The European Science Foundation (ESF) provides a platform for its Member Organisations to advance European research and explore new directions for research at the European level.
Established in 1974 as an independent non-governmental organisation, the ESF currently serves 77 Member Organisations, including Research Funding Agencies, Research Performing Organisations and Academies, across 30 countries.

Mission of the Position

The mission of the position is to further raise ESF’s visibility and its impact to society, and to inform ESF Member Organisations, the European Research Community in general, policymakers, media and society about the ESF, its activities and its role in the European Research Area.

Position Responsibilities
The candidate should demonstrate abilities to:

• Further develop and implement a strategic plan for communications within the scope of the ESF strategy (see www.esf.org/commsplan). Develop new ideas and explore new communications methods;
• Consult and support the Chief Executive in external and internal communications; liaise with the Chief Executive Unit with regard to science policy;
• Integrate the communication of science and science policy across all Science Units, Standing Committees and Expert Boards;
• Liaise with ESF Member Organisations and external scientific bodies on communication projects;
• Represent ESF externally and network with related organisations;
• Oversee all media and public relations activities
• Publish annual documents, booklets and other print documents
• Manage a team of five communication professionals in their day to day activities as well as stimulating initiative and providing strategic guidance
• Manage the budget of the Communications Unit according to the ESF financial rules;
• Monitor and critically assess the impact and success of ESF’s communication activities.

Profile and Competences required

The successful candidate should demonstrate the following competences:

Specific competences:
• University degree in communications or journalism and a background in science or equivalent experience. At least ten years’ professional experience in science journalism and communications, plus in depth knowledge and experience of corporate communications in an international science-based environment;
• Good working knowledge of European and national research structures (especially ESF Member Organisations) and  European institutions and knowledge of European and international science policy;
• Proven experience in science writing for a variety of media;
• Possession of an international network in science communication and journalism;
• Proven creativity in communications strategy and implementation;
• Proven people management experience within a performance driven organisation;
• Proven experience with delivering projects within an agreed budget;
• High standard of spoken and written English with a working knowledge of French or another European language being an advantage ;
• Good working knowledge of MS Office systems and of electronic databases;
• Knowledge of online communication, corporate websites and corporate intranet portals (e.g. Content Management System like Typo3).

Inter-personal competences:
• Action-orientated, responsible and autonomous, creative and willing to take initiative, and continuously improvement-minded;
• Leadership and staff management skills;
• Strong inter-personal and excellent communication skills within a multi-national context, including discretion, diplomacy and tolerance;
• Assertive with capability to guide decision-making and to represent the ESF in the scientific and science journalism community;
• Excellent presentational skills;
• Transparency in working and a team-orientated work ethic;
• Commitment to deliver on allocated tasks and respond in a timely manner to deadlines;
• Capable of demonstrating the ESF’s values: Excellence, Openness, Responsiveness, Pan-European approach, Ethical Awareness and Human Values.

Employment conditions

• The full time position is offered for a three year term, with the possibility of a prolongation of two years, preferably starting January 2009.
• The place of work is Strasbourg and the job will involve a significant amount of travel.
• The salary level will be based on experience and qualifications of the successful candidate and will follow ESF terms and conditions and relocation policy.
• Please send your application by 28 October 2008 to ESF, Human Resources Unit, 1 quai Lezay-Marnésia, BP 90015, F-67080 Strasbourg or to jobs[at]esf.org quoting the following reference identifier HOU-COM3.
• Interviews will be held in Strasbourg mid November 2008.

Further details at www.esf.org