Policy Research Officer

Job Overview 

Location: Brussels
Contract: Full-time, Contrat à durée indéterminée (CDI)
Working language: English
Application deadline: 11 January 2026
Reports to: Policy Research & EU Projects Manager

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!

In this full-time role, based in Brussels, 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.

Our working language is English and this position requires some traveling in Europe. Candidates must already have the right to work in the EU. 

About the European Cancer Organisation (ECO) 

The 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.

Across its pillars of activity, the European Cancer Organisation operates a growing number of projects aimed at gathering cancer policy data intelligence and communicating it to relevant decision-makers to drive evidence-based progress in cancer control at European and national level. This includes the European Cancer Pulse data tool, tracking cancer inequalities across Europe, as well as further publications derived from it, such as Country Reports, supporting an ongoing programme of country visits, and emerging series of Policy Indexes in specific policy fields. Targeted initiatives are also conducted in areas where further data intelligence is important, such as cancer workforce issues or cancer inequalities.

Your Responsibilities

As Policy Research Officer you will:

  • 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, conduct 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

The Role Requires

  • 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/or social sciences, and interest in continuously developing policy- and advocacy-related skills are considered key assets
  • An ability to manage complexity and a commitment to rigorous work, high-quality outputs and critical thinking
  • A problem-solving and “completer-finisher” mindset, who is not afraid to proactively follow-up on pending tasks to make things happen
  • Robust organisation skills and attention to detail, including in respect to multi-tasking, prioritising, retro­-planning, following agreed workflows and record-keeping
  • Excellent inter-personal skills  and ability to maintain effective relations with high-level experts and stakeholders from across Europe
  • A team-player spirit, with commitment and adaptability to support the goals and success of the organisation beyond assigned tasks
  • Excellent communication skills, with ability to communicate research to diverse audiences in lay friendly terms
  • Fluency in written and spoken English (with additional European languages an advantage) and proficiency in computer and internet use
  • High level of discretion to maintain confidentiality of information

What the Role Offers

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.

How to Apply

To apply send:

  • your CV
  • a cover letter (maximum 1 page)
  • your current salary
  • your earliest start date and any notice period

Applications should be sent with the subject line “Policy Research Officer” to jobs@europeancancer.org
Application deadline: 11 January 2026

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.