Research Assistant RISE Foundation

The Rural Investment Support for Europe (RISE) Foundation is a philanthropic foundation that was created in 2006 to promote a sustainable, profitable and internationally competitive rural economy across Europe, to preserve the European countryside, its environment and biodiversity, and its cultural heritage and traditions. It works in three ways: by supporting innovative pilot projects, through its think tank work on rural and environmental issues, and by providing a platform for debate on key issues that affect rural communities.

The Foundation has launched a new project looking into aspects of the Sustainable Intensification of Agriculture in Europe(SI). RISE is bringing together the work of three organisations/universities across Europe to feed into this project. The main purpose of the Research Assistant role will be to assist these organisations in their research and support the coordination of the project at the Brussels level. In addition, the Research Assistant will support in the daily activities of the organisation.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the post will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• To undertake literature reviews, data collection and support the development of the SI project;
• To write, review and edit various materials for the publication as requested;
• To keep abreast of developments in SI with regard to new research, policy initiatives and projects;
• To support the organisation of workshops and conferences.

Other duties:

• Conduct policy analysis and research in the European agricultural and environmental field, as requested;
• Assist in the follow up of on-going projects;
• Update the communications material of RISE. This will include the website and social networking sites;
• Manage and update the contact lists of RISE;
• Support in the writing and preparation of the RISE Annual Report;
• Carry out the day-to-day administration for the Foundation including, but not limited to, responding to enquiries, organising meetings and editing;
• Writing speeches and briefing notes as requested;
• Attending relevant conferences/workshops and providing feedback to the Project Coordinator and CEO of RISE.

Qualifications/skills/experience required:

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY UNLESS BOTH YOUR WRITTENAND SPOKEN ENGLISH IS FLUENT as this role requires the post-holder to write high quality reports in English.

The interview process will include both a spoken and written section.

• Educated to masters level, preferably in a subject related to EU Affairs, Economics and/or agriculture;
• Fluent written and spoken English is essential;
• German would be an asset;
• Work experience and a proven interest in EU affairs with regard to current agriculture/environmental policy would be an asset;
• Ability to work as part of a small team and take initiative where needed;
• Strong organisational and administrative skills;
• Mature manner and strong interpersonal skills;
• Computer fluency: PowerPoint, Word, Excel and outlook are a must; experience of managing internet sites would be an asset.

Conditions of employment:

• Fixed term contract (until the end of April 2014);
• Start date: Immediate.

Application process:

Please send CV, cover letter (1 page) and a one page written response to the following question:

‘What needs to be done to make European agriculture more sustainably intensive?’

To: Annabelle Williams at annabelle.williams@risefoundation.eu.