Policy Officer

Location: Brussels
Reporting to: Director of Policy
Starting date: As soon as available
Status: Contrat à durée indéterminée (CDI)
Focus: EU cancer policy implementation, EU regulation as it relates to cancer treatment access, prevention and screening topics

Job Objective

The European Cancer Organisation (ECO) is looking for an ambitious, energetic and enthusiastic Policy Officer to work on a full-time basis, based in Brussels. The role will require daily collaboration with the Policy, Research, Communications and Operations Teams, as well as regular engagement activities with our Member Societies, Patient Advisory Committee, Focused Topic Networks and the wider European cancer community. 

The successful candidate will work across a wide portfolio of policy briefs, including, but not limited to:

  • EU regulation as it relates to cancer treatment access;

This includes such policy files as the Biotech Act, Clinical Trials regulation, medical device regulation, In Vitro Diagnostics regulation, Critical Medicines Act, Health Technology Assessment and the General Data Protection Regulation.  

  • cancer prevention policy;

This includes such policy matters as: EU tobacco regulation, alcohol control policy, food policy, scrutiny of carcinogen related regulations such as the Cosmetics regulation and plastic/PFAs and endocrine disruptor related policy initiatives. The successful candidate will be the lead liaison of ECO within the European Chronic Disease Alliance.

  • early detection and cancer screening policy;

This will include working with member societies, patient organisations and other stakeholders in driving forward political momentum for full implementation of EU Council Recommendations on cancer screening and supporting the success of EU and other funded projects and collaborations with this goal.  

The role also involves hands-on policy implementation activities in respect of EU funded and other cancer policy projects that the European Cancer Organisation is participating in.

The role provides an opportunity to be at the heart of the implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and EU Cancer Mission and to deliver, through policy implementation, tangible improvement for cancer patient care in all countries.

The working language is English. 

The Policy Officer must already be living in Brussels and will report to the Policy Director, Richard Price. 

About the Organisation 

European Cancer Organisation (ECO) 

The European Cancer Organisation is a not-for-profit federation of 40 Member Societies working in cancer at a European level, together with 21 European Patient Advisory Committee members through 9 Focused Topic Networks. The Mission of the European Cancer Organisation is to reduce the burden of cancer, improve outcomes and the quality of care for cancer patients, through multidisciplinarity and multiprofessionalism. As the not-for-profit federation of member organisations working in cancer at a European level, the European Cancer Organisation convenes oncology professionals and patients to agree policy, advocate for positive change and be the united voice of the European cancer community. 

Primary Responsibilities 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

  • Provide leadership in the conduct of specific areas of European Cancer Organisation policy focus including, but not limited to:
    • EU regulation as it relates to cancer treatment access;
    • cancer prevention policy;
    • early detection and cancer screening policy;
  • Monitor policy developments at EU level, including legislative, regulatory, and funding changes, and communicate these effectively to organisational leadership.
  • Conduct desk-based research and provide briefing materials on key topics to organisational leadership.
  • Draft advocacy communication collateral, including reports, position papers, fact sheets, and consultation responses.
  • Provide logistical support and oversight for policy-related events as assigned.
  • Organise contact programmes with EU decision-makers.
  • Attend and report from policy events, including those of alliances and coalitions in which the organisation is involved.
  • Review and contribute to papers and other initiatives that the organisation is invited to participate in.
  • Provide lead support to the productive operation of Networks of the European Cancer Organisation, including provision of timely informational updates on policy developments relevant to the Network.
  • Lead the development of internal procedures and structures to efficiently address policy work, including fostering and growing political relationships.
  • Provide content and lead policy support towards the EU-funded and other projects in which the European Cancer Organisation is participating.
  • Establish and maintain strong relationship and collaboration with ECO member societies, in particular those societies with a special focus upon areas of policy which are in the remit and responsibility of the officer.
  • Undertake other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Executive and/or the Director of Policy.

General Skill Specifications 

At least two years of professional experience and knowledge in EU affairs. Background and interest in health, cancer, and/or pharmaceutical/regulatory policy is highly desirable. The candidate is expected to be computer and internet literate with proven experience in using Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint and Word).  The candidate should be a flexible, collaborative and positive team member willing to work in a fast-paced environment with a likelihood of many competing project demands at any time.

  • A high degree of proficiency in writing in English, especially for formal audiences (e.g. meeting reports, minutes, briefings, consultation responses, position papers)
  • A background and understanding of the European Union political landscape
  • A background and understanding of health and cancer policy
  • Must be able to work independently, think critically and have excellent organisational skills, paying attention to detail
  • Be a team player able to follow internal and external workflows with precise deadlines
  • Be able to be trusted to take full ownership and responsibility for the key areas of policy focus assigned to the position.
  • Proactively follow-up on pending tasks, manage competing priorities and successfully fulfil multiple areas of responsibility simultaneously.
  • Aptitude to maintain calm when confronted with unforeseen circumstances 
  • Being able to maintain a professional and friendly attitude, keeping the reputation of the European Cancer Organisation into consideration at all times 
  • Strong organisational, communication and inter-personal skills with effective and efficient writing skills in English (native or near-native level) 
  • High level of discretion to maintain confidentiality of information
  • Computer and internet proficient with keen interest in continually developing IT-related skills.
  • A “completer-finisher”, who is not afraid to pick up the phone and proactively make things happen
  • Flexibility and adaptability are key aptitudes for this profile
  • An ability to absorb information and learn quickly
  • An interest and passion for improving the quality of cancer care for patients across Europe

The role offers the successful candidate 

  • Experience in the health and cancer sector.
  • Opportunity to work closely with top level experts and management. 
  • Experience with varied angles and perspectives of the inter-workings of a not-for-profit organisation.
  • The chance to actively contribute to the improvement of cancer policy throughout Europe, and ultimately, improve and save lives. 

Application 

Interested applicants must have the right to work in the EU and be already physically based in Brussels.  They will have fully completed their studies as the role will be demanding and time consuming.  Please send a CV and cover letter (maximum 2 pages of A4), together with details of your current salary and earliest starting date (giving details of any required notice period) by email to jobs@europeancancer.org with the subject “Policy Officer”.   

Although the receipt of each application will be automatically acknowledged, unfortunately we can only follow-up with applicants that reach the first interview stage.   

The deadline for applications to be received is 11:00 CEST, Tuesday 7 April.

We will be interviewing and considering candidates ahead of this deadline. For this reason, applicants are advised to send their application sooner than 7 April, if possible.