Vacancies

Policy Officer – Access to Medicines & Advocacy Coordination

Reports to: Director

Type of Contract: Full-time, permanent

Deadline for applications: Sunday 12 June 2022 – 23:59 (CEST)

Starting date: July/August 2022

About ECL:

The Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL) is one of the most prominent civil society organisations active in health policy at the European level.

ECL is the umbrella organisation of cancer leagues across the WHO European region and a driving force to advance cancer prevention, access to medicines and patient empowerment, as well as to influence EU health policies. Founded in 1980, ECL is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation with a secretariat based in Brussels.

ECL currently unites, supports and represents 30 members, which are national and regional cancer societies, who together employ more than 8,000 people and over 300,000 volunteers. They spend more than €750 million every year to fight cancer and represent over 570 million citizens. ECL engages in advocacy and lobbying and participates in several EU-funded projects. We also organise educational and policy events, and capacity-building initiatives. We invite you to read our latest Membership Booklet and Annual Report, visit cancer.eu and follow @CancerLeagues on Twitter and Facebook.

About the position:

ECL is seeking to hire an ambitious, dynamic, and dedicated professional to join our tight-knit team in Brussels to coordinate (i) ECL’s Access to Medicines Task Force (A2M TF) and MEPs Against Cancer (MAC) Interest Group (ii) as well as our wide-ranging and versatile advocacy and policy activities, ensuring that the views of ECL and its members are heard, considered and impactful throughout the EU decision-making process.

The Policy Officer is a pivotal position, providing horizontal support to the ECL secretariat, contributing to the strategic alignment of ECL’s advocacy activities for enhanced impact, and working closely with ECL members and other ECL staff to deliver strategic objectives based on action plans.

The position reports directly to the Director and works in close collaboration with all others in the team.

What will you do?

You will be leading on ECL advocacy and policy efforts during an exciting period for EU cancer policy in the context of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and Horizon Europe’s Mission on Cancer. You would be responsible for the following tasks:

Community-building & working group coordination

Coordinate the ECL Access to Medicines Task Force (A2M TF), including (i) proposing and organising members meetings, (ii) coordinate follow-up actions (iii) develop strategies and work plans, (iv) draft position papers, reports, answers to public consultations, minutes, and other communication materials for internal and external use;
Communicate regularly with the Chair and Steering Committee of the A2M TF;
Liaise with ECL members on a regular basis and ensure timely reaction to their requests;
Coordinate the MEPs Against Cancer (MAC) Interest Group at the European Parliament, including preparing action plans, organising internal and stakeholders’ meetings on access to medicines issues, and coordinating follow-up, in collaboration with ECL’s Communications Officer;
Communicate regularly with the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the MAC Group, keep all MAC group members regularly updated, and facilitate meetings between MAC and ECL members.

Advocacy coordination & stakeholder engagement

Lead the development of internal procedures and structures to efficiently address overall policy work, including the growth of ECL’s political relationships;
Keep track, monitor, and analyse relevant EU legislation and policy developments on health and cancer and communicate these effectively to the ECL Secretariat;
Conduct desk research and provide briefing material on key topics to ECL members;
Summarise and promptly communicate political and regulatory developments on access to medicines issues to members of the ECL A2M TF;
Lead the strategic alignment of ECL’s policy activities for enhanced impact and liaise with the other ECL staff members to explore synergies with other policy and thematic areas (e.g. prevention, survivorship, research, inequalities etc.);
Build and nurture relationships with EU stakeholders, across the EU institutions, industry and non-governmental organisations;
Engage with political and regulatory developments and draft advocacy communication collateral (e.g. position papers, statements, letters, consultation responses etc.);
Communicate with ECL members on a regular basis and ensure their priorities are reflected in ECL’s outputs and report back to the ECL’s Secretariat and Executive Board;
Develop and implement ECL advocacy and communication strategies in collaboration with the ECL Secretariat and members of ECL A2M TF.

