Benefits of working at IFOAM Organics Europe

VACANCIES

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Research & Innovation Manager - APPLICATIONS CLOSED

The Research & Innovation Unit of IFOAM Organics Europe promotes knowledge exchange and engages organic actors in participatory research to help develop the sector. The unit has ample experience in translating research outcomes into recommendations for policymakers and practitioners. The work is financed by projects of the Horizon framework programme of the EU. The Research & Innovation Manager is responsible for the supervision of the staff in the unit and acquisition of new projects.

Responsibilities

Management (70%)

  • Supervise staff, give input and support them in the implementation of their respective projects. For a complete overview of the projects currently implemented by the Research & Innovation Unit, consult our website: https://www.organicseurope.bio/what-we-do/research-innovation/knowledge-for-organic/ 
  • Depending on the role of IFOAM Organics Europe in the project, and your own interest, implement certain project tasks yourself
  • Control quality of work and reports delivered by staff
  • Plan use of resources (staff costs and purchase costs) in the projects
  • Control quality of financial reports prepared by the financial consultant
  • Stimulate team spirit, promote collaboration within the unit and with other units of the organisation
  • Appraise staff, assess needs and expectations for development and training
  • Participate in the Management Committee, support the overall development of IFOAM Organics Europe
  • Participate in the management of TP Organics, the European Technology Platform for Organic Food and Farming, see www.tporganics.eu

Project acquisition (30%)

  • Develop and implement a coherent strategy for project acquisition
  • Ensure financial stability of the R&I Unit
  • Stay up to date about trends and developments in the organic and wider agriculture sector. Integrate these trends in the project acquisition strategy
  • Coordinate new project applications led by IFOAM Organics Europe
  • Explore opportunities for joining project applications coordinated by other organisations
  • Negotiate budget and tasks in new project applications

Requirements

Essential

  • Master’s degree in agronomy, or other natural sciences;
  • Effective communication in English, both verbal and written
  • Experience in management of R&I projects (5 years), preferably Horizon projects
  • Experience in management of staff (at least 3 people)
  • Knowledge about organic farming and the organic sector
  • Knowledge of the EU’s food and agriculture policies
  • Possession of a work permit valid for Belgium

More details can be found in the vacancy description, available below. 

VOLUNTEER VIA THE EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY CORPS (ESC) & ERASMUS+

Sorry, there are no open positions for ESC volunteers or Erasmus+ trainees. We generally publish a new call for volunteers every year in spring. However, it happens that we have additional vacancies throughout the year. Stay tuned for future opportunities by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram.

Contact & more information

Did you not find what you were looking for on this page? Contact [email protected]

Testimonials from volunteers

“You’d like to do something practical, with a visible impact, and to get to know the heart of Europe, policy making and lobbying work, the organic movement, like-minded people, new languages and cultures, including the broad diversity of Belgian beer, and – not least – yourself better? Volunteering at IFOAM Organics Europe offers you all that – and much more. It’s a rich experience that allows you to participate in making food and farming in Europe more sustainable, and to gain practical experiences and skills in the European organic sector – from advocacy for organic research, innovation and practice to new communication tools and a hands-on farm stay. For me, it was the first time that I was living abroad for so long – a big step that my colleagues and EVS network made a lot easier. I can only encourage you to do it, and to make the most of it. It’s a unique opportunity to grow, gain new perspectives and friends and get to know yourself and your capabilities and interests better. Not only did I feel very welcome in the multicultural and multilingual EU capital where almost everyone comes from somewhere else, but I could also profit from the numerous events the vibrant city has to offer year-round. Ultimately, my EVS made me more political, active and empathetic – in other words, fit for the challenges of the future.”

Maria Gernert (DE)
Former volunteer in the Research&Innovation Unit
2018/2019

“Volunteering at IFOAM Organics Europe is a truly rewarding experience, both on a professional and personal level. Get to know this vibrant city of Brussels, meet inspiring people, drink beers (a lot!), learn more about organic agriculture and EU legislation and develop a wide range of skills! Knowledge and friendships are awaiting!”

Bérénice Cau (FR)
Former volunteer in the Projects & Fundraising Unit
2019/2020

“I did not know much about IFOAM Organics Europe when I saw the ESC vacancy, but I shared its values of protecting biodiversity, caring for nature and fairness in the food production processes. During my volunteering I learned a lot about the organic sector and, being based in Brussels, I gained a better understanding of European Union’s institutions and importance of advocacy work.”

Katarina Šeme (SI)
Former volunteer in the Communication Unit - 2019/2020
2019/2020

“Volunteering at IFOAM Organics Europe is an excellent opportunity to gain more in-depth understanding of the organic sector and the impact of EU legislation. Working in the communication team has taught me the importance and power of the messages we share to make Europe more organic. Beside the knowledge I gain, the vibrant city of Brussels is full of inspiring, smart and interesting people who enrich and refine my experience even more.”

Triin Viilvere
Former volunteer at IFOAM Organics Europe
2016/2017
 
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