Director-General (Dutch and French-Speaking)

EGMONT - Royal Institute for International Relations

Length of contract
3 years

About the Organisation

EGMONT – The Royal Institute for International Relations is an independent think-tank based in Brussels. As a platform for in-depth analysis and a forum for debate in the field of international politics, the Institute has the ambition to make a useful contribution to the policy-shaping process through its publications, conferences, and seminars. Along with its three Research Programmes and a specialised Education & Training Programme, the Institute is supported by a Communication Department and a Finance and Administration Department.

About the role

In an uncertain international environment characterised by growing tensions between major powers and significant challenges for the European Union as a geopolitical actor, Egmont aims to further strengthen its position as an independent knowledge institution in the coming years. This will involve continued professionalisation of the organisation, alongside increasing the impact of its research and expanding its training activities.

To this end, Egmont is seeking a Director-General responsible for the strategic direction, fundraising, positioning, and external representation of the organisation. Internally, the role focuses on strengthening governance, collaboration, and a shared organisational vision. Externally, it requires high-level visibility and profile-building with the government, the private sector, and academia.

Responsibilities

Main Responsibilities:

• Overall coordination and day-to-day management of the Institute.
• Defining and ensuring a clear strategic direction for the research and training portfolios.
• Acting as a change manager and implementing necessary organisational reforms.
• Human resources management, fostering team cohesion and collaboration.
• Financial management and fundraising, with the aim of structurally increasing the share of external sponsors and projects other than the MFA.
• Identifying, developing, and managing partnerships with institutional, governmental, and private partners, as well as with other knowledge institutions.
• Interaction with and reporting to the Board of Directors.
• External representation of the Institute at the national and international levels.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

• Experience leading a knowledge-based or policy-oriented organisation with societal relevance at the intersection of academia, politics, public policy, and diplomacy.
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of current international challenges and the ability to translate these into a strategic focus for the Institute.
• Connects strategy with implementation, safeguards the independence and quality of research, and effectively bridges research and policy.
• Possesses strong governance and management skills, with the ability to motivate and unite teams around a shared mission.
• Brings a relevant (international) professional network or demonstrates the capacity to further develop one in support of partnerships.
• Proven experience in financial management, including increasing and diversifying funding sources.
• Communicates clearly and credibly in Dutch, French, and English.
• Is willing to work flexibly, including regular evening commitments

Required Qualifications

• An academically trained, inclusive, and inspiring leader (minimum Master's degree required)

Working locations

• Rue des Petits Carmes 24A, 1000 Brussels

How to apply

• Applications should be submitted to the Chair of the Board, Mr Alexis Brouhns, at [email protected] by 18th March 2026.
• The application will include a letter of motivation, a detailed CV, and a short note (one page maximum) setting out the strategic view on Egmont.

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