Consultant – Research and Innovation

Ecorys is a leading international research and consultancy company, addressing key societal challenges. With world-class research-based consultancy, we help public and private clients make and implement informed decisions leading to positive impact on society. We support our clients with sound analysis and inspiring ideas, practical solutions, and delivery of projects for complex market, policy and management issues. Parallel to our continued growth, we are now seeking a Consultant in the field of Research and Innovation Policy.

Your workplace environment
You will join the Policy and Research Unit that is working on European projects in the areas of research and innovation (R&I) policy. Our activities consist mostly of economic and policy studies (e.g. impact assessment, evaluations), consultancy (e.g. business case assessments, strategic advice on regulatory work) and technical assistance (e.g. management and coordination of European policy networks and stakeholder activities). Our clients are mainly EU institutions.

What will you be doing?
You will take a lead role in managing policy-oriented projects for the European Union (European Commission; EU institutions and agencies) and will participate in them as an analyst. Together with the team you will submit proposals and lead on implementation. You have sound knowledge of the European policy context, especially of the EU R&I actions, as well as of the stakeholder landscape in the field. You have working relationships with some key players in the domain of R&I at the European level. The core of your expertise is related to R&I policy and project management in the field, and you are also able to contribute to studies in other EU policy areas.

Major tasks include:

Take a project management role in the smooth delivery of contracts, working closely with other project members to ensure that the contract is delivered successfully;
Managing/leading on providing effective project and client management, planning, and monitoring delivery to agreed timescales, ensuring quality, and liaising with experts, contractors, partners, associates, as well as with Ecorys corporate services on compliance, budgeting, and invoicing.
Managing and delivering medium sized research and evaluation contracts
Working on larger-scale, longer-term research, and evaluation projects, from work winning and inception to delivering the final report and dissemination.
Undertaking targeted business development and building relationships with clients to advance the company's profile and ability to help clients;
Act as a contact point for clients, stakeholders and experts;
Leading/providing high quality written inputs to reports, presentations, and other research and consultancy outputs;
To inspire and coach team members to further their personal development and the development of the practice.

What will you bring?

Required

5 years of proven project management experience, including overseeing project delivery, quality control of delivered service, client orientation and conflict resolution in projects worth at least €80,000,
In-depth knowledge of European research and innovation policy, and expertise in research and innovation policy reforms,
MSc in Economics or other relevant field;
Highly motivated with strong communication and business development skills;
Fluency in English. Other language capabilities would be an asset;

Desired

Sound knowledge of relevant research methods and analytical tools (patent analysis, altmetric, modelling tools or experience with stakeholder engagement would be an asset)
At least 5 years’ relevant work experience in evaluation and/or impact assessment of research and innovation policy
Experience in writing winning proposals.

What we offer
Ecorys offers its employees a professional, stimulating and learning environment and scope to develop. We are a highly international, socially responsible and employee-owned organisation. We ensure that our employees rank among the best in their field. Talented professionals who opt for Ecorys want to make a difference and pursue change and progress. Ecorys offers a competitive remuneration package, the opportunity to own company shares and flexible working hours, among others.

Ecorys has an informal workplace atmosphere. You will generally work in teams alongside professionals and enthusiastic colleagues. You will be given a large degree of freedom and responsibility.