- Start date: As soon as possible
- End date: In the first instance, the contract is fixed term until the end of the current SAPEA project on 30 April 2029. We expect that it will be possible to renew the contract beyond that date, but this is subject to renewed mandate and funding from the European Commission
- Location: Our office is located in central Brussels. Our team is working flexibly between the office and home; similar arrangements will be discussed with the successful candidate
- Type of contract: The contract will be in accordance with Belgian labour regulations
- Benefits: ALLEA offers generous extra-legal leave days, in addition to the Belgian annual leave days and allowances. Other benefits include meal vouchers, commuting allowance and teleworking allowance which are provided in addition to the monthly gross salary
- Salary: Starting salaries will be negotiated with the right candidates depending on experience.
About the work of SAPEA and the communications team
SAPEA is part of the European Commission’s Scientific Advice Mechanism (www.scientificadvice.eu). Together with the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors, we provide independent scientific advice to European Commissioners to support their decision-making.
In addition to our primary activities, we also have a mission to communicate widely about the work of the SAM, and to raise awareness and stimulate debate about the role of scientific evidence in policymaking. These activities are led by the SAPEA communications team, which currently consists of a Head of Communications, a Communications Manager and a Digital Communications Officer.
We also prioritise the highest standards of transparency and accessibility in all aspects of our work, and the communications team has a key role to play in this.
About ALLEA
ALLEA (www.allea.org) is the European Federation of Academies of Sciences and Humanities, representing almost 60 academies from 40 countries in Europe. Since its foundation in 1994, ALLEA speaks out on behalf of its members on the European and international stages, promotes science as a global public good, and facilitates scientific collaboration across borders and disciplines. As one of the Academy Networks that jointly make up SAPEA, ALLEA leads on SAPEA communications activities and employs the SAPEA communications staff.
About this role
The Scientific Advice Mechanism to the European Commission conducts a wide range of communications activities, including leading conversations about scientific advice among European policymakers, the scientific community, stakeholders and the public. To deliver this programme of activities, the Head of Communications leads a team of two other full-time communications staff, and works closely with colleagues in the European Commission, academies and academy networks across Europe. This is a highly varied role which combines hands-on communications delivery with strategic leadership and involves coordinating internal and external stakeholders; the role also provides communications guidance and support to colleagues engaged in scientific work which has a substantial impact on policy across the European Union.
This post will inherit a lively ongoing communications programme but can also refine and redevelop the project’s communications strategy for the period 2025–2029. For the right applicant, this role offers considerable opportunity to develop.
Responsibilities and tasks
- Coordinate and lead communications activities for SAPEA on behalf of the SAM
- In the context of the overall SAM communications strategy, work with colleagues in SAPEA and the European Commission to prepare a communication plans for each advice topic delivered by the SAM
- Represent SAPEA and the SAM in strategic relationships with third parties (including particularly academies and academy networks) with regard to communications activities, including seeking out opportunities to develop new such relationships
- Manage the SAM brand and voice, providing advice and guidance for colleagues to ensure its consistent use across all channels
- Update and maintain the SAM communications strategy for the period 2025–2029
- Develop and maintain productive relationships with journalists and editors to raise awareness of the work of the SAM, and to cultivate the SAM as a source of reliable information on science advice for policy
- Respond to media queries and act as a first point of call for journalists
- Provide guidance, advice and training to members of the SAPEA Board and the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors related to communications and public perception
- Participate in third-party events relevant to SAPEA’s work, representing SAPEA where required
- Produce and deliver, and support colleagues to produce and deliver, a wide-ranging communications programme on a range of scientific topics including events, publications, online and editorial media, and other bespoke activities targeted at particular audiences
- Work with European Commission colleagues and under the guidance of the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors and the SAPEA Board, maintain a consistent and efficient approach to SAM communications to maximise the visibility of the SAM among public, policy and academic audiences
- Head the SAPEA communications office, supervise and support the Communications Manager and Digital Communications Officer in the day-to-day delivery of communications activities
- Oversee and manage team workflows and the day-to-day office operations including operational and administrative procedures; manage the allocated project budget and contribute to financial project reporting and documentation
Personal profile
- A strong track record of delivery and impact in communications work, including at least some work in policy, government or not-for-profit organisations
- At least 5 years of relevant professional experience, for instance in science communication or public engagement work, including at least some experience of communications for scientific institution(s) or ideally at the interface of science and policy
- A strong academic background in a relevant field, for instance science, science communication, or a communications-related field more broadly
- Excellent oral and written proficiency in English; clear and confident communication skills, ability to communicate complex scientific issues to different target audiences
- Strong interpersonal skills, with experience in building and maintaining strong working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders at all levels of seniority. Experience in working with(in) the European Commission is a plus
- Experience in leading and supporting a small team, whether in the workplace or elsewhere
- Confidence to navigate an informally structured team where decision-making happens by consensus rather than along formal lines of accountability; confidence to work autonomously when needed
- Experience in managing budget lines and delivering communications activities within agreed budgets and timelines, demonstrating understanding of effective cost management
- Skills in several (not necessarily all) of the following areas: media relations; print layout and design; social media; scientific writing; audio and video editing; website design and/or development; graphic design; event planning and delivery
- Interest in the role of science in policymaking, and ideally a demonstrable commitment to the values of evidence-informed policymaking
- Patience, good humour, and a positive attitude in the face of challenges
- Willingness to travel a few times per year, generally within Europe
How to apply
To apply, please send your CV, a short motivation letter, and further application documents and/or references, as well as salary expectations to recruitment@sapea.info. Examples of past communications work relevant to the job description, in the form of links or PDF work samples, are welcome for this post.
We will close applications on 30 April 2025, but applications will be processed on a rolling basis, and we may approach suitable candidates earlier for an initial conversation. For interviews, reasonable travel expenses can be reimbursed. We will also consider an online interview process for candidates currently based outside Belgium.
We apply an equal opportunities policy. Please let us know in your application if you require any adaptations to the interview process because of a disability or other circumstances.
