Knowledge Rights 21 – 21st Century Access to Education and Research – is a programme run by Stichting IFLA Foundation, and bringing together library organisations working across Europe, supported by the Arcadia Foundation.

It is focused on building lasting capacity to modernise policies and practices around copyright, in particular in the area of eLending, promoting open norms, protecting copyright exceptions against contract override, secondary publishing rights, and rights retention.

Through this, it aims to deliver progress, in the short and longer term, that enables learners, students, researchers and other library users to realise the potential of technology to deliver education research and cultural participation.

At the heart of the programme is the development of tools, skills and other support for advocacy by networks of libraries and related groups, at both the European and national levels.

Brussels Lead

The Brussels Lead will make a vital contribution to the Programme’s success at the European level, developing the networks, contact and understanding necessary within the EU institutions to catalyse change. Working to the Programme Manager and in liaison with the Policy Committee, they will establish relationships with key stakeholders and support advocacy, as well as identifying opportunities to advance the Programme’s goals.

On a day-to-day basis, they will represent the Programme on the ground, particularly  in physical meetings with stakeholders, as well as supporting engagement by others involved in the Programme – including those delivering on its different work packages – as appropriate.

The successful candidate will, working two days a week (with the possibility for some flexibility at peak moments), be able to build a strong network of contacts within EU institutions and proactively identify and exploit opportunities for engagement, while also responding to the needs of wider project partners. They will have both a good understanding of policy and how to strategically achieve goals, and a hands-on approach to organising meetings and events.

Required Competences/Experience

A self-starter with a flexible approach, able to manage the workload efficiently, who offers:

  • Good knowledge of copyright law and copyright policy issues in relation to the needs of libraries, research, education and culture, or familiarity with legal issues affecting the digital environment plus demonstrable ability to quickly get up to speed on any new topics.
  • Good familiarity with how the EU and the attendant lobbyists in Brussels tick, including the processes and practices of the European Parliament, Council of Ministers and the Commission, notably in areas relating to one or more of culture, education, scientific research, legal affairs, internal market, digital or competition issues.
  • Excellent communication skills in English both in writing and public speaking, including ability to clearly explain complex topics in simple terms to different audiences. Competence in one or more additional EU languages helpful.
  • Strong networking and interpersonal skills with people at all levels from Commissioners to meeting organisers, including the ability to build relationships of confidence with contacts in EU institutions.
  • Ability to identify and take advantage of opportunities to engage in policy processes.
  • Ability to think strategically about relationships and areas of work within Brussels, helping to inform the overall direction of the Programme.
  • Clear and timely communication, both internally with others working on the Programme, and externally with relevant stakeholders.
  • Ability to manage a varied workload, crossing a number of sub-themes.
  • Competence using standard office software suites and website content management systems.

Salary and Contract

The position is full time (36h per week). The gross monthly salary offered will be EUR 3845 per month, with the possibility of a higher salary on the basis of experience. The successful candidate will be employed under Belgian law, and will work from home, ideally from Brussels or the surrounding region.

Contract: Temporary until end May 2022, with a possibility of an extension for two further 12-month periods.

Closing date

The closing date is 15 December 2021. Interested candidates are advised to submit their applications as soon as possible.

How to apply

Please send your CV and motivation letter addressing the responsibilities and skills required for the position in English to vacancies@ifla.org using “Brussels Lead” in the subject line.  Only candidates with valid documentation to work in Belgium will be considered (please indicate on your application how you are able to work in Belgium).