Communication & events-management

Coordinate the organisation of relevant meetings and conferences in collaboration with the Communications Officer, and provide logistical support for policy-related events as assigned;
Liaise with the Communications Officer to ensure and raise the visibility of ECL’s activities, including by (co-)drafting press releases, social media messages, etc.;
Attend and report from policy events and meetings, including for alliances and coalitions in which ECL is involved;
Support preparations and presentation drafting and report-writing for the ECL Annual Meetings, the ECL Executive Board meetings, and other internal and external events;
Reviewing papers and reports to which ECL is invited to contribute.

Who are we looking for?

Required education and experience

University degree (Master’s level) preferably in a relevant field, such as Public Health, Pharmacy, (Health) Economics, Law, European Affairs, Public Policy or Political Science;
At least 2-3 years of professional work experience, working with the EU institutions and other stakeholders in Brussels, with excellent knowledge of EU processes, interactions and the dynamics of EU policymaking;
Proven ability to analyse, draft and develop positions, coordinating a range of views and collating these into succinct and relevant points of view;
Experience in forging collaborative working relationships with relevant stakeholders;
Experience in drafting advocacy communication collateral and policy documents.

Required skills and personal qualities

An independent, self-starter with a positive “can do” personality and the ability to work autonomously, as well as within a small team;
Well organised, practical-minded and able to prioritise a busy and varied workload and manage changing demands and deadlines;
Excellent communication and drafting skills, with a keen attention to detail and commitment to quality;
Full fluency in spoken and written English is essential and attention will be paid on the candidate’s writing experience in English;
Ability to synthesise and analyse policy issues and to communicate clearly and concisely;
Excellent negotiation and influencing skills at all levels;
Fluency in MS Office applications and Zoom;
Willingness to travel (occasionally).

Desired

Educational background or professional experience in health sciences;
A strong interest in and knowledge of public health and the determinants of health;
Technical/scientific understanding of the challenges of access to medicines;
Experience working in the pan-European context and/or with EU institutions;
Fluent in one or more additional European languages.

What do we offer?

A friendly and flexible working environment, with the opportunity to take initiative and drive policy and advocacy work;
A dynamic, young and supportive multicultural team;
A pleasant office space in an ethical building located in the heart of Brussels;
Access to experts and a large diverse network of cancer leagues;
Opportunities to meet and work with EU institutions and leading European and global cancer organisations;
Experience in EU-oriented advocacy work and exposure to a broad range of cancer-related issues;
Learning and training opportunities;
Benefits package (e.g. meal vouchers, five additional extra-legal vacation days).

Terms of Employment:

This position is offered on a full-time basis (38 hours/week) with a permanent contract according to Belgian national legislation;
Salary offered will be commensurate with experience and be supplemented with extra benefits;
All applicants must be qualified, eligible, and able to work in Belgium without requiring a work visa. We are not able to provide financial assistance to relocate to Brussels;
ECL is a smoke-free workplace, compliant with Belgian regulations.

How do I apply?

Send an email to Director@cancer.eu (no telephone calls accepted) with the subject line: Application for ECL Policy Officer A2M – [Your name & surname], with attachments:

Curriculum vitae, no longer than two A4 pages, with two professional references;
Letter of Motivation, maximum two A4 pages, which includes your a) salary expectations and b) earliest availability;
Up to two writing samples, published by you, in any realm of policy (e.g. position papers, statements, letters, policy briefs etc.) (optional).

Please note: applications that do not follow these instructions will be disregarded.

Deadline for application: Wednesday 12 June 2022 – 23:59 (CEST)

Short-listed candidates are expected to be informed by 20 June 2022 and invited for virtual interviews the last week of June.

Due to the high volume of applications anticipated, kindly note that we are unable to provide individual feedback and that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We expect the successful candidate to relocate to Brussels for this position to be part of the permanent staff. The position will involve a combination of teleworking and working in the office. ECL may require a full return-to-work at some point.

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Policy Officer – Cancer Prevention & Survivorship

Reports to: Cancer Prevention Manager

Type of Contract: Full-time, permanent

Deadline for applications: Wednesday 1 June 2022 – 23:59 (CEST)

Starting date: July/August 2022

About ECL:

Read the description in the previous job vacancy in this webpage.

