EU Liaison Officer

Your function
Background:
The European Union is entering a new policy period: the new European Commission is working on a new Multiannual Financial Framework, which will include the successor to Horizon Europe and a new Competitiveness Fund. This creates opportunities for VU Amsterdam, particularly in light of decreasing budgets in the Netherlands.

The upcoming retirement of the current EU Liaison Officer, gives VU Amsterdam the opportunity to reconsider how Brussels representation is organised. The aim is to start from the themes in which VU is already strong, build network and strategy from there, and at the right moment broaden the focus to include, among other things, the alumni network in Brussels.

Context:
The EU Liaison Officer will work at Institutional Affairs/ Impact & Funding, within the dynamic network around impact & funding. In as far as possible, a transitional (overlap) construction will be used to enable a careful handover from the current EU Liaison Officer.

The role follows a phased approach: initially the focus is on strengthening VU's internal foundation (internal prioritisation, network and strategy); from that foundation, the role will then expand towards greater visibility and presence in Brussels (the 'ink blot' strategy).

Key responsibilities:

Identifying (funding) opportunities in the field of research & innovation funding, through effective horizon scanning at an early stage.

Building momentum and support within VU (central and at faculty level) for EU-related activities.

Representing VU in Brussels, both in terms of profile-raising and advocacy.

Bringing clear focus to VU's EU activities and funding, and building an internal VU network (central and at faculty level) of colleagues who recognise the importance of EU-related work.

Building and maintaining contacts in Brussels, including with the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European University Association (EUA), Aurora, Neth-ER and UNL.

In the longer term: ensuring strong VU representation in (Horizon) advisory/sounding-board groups in the Netherlands and Brussels, building coalitions around VU priorities (research and education), achieving policy impact, conducting advocacy, and building and leveraging the VU alumni network.

Where the need comes from:
The need for this role has been articulated from several parts of the organisation:

Profile-raising
VU identifies a need for stronger, more visible positioning of VU in Brussels, aiming to build a clear public face for VU that supports other objectives. Being seen as an interesting, visible partner should lead to VU being approached more quickly for attractive opportunities — for example by getting VU colleagues into prominent positions (such as EIC-related appointments) and deploying VU expertise for policy-level impact.

International relationship management
Building relationships with key partners in Brussels: (a) creating connections for lobbying purposes (European Commission, European Parliament, participation in international networks such as the EUA); (b) representing VU’s views, stakes, and interests through participation in advisory groups and evaluation committees; (c) education partnerships — unlocking opportunities and building the network around VU's alliance and direct relationships (e.g. via the EUA and other alliances);

(d) providing input on new policy proposals, directly and via umbrella organisations.

Spotting opportunities
By strengthening VU's profile and relationships, VU can respond faster and more effectively to opportunities in policy development, funding and collaboration. Connecting VU research(ers) to relevant opportunities and networks and liaising with the relevant support teams within VU.

Alumni relations
Brussels is home to a substantial number of VU alumni. This network remains underused and can contribute to realising VU’s vision for education, research, and innovation.

Your profile
Brussels is a dynamic environment with many different types of professionals operating in it. Given the priorities outlined above, the following profile is sought for the role of VU EU Liaison Officer:

A mid/senior-level professional with a demonstrable…