Lead Managing Consultant: EU employment, social affairs and skills

Description

Job description

If you are experienced in leading research and analysis on EU employment, social affairs and skills policy and looking for a new opportunity that brings career growth, a chance to make a positive impact in an organisation committed to better public policy, this may be the role for you.

ICF has been supporting the development of European Union (EU) policies on employment, social affairs and skills for almost twenty years. Using the latest research and evaluation techniques, we provide the evidence that policy-makers in Brussels and across the EU need to inform decisions on employment and social policies and programmes. We also support programmes that exchange learning about what works, innovation and change in this area across the continent. We have a long track record of work for the European Commission and its Agencies, as framework contractors to DG EMPL, ELA, and on work secured through open competitive tenders.

Growth in our business means we are looking for an experienced policy research professional to lead our work in this area. This will be a senior appointment that brings autonomy, responsibility and an opportunity to shape ICF’s work and impact in this important area of EU policy, and to grow our research and evaluation capability.

The core responsibilities of the role will be to:

• Lead policy research and evaluation services on employment and social affairs for the European Commission and its agencies, including directing activities under open tenders or framework contracts.
• Direct and support the capture and delivery of research, analytical and evaluation assignments, overseeing preparation of winning proposals and ensuring high quality project management.
• Develop further our in-house team and wider network of employment, social policy and skills research specialists.
• Be an active member of our senior team, working with colleagues to ensure effective management of our business, support its continued growth, achieve performance targets and develop the talent within our team.
• Develop client relationships and help to position ICF for growth. Help build ICF’s reputation for delivery of high-quality services through applying professional good practice, production of thought leadership products, etc.
• Bring your own networks and expertise to support our work, helping us expand our reach and impact within the employment and social affairs community.
• Provide line management support to team members and contribute to the efforts to enhance the capability of the team and ICF.

The successful candidate is likely to have:

• A strong academic background; ideally at PhD level in social sciences, public policy, international relations or a related discipline.
• At least 10-15 years of professional experience in employment and social affairs policy within the European context; experience of working in a consultancy capacity with the EU institutions (especially DG EMPL of the European Commission) is an asset.
• Experience of conducting high quality EU level research and evaluation assignments, including the development and implementation of research methodologies (quantitative and qualitative), analytical frameworks and approaches within the employment, social affairs and skills policy areas.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to develop sound conclusions and policy-relevant recommendations.
• Knowledge of the employment, social affairs and skills communities, including networks of experts.
• Experience in managing teams, coaching or mentoring colleagues and providing regular feedback to support their development.
• Demonstrable experience in winning and successfully delivering research and evaluation projects and contracts for the European Commission, national governments, agencies and other stakeholders.
• Ability to self-organise, prioritise and conduct research on multiple projects under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

The successful candidates should be able to demonstrate the following personal qualities:

• Sound research and business ethics, including the protection of proprietary and confidential information.
• Strong commitment to and interest in the policy fields referred to above.
• Ability to lead team to success, inspiring, motivating and supporting more junior colleagues to achieve their potential.
• Strong entrepreneurial talent to identify and realize new opportunities as well as new innovations / approaches that will secure success in proposals.
• Ability to work within multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary teams spread across several countries.
• Ability to work with all levels of internal staff, as well as clients and sub-contractors.
• Excellent communication skills, including experience with presenting key concepts to clients; both internal and external.
• Excellent verbal, written, analytical and presentation skills in English, additional European languages an advantage.
• Commitment to the progression and development of junior research staff. Willing to travel within Europe as required.
• Proven ability to manage medium and large-scale projects and deliver them on time and within budget.
• Capacity to build and maintain strong client relationships and ensure client satisfaction.
• Expertise in drafting comprehensive reports and presenting findings to various stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to align project goals with broader organisational objectives.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

Brussels, Belgium (BE75)