About the position:

ECL is seeking to hire an ambitious, dynamic and enthusiastic professional to join our tight-knit team in Brussels to coordinate ECL’s working group on Prevention and Early Detection Working Group (P&ED WG), Patient Support Working Group (PSWG), as well as our dynamic and versatile advocacy and policy activities, ensuring that the views of ECL and its members are heard, considered and impactful throughout the EU decision-making process.

The Policy Officer for Cancer Prevention & Survivorship works closely with ECL’s members to deliver strategic objectives based on ECL’s working groups’ action plans. The position reports to the Cancer Prevention Manager and works in close collaboration with all others in the team.

What will you do?

You will be supporting ECL community-building, policy, events management and advocacy activity during an exciting period for EU cancer policy in the context of the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and Horizon Europe’s Mission on Cancer. You would be responsible for the following tasks:

Community-building & working group coordination

Coordinate ECL Prevention and Early Detection Working Group (P&ED WG) and Patient Support Working Group (PSWG) including (i) proposing and organising members meetings, (ii) coordinate follow-up actions (iii) develop strategies and work plans, (iv) draft position papers, minutes, presentations and reports, supporting answers to public consultations and other communication materials for internal and external use;
Liaise with ECL members on a regular basis and ensure timely reaction to their requests;
Assist in the coordination of the MEPs Against Cancer (MAC) Interest Group at the European Parliament, including organising stakeholders’ meetings on prevention and survivorship issues and coordinating follow-up, in collaboration with ECL’s Communications Officer.

Stakeholder engagement & advocacy

Engage with EU stakeholders, across the EU institutions, industry and non-governmental organisations;
Monitor, keep track of and neatly summarise political and regulatory developments on cancer prevention and survivorship issues and communicate these effectively to ECL and ECL members;
Engage with political and regulatory developments, including the preparation of advocacy communication collateral (e.g. position papers, statements, letters, consultation responses etc.) in collaboration with ECL’s Communications Officer;
Conduct desk research and providing briefing material on key topics to ECL members;
Develop and implement ECL advocacy and communication strategies in collaboration with the ECL Secretariat and ensure ECL members’ priorities are reflected in ECL’s outputs;
Liaise with the other ECL staff members to explore synergies with other policy and thematic areas (e.g. access to medicines, research, inequalities etc.).

Communication & events-management

Coordinate the organisation of relevant meetings and conferences in collaboration with the Communications Officer, and provide logistical support for policy-related events as assigned;
Liaise with the Communications Officer to ensure and raise the visibility of ECL’s activities, including by (co-)drafting press releases, social media messages, etc.;
Attend and report from relevant events and meetings and produce brief reports as necessary;
Support preparations and report-writing for the ECL Annual Meetings, the ECL Executive Board meetings and other internal and external events;
Reviewing papers and reports to which ECL is invited to contribute.

Who are we looking for?

Required education and experience

University degree (Master’s level) preferably in a relevant field, such as Health Promotion, Public Health, Health Economics, Law, European Affairs, Public policy or Political Science;
2 years of professional work experience, working with the EU institutions and other stakeholders in Brussels, with an excellent knowledge of EU processes, interactions and the dynamics of EU policymaking;
Proven ability to analyse, draft and develop positions, coordinating a range of views and collating these into succinct and relevant points of view;
Experience in forging collaborative working relationships with relevant stakeholders;
Experience in drafting advocacy communication collateral and policy documents.

Required skills and personal qualities

A positive ‘can-do’ attitude, an independent, self-starter personality and the ability to work autonomously, as well as within a small team;
Well organised, practical-minded and able to prioritise a busy and varied workload and manage changing demands and deadlines;
Excellent communication and drafting skills, with a keen attention to detail and commitment to quality;
Full fluency in spoken and written English is essential and attention will be paid on the candidate’s writing experience in English;
Ability to synthesise and analyse policy issues and to communicate clearly and concisely;
Excellent negotiation and influencing skills at all levels;
Fluency in MS Office applications and Zoom;
Willingness to travel (occasionally).

Desired

Educational background or professional experience in health sciences;
A strong interest in and some knowledge of public health and the determinants of health;
Technical/scientific understanding of cancer prevention and/or patient support;
Experience working in the pan-European context and/or with EU institutions;
Fluent in one or more additional European languages.

What do we offer?

