AEIDL, the European Association for Innovation in Local Development, is seeking an experienced and highly motivatedSenior Policy Expert on Rural and Territorial Development to participate in Service Contracts for EU institutions, providing policy expertise in rural and territorial development.
We welcome applications from candidates looking for either a freelance or an employee post.
Role and responsibilities
The Senior Policy Expert will work under the supervision of the Team Leader(s). Indicatively, some of the tasks may include:
Conducting analytical work on rural and territorial development policies or stakeholders (e.g., stakeholder mapping) and writing policy papers and articles.
Designing, coordinating, implementing and reporting on EU-level online and in-person events focused on territorial and rural development issues.
Participating in third-party events to promote projects'' and networks'' key results, messages, and outcomes.
Coordinating the work of experts mobilised for specific analytical tasks within the framework of projects under their responsibility.
Coordinating and review the writing of publications from design to finalisation.
Liaising with clients, stakeholders, experts on a regular basis.
Skills and experience
University masters degree in territorial, rural development or related area.
10 years of relevant experience in the rural and regional policy field.
Relevant knowledge and experience in rural and regional development policy topics (e.g. long-term vision for rural areas, rural revitalization and depopulation, rural pact, rural proofing, LEADER/CLLD, smart villages, socio-economic development, environment, basic services etc.).
Strong analytical skills, with experience in data collection, analysis using both qualitative and quantitative methods, and reporting on relevant policies for rural and regional development (e.g., CAP, Cohesion Policy).
Experience in animating and facilitating online and in person events and working groups'' applying participatory approaches.
Relevant experience in the implementation of EU service contracts for EU institutions and in EU networking within the rural and regional development field.
Ability and experience in communications, advocacy and networking.
Deep understanding of the EU policy cycle and actors related to rural, regional and local development spheres.
Excellent (C1/C2) English academic writing skill;
Fluency in at least one other EU official language;
Knowledge of other languages an advantage.
Willingness and enthusiasm to work on a wide range of issues.
Application process
Send your CV in English in the Europass format with a short cover letter to jobs@aeidl.eu with the subject line Senior RTD Policy Expert by Monday 2 June 2025. Your cover letter should include a description of how you meet the essential requirements of the post. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and that interviews may begin before the closing date. Early applications are encouraged.
Working at AEIDL
People are the most important asset of AEIDL, and we practice internally what we advocate externally providing a working environment where we care for our staff in a culture of cooperation and collaboration.
At AEIDL we seek to provide a healthy work-life balance, with a strong emphasis on cooperative teamwork. We have a human-centred approach to work, including flexible working hours, options for home working and regular social gatherings.
We empower our staff to lead, decide and show initiative, embracing our culture of co. Our culture of cooperation, co-creation, community-leadership, and caring for the common good is an inherent part of the AEIDL brand.
At AEIDL you will benefit from our staff development programme, in which our team members contribute to design