If you are experienced in leading research and analysis on EU education and employment policy and looking for a new opportunity that brings career growth, we might have the ideal role for you.
ICF has been supporting the development of European Union (EU) policies on education and employment for almost twenty years. Using the latest research and evaluation, we support the need of the European Commission to inform decisions on policies and programmes.
We also support programmes that exchange learning about what works and highlight good and innovative practices with the European Commission and its Executive Agencies. Due to business growth, we are seeking an experienced policy research professional to lead our work in the area of EU education and employment policy. This will be a senior appointment in this important area of EU policy, and the successful candidate will help us grow our research and evaluation capability.
We expect to appoint at senior level, subject to expertise.
The role is positioned in an ICF team dedicated to provision of policy-relevant research, analytical and evaluation services to the EU institutions.
The core responsibilities of the role will be to:
- Lead ICF’s policy research and evaluation services on education policy for the European Commission and its agencies. Specific responsibilities will include leading the evaluation and consultancy framework contracts that ICF has with DG EAC as well as directing projects secured under these frameworks.
- Direct and support the capture and delivery of research, analytical and evaluation proposals, for DG EAC as well as for EU decentralised agencies with a relevant education policy interest.
- Build our in-house team and wider network of education policy research specialists.
- Be an active member of the senior management team of this area of our business, working with colleagues to ensure its effective management and achievement of agreed business goals
- Provide line management support to team members and contribute to the efforts to enhance the capability of the team and ICF.
The successful candidate is likely to have:
- A strong academic background; ideally at PhD level in social sciences, public policy, educational sciences, international relations or a related discipline.
- At least 10-15 years of professional experience in education and/or employment policy within the European context; experience of working in a consultancy capacity.
- Experience of conducting high quality EU level research and evaluation assignments, including the development and implementation of research within the education and employment policy area.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to develop sound conclusions and policy-relevant recommendations.
- Knowledge of the education and employment research community, including networks of experts.
- Experience in managing teams, coaching or mentoring colleagues and providing regular feedback to support their development.
- Demonstrable experience in winning and successfully delivering research and evaluation projects and contracts for the European Commission.
- Excellent communication skills, including experience with presenting key concepts to clients; both internal and external.
- Excellent verbal, written, analytical and presentation skills in English, additional European languages an advantage.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following personal qualities:
- Sound research and business ethics, including the protection of proprietary and confidential information. Strong commitment to and interest in the policy fields referred to above.
- Ability to lead a team to success, inspiring, motivating and supporting more junior colleagues to achieve their potential.
- Strong entrepreneurial talent to identify and realize new opportunities as well as new innovations / approaches that will secure success in proposals.
- Ability to work within multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary teams spread across several countries.
- Commercial acumen and an understanding of the policy consulting business model.
- Ability to work with all levels of internal staff, as well as clients and sub-contractors.
- Excellent communication skills, including experience with presenting key concepts to clients; both internal and external. Excellent verbal, written, analytical and presentation skills in English, additional European languages an advantage.
- Commitment to the employee progression and development.
Right to Work, Location & Sponsorship (Belgium)
We welcome applications from candidates based in any country. This role is in Belgium, and successful candidates must:
Have the legal right to work in Belgium, or be eligible for sponsorship on a case-by-case basis, and
Be physically located in Belgium by Day 1 of employment (or shortly before your start date).
Please ensure you can meet the right-to-work and location requirements or would qualify for sponsorship where applicable.
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Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair and equitable interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodations that involve the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [email protected]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Brussels, Belgium (BE75)
Skills Required
- PhD in social sciences, public policy, educational sciences, international relations, or related discipline.
- 10-15 years of professional experience in education and/or employment policy within the European context.
- Experience of conducting high quality EU level research and evaluation assignments.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to make policy-relevant recommendations.
- Experience in managing teams and providing regular feedback.
ICF Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about ICF and has not been reviewed or approved by ICF.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage appears comprehensive, with multiple medical plan options plus dental and vision coverage. Mental-health support is also emphasized through an EAP offering therapy and coaching sessions alongside other wellbeing resources.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits include a 401(k) match with immediate vesting, which strengthens the long-term value of the package. An employee stock purchase plan is also described as available, adding another savings/ownership pathway.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-building benefits include fertility/surrogacy and adoption reimbursements and additional support services for parents. These programs broaden the total rewards proposition beyond base pay.
ICF Insights
What We Do
ICF is a leading global solutions and technology provider with approximately 9,000 employees in industries across the public and private sectors. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.
Why Work With Us
At ICF, we’ve built a culture rooted in expertise, innovation, and purpose—enabling us to build a more prosperous and resilient world for all. When our employees grow, our solutions thrive—regardless of your role, team, or location, you’ll have opportunities to make connections, build community, and take action to develop your career.
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