A friendly and flexible working environment, with the opportunity to take initiative and drive work;
A dynamic, young and supportive multicultural team;
A pleasant office space in an ethical building located in the heart of Brussels;
Access to experts and a large diverse network of cancer leagues;
Opportunities to meet and work with EU institutions and leading European and global cancer organisations;
Experience in EU-oriented advocacy work and exposure to a broad range of cancer-related issues;
Learning and training opportunities;
Benefits package (e.g. meal vouchers, five additional extra-legal vacation days).

Terms of Employment:

This position is offered on a full-time basis (38 hours/week) with a permanent contract according to Belgian national legislation;
Salary offered will be commensurate with experience and be supplemented with extra benefits;
All applicants must be qualified, eligible, and able to work in Belgium without requiring a work visa. We are not able to provide financial assistance to relocate to Brussels;
ECL is a smoke-free workplace, compliant with Belgian regulations.

How do I apply?

Send an email to ECL@cancer.eu (no telephone calls accepted) with the subject line: Application for ECL Policy Officer – [Your name & surname], with attachments:

Curriculum vitae, no longer than two A4 pages, with two professional references;
Letter of Motivation, maximum two A4 pages, which includes your salary expectations and earliest availability;
Up to two writing samples in any realm of policy and communication (e.g. position papers, statements, reports, letters, articles, policy briefs etc.) (optional).

Please note: applications that do not follow these instructions will be disregarded.

Deadline for application: Wednesday 1 June 2022 – 23:59 (CEST)

Short-listed candidates are expected to be informed by 8 June 2022 and invited for virtual interviews on 13 and 14 June.

Due to the high volume of applications anticipated, kindly note that we are unable to provide individual feedback and that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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EU Research Projects Officer

Reports to: Director

Type of Contract: Full-time, permanent

Deadline for applications: Sunday 5 June 2022 – 23:59 (CEST)

Starting date: July/August 2022

About ECL:

Read the description in the first job vacancy in this webpage.

About the position:

ECL is seeking to hire a proactive, enthusiastic and results-oriented professional to join our tight-knit team in Brussels to manage several EU funded projects on health and cancer-related issues.

The EU Research Project Officer will be responsible for the implementation and management of several EU funded projects and will be required to oversee the finances related to such projects, establish good working relations with project partners, ECL members and collaborators, as well as other (high-level) key stakeholders.

The ECL portfolio includes several Horizon Europe/Horizon 2020 (i.e. MyPeBs, CBIG-SCREEN, PAINLESS) and EU4Health projects (i.e. CanScreen-ECIS). Projects are expected to increase further in the coming months and years.

The position holder will also be required to support the development of proposals for EU and third-party funding upon request from the ECL Secretariat and Board.The position reports to the Director and works in close collaboration with all others in the team.

This is a new role for an experienced professional with a sound educational and professional background during an exciting period for EU cancer policy in the context of the Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and Horizon Europe’s Mission on Cancer.

What will you do?

You would be responsible for the following tasks:

Project management

Participate in project meetings, project events and conferences and report back to the ECL Secretariat and Board of Directors;
Organise (virtual and physical) project events, meetings, workshops and other activities, as necessary and in collaboration with the Communications Officer and Cancer Prevention Manager;
Lead and coordinate meetings with members, partners, and experts for productive outcomes;
Prepare agendas and presentations, and record action points during meetings for distribution to ECL staff and partners;
Meticulously retro-plan projects to ensure deadlines and milestones are met;
Ensure that all technical, administrative and legal aspects of assigned projects are carried out, including through the EU Portal interface, by working closely with the Cancer Prevention Manager;
Contribute to project delivery through research, analysis, and other ways – in line with skills and experience;
Draft project documentation (including technical progress reports and annual work plans) and oversee timely submission;
Ensure finalisation of high-quality project deliverables in good time and in collaboration with other ECL staff.

Finance management

Ensure financial and budgetary oversight of projects and timely preparation and submission of project financial reports and supporting documentation in conjunction with Cancer Prevention Manager, Finance Officer and Director;
Support the preparation of budgets and financial reports for EU projects;
Monitor the project progress and report to the Director and the Board on a regular basis also on any changes to the project scope, schedule, costs and other risks;
Working in close collaboration with the Finance Officer and Director to draft, review and finalise any necessary project funding agreements or sub-contracts, including those for consultants, and ensuring the timely transfer of funds to contractors.

Stakeholder engagement & communication

Liaising with project partners and leaders, the European Commission and relevant stakeholders on progress of all initiatives and ensuring that all contract terms are met, as well as timely reaction to their requests;
Engage, as necessary, ECL members, partners and collaborators in ongoing projects;
Supporting the ECL Secretariat in the presentation of the projects at events and ad hoc papers, as needed;
Working closely with other ECL staff (communication, policy and advocacy) to promote the project and develop advocacy/communications materials;
Provide support in project communication and dissemination activities, including preparation of presentations, social media posts, newsletters and articles.

Fundraising & bidding

Monitor and scan future funding opportunities for ECL and its member societies and follow developments and projects announcements related to Horizon Europe, EU4Health, Erasmus + and other relevant programmes;
Support the drafting of concept notes and technical proposals for the acquisition of prospective EU projects opportunities (including budget allocations for ECL) in line with the ECL Secretariat and Board’s decisions;
Work closely with the Director and Cancer Prevention Manager to diversify ECL income sources and help raise funds for new capacity building and advocacy-related activities and for our youth group.

Who are we looking for?

Required education and experience

University degree (Master’s level, preferred) preferably in a relevant field, such as Project Management, Business/Public Administration, Finance, Health Promotion, Public Health, Law, Economics, European Affairs, or Political Science;
2 years of relevant work experience in planning, managing and developing projects, preferably EU project management;
Proven ability to plan workload, meet tight deadlines, and handle multiple projects.

Technical Skills

Excellent and proven organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload and manage changing demands and deadlines;
Excellent oral communication and drafting skills in English, with a keen attention to detail and commitment to quality;
Knowledge of European institutions, funding programmes (especially Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe and EU4Health) procedures;
Proven record in developing successful project methodologies;
Proven experience in coordinating projects, ideally multi-country and health research projects;
Proficient computer skills, especially MS Office applications and Zoom.

Personal Skills

A positive, ‘can-do’ attitude and an independent, self-starter personality;
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work autonomously, as well as within a small team;
Outgoing and professional attitude, able to engage and motivate project partners and collaborators;
Diplomatic and non-judgmental, able to establish mutually beneficial relationships with ECL staff, members and partners at all levels;
Strong attention to detail;
Flexibility and willingness to travel (occasionally).

Desired

Educational background and/or experience in the health field;
Experience working in the pan-European context and/or with EU institutions and NGOs;
Experience in working with the EU Funding and Tenders Portal and the EU Participant Portal;
Understanding of/strong interest in public health and cancer control issues;
Fluent in one or more European languages.

What do we offer?

A friendly and flexible working environment, with the opportunity to take initiative and drive EU projects;
A dynamic, young and supportive multicultural team;
A pleasant office space in an ethical building located in the heart of Brussels;
Access to experts and a large diverse network of cancer leagues;
Opportunities to meet and work with EU institutions and leading European and global cancer organisations;
Experience in EU project planning, budgeting, and finance, as well as exposure to a broad range of cancer control-related issues;
Learning and training opportunities;
Benefits package (e.g., meal vouchers, five additional extra-legal vacation days).

Terms of Employment:

This position is offered on a full-time basis (38 hours/week) with a permanent CDI contract according to Belgian national legislation;
Salary offered will be commensurate with experience and be supplemented with extra benefits;
All applicants must be qualified, eligible, and able to work in Belgium without requiring a work visa. We are not able to provide financial assistance to relocate to Brussels;
ECL is a smoke-free workplace, compliant with Belgian regulations.

How do I apply?

Send an email to Director@cancer.eu (no telephone calls accepted) with the subject line: Application for ECL EU Research Projects Officer – [Your name & surname], with attachments:

Curriculum vitae, no longer than two A4 pages, with two professional references;
Letter of Motivation, maximum two A4 pages, which includes your salary expectations and earliest availability.

Please note: applications that do not follow these instructions will be disregarded.

