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Deadline for application: 30 May 2025
Interviews will start immediately and continue until the vacancy has been filled
Start date: as soon as possible, exact date to be agreed
Duration: 1 year contract with possibility of renewal
Location: Brussels

About OpenForum Europe

OpenForum Europe (OFE) is a not-for-profit think tank that promotes openness in computing to policymakers and communities across Europe. Our Policy Research and Development team in Brussels works with a network of partners, supporters, academics, and specialist advisors. OFE focuses on key digital policy areas, including open technologies, standardisation, cybersecurity, digital government, competitiveness and innovation policy, digital sovereignty, public procurement, copyright, cloud computing, digital platforms, and internet policy. Our work is guided by the principles of user-centricity, competition, flexibility, sustainability, and openness. We collaborate closely with the European Commission, the European Parliament, the United Nations, and national and local governments, both directly and through our network of national partners.

The Role

OFE is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to lead research, policy advocacy, and strategic initiatives that leverages open technologies for European competitiveness and digital sovereignty in the public and private sectors. The role combines policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and project management, ensuring alignment with Europe’s evolving digital policy landscape.

We welcome applications from candidates with either:

• 5+ years of professional experience in EU digital policy and public affairs, and
• Technical or regulatory expertise in open technologies and software policy.

This position offers the opportunity to further develop either profile through internal support and training.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research on open source-related policies and regulations, providing strategic policy recommendations.
• Analyse and assess the impact of open source policies and legal frameworks, with a focus on digital sovereignty.
• Drive and coordinate EU-funded projects, ensuring alignment with OFE’s strategic objectives while fostering stakeholder collaboration and risk management.
• Produce high-quality content, including