Policy Research Officer

European Cancer Organisation

About the Organisation

European Cancer Organisation is a not-for-profit federation of 40 healthcare professional organisations and 21 patient groups committed to reducing the burden of cancer. We bring together oncology professionals, survivors, patients, carers, and civil society to shape and implement evidence-based policy and advocate for progress across the entire cancer care pathway. ECO is actively involved in a high number of EU-funded research and policy implementation initiatives linked to Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the EU Cancer Mission.

These projects encompass areas such as improving quality of life for survivors and patients, strengthening cancer screening and early detection, enhancing the training of oncology professionals, and advancing collaborative cancer care networks. Across these projects, ECO plays a key role in stakeholder engagement, patient involvement, policy translation of research findings, communication, advocacy, and dissemination to public and political audiences.

About the role

Are you dynamic, organised and ambitious? Are you interested in Health Policy Research and Implementation? Do you want to contribute to a critical public health mission for Europe, making a difference for cancer patients and professionals? Then the European Cancer Organisation (ECO) could be looking for you!

You will support the design and implementation of several top-impact policy research and EU-funded projects, with leading contributions to the current pan-European cancer policy and research agenda. The ability to be proactive, rigorous, adaptable, and dedicated to the needs of the projects and the goals of the team will lay the groundwork for success.

This position provides the opportunity to contribute to impactful European initiatives that improve the lives of cancer patients, survivors, and their families. You will gain experience in public health, evidence-based advocacy, and policy implementation at a time when cancer is at the top of the EU agenda.

You will work closely with high-level experts, policy leaders, and EU institutions, while also gaining insight into the functioning of an active, mission-driven not-for-profit organisation. ECO offers a dynamic collaborative environment where you can develop professionally, take on increasing responsibility, and make a meaningful contribution to Europe’s cancer community.

Responsibilities

Policy Research Officer Responsibility:

• Support the continuous development, update and expansion of the European Cancer Pulse and its Policy Indexes;
• Support data-driven national policy engagement activities, including the preparation of Country Reports and associated country visits
• Contribute to public health policy research projects on high-stakes themes for cancer policy across Europe. Tasks will include project planning, design of research methodologies, collaborations with experts and stakeholders, review of literature, conducting surveys, organisation of workshops, analysis of collected data, and the development of policy outputs.
• Lead activities in EU-funded projects in which ECO is involved, including on the involvement of cancer community stakeholders, projects’ policy impact at European and national level, and long-term extension and sustainability.
• Support selected activities and workstreams of ECO’s Focused Topic Networks.
• Other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Chief Executive and/or the Policy Research & EU Projects Manager

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Required:

• Genuine passion for serving the organisation’s mission to reduce the burden of cancer across Europe
• Proven proficiency and professional experience (at least 1-2 years) in conducting policy-applied research and analysing scientific materials
• Strong background in the fields of public health, life sciences and social sciences, and interest in continuously developing policy- and advocacy-related skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build effective relations with high-level partners and experts from across Europe
• Comfort and eagerness to undertake projects involving the collection, processing and transformation of data into policy-relevant outputs
• A proactive and dynamic attitude, capable of taking ownership of projects and finding solutions to make things happen through curiosity and critical thinking
• An ability to manage complexity, plan and prioritise across multiple tasks and ensure rigorous, high-quality delivery
• A team-player spirit, with commitment to collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, follow agreed workflows and go the extra mile to support the success of the organisation
• Excellent communication skills, with ability to communicate research to diverse audiences in lay-friendly terms
• Fluency in written and spoken English and proficiency in computer and internet use
• High level of discretion to maintain confidentiality of information

Conditions of employment

• Candidates must have the right to work in the EU.

Working locations

• Brussels, Belgium
• This position requires some traveling in Europe.

How to apply

• To apply, send:
  • your CV
  • a cover letter (maximum 1page)
  • your current salary
  • Your earliest start date and any notice period
• Applications should be sent with the subject line "Policy Research Officer" to [email protected]

Interviews

• Please note that while all applications will be reviewed, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the first interview stage. The selection process may include a written assignment to assess relevant skills.

Return to listing