Deadline for application: 5 June 2022 – 23:59 (CEST)

Short-listed candidates are expected to be informed by 13 June 2022 and invited for virtual interviews on 20 and 21 June.

Due to the high volume of applications anticipated, kindly note that we are unable to provide individual feedback and that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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Office Manager, Financial Officer – Part-Time for Independents

Emphasis on Finance and Administrative Skills – Applications accepted on rolling basis

Reports To: ECL Director

Conditions: Part-Time (4-8 hours/week on site), contractual basis

Start Date: Negotiable

The Association of European Cancer Leagues (ECL), a pan-European NGO, has a need for flexible, part-time (4 – 8 hours per week on site at the ECL office) administrative support, for general admin and/or finances. For the moment, for budgetary reasons, we cannot offer a permanent position, and looking only for contractual support, i.e., you are a registered independent. We do ask for an initial commitment of at least 9 months.

Are you a dynamic and positive person looking to be an important member of a small team? You will support the ECL Secretariat and Board, and work with the ECL Treasurer, external Accountant and Auditor to ensure that we meet financial, administrative and HR legal requirements:

Manage the office, HR and other administrative matters; and
Perform tasks related to the financial and accounting requirements for our small NGO, especially related to adhering to and reporting back on EU-funded activities.

Administrative and Communications Responsibilities

Ensure that ECL complies with legal requirements as a non-profit (ASBL);
Manage services provided by suppliers (office rental, office and equipment maintenance, internet, supplies, etc.) and keep all contract files updated, ensure procurement procedures are followed, manage general office insurances and files updated;
Organise meeting logistics, such as printing agendas, registering participants, organising travel and accommodation for staff and speakers, and arranging for catering;
Manage telephone calls and incoming mail, emails and any external requests;
Perform other duties as needed, such as helping write meeting reports, and other administrative tasks to support other colleagues.

Financial Responsibilities

Prepare and monitor financial reporting and requirements for EU funds;
Track income and expenditure on a weekly basis;
Issue invoices and follow up with members in a timely manner;
Keep track of and pay bills;
Manage reimbursements to staff and meeting participants;
Prepare quarterly reports to Treasurer;
Prepare budgets and other financial reports and present at Board meetings and to General Assembly;
Liaise closely with Board Treasurer, external Auditor and external Accountant;
Prepare quarterly finance reports, including budget vs actuals;
Liaise with bank; and
Other financial duties as needed.

HR Responsibilities

Ensure that ECL complies with Belgian HR policies, procedures and all legal requirements, including ensuring that HR staff regulations and policies are up to date;
Prepare employment contracts and facilitate employee changes including supporting staff recruitment;
Manage payroll and ensure that staff are enrolled in compulsory Belgium benefits, fiscal and social plans; and
Ensure that employee files and data are accurate.

Required Qualifications:

ORGANISED and attention to detail;
Fluent in spoken and written French AND English;
Formal education in a related field;
Experienced working in the European context;
Some experience in financial reporting for EU-funded projects;
Available to travel at least once a year to our General Assembly meeting in Europe;
Excellent PC skills;
Excellent prioritisation skills; and
Authorised to work in Belgium.

Highly Desirable:

Fluency in Flemish;
Specialised degree or certificate in accounting and/or administration;
Experience with Sage BOB50.

Terms of Employment: Salary offered will commensurate with experience. Office is in 1030 Brussels.

Starting date: negotiable

Send an email to Director@cancer.eu (no telephone calls accepted) with the subject line: Application for ECL Office Manager/ Financial Officer: [Your name & surname], with attachments:

Cover letter no more than one A4 page on your a) motivations, b) qualifications, c) preference for % time, d) earliest availability, and e) salary requirement;
Full curriculum vitae with 3 recent professional references.

Please note that applications with missing information will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No telephone calls accepted. ECL is a smoke-free workplace, compliant with Belgian regulations.

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ECL YOUTH AMBASSADORS FOR THE EUROPEAN CODE AGAINST CANCER

Applications for our Youth Ambassadors programme are now closed. Are you a youth leader, passionate about public health and willing to make a change in cancer prevention? Email us to let us know whether you’d like to be notified about the 2023 call at ECL(at)cancer.eu