in communicating with different target groups: practitioners, researchers and policy makers
• Ability to work in a truly intercultural environment
• Curious & creative
• Flexible & able to adapt to new situations
• Good sense of humour
• Reflect and have empathy with the aims and objectives of IFOAM Organics Europe

Our offer

• Full time position - Monday to Friday, 38 hours/week
• Based at the IFOAM Organics Europe office in Brussels
• High level of flexibility with floating hours and possibility of homeworking up to 3 days a week
• Salary between 40.000 and 60.000 gross yearly depending on qualifications and experience
• Employment period: undetermined contract
• Public transport coverage from home to the office or bike km reimbursement
• Home working allowance on daily base
• Hospitalisation and health insurance plan A-Z from DKV
• Meal voucher (€8/working day with €1.09 at charge of the employee)
• €250 eco-cheque/year (prorate of the number of months worked)
• Working from abroad (max 1 month per civil year)
• 24 days holiday per year
• Extra holiday: Christmas Break from 24th December to 31st December and the Friday after Assumption
• Only EU citizens or with a valid Belgian working permit
• Starting date: From 01/09/2024

Application procedure

Please complete the application form. The deadline for applying is 10/07/2024 at 23.59. Only complete applications using the online form will be considered. Interviews will take place on July 16 and 17, please block the dates in your agenda.

Due to the high number of applications, we will only be able to respond to shortlisted candidates. Thanks for your understanding. Do you have questions? Please address them to employment@organicseurope.bio.

We are an organisation committed to values of democracy, respect, integrity and sustainability, and the principles of organic agriculture: Care, Health, Equality and Fairness. We are committed to equal opportunities and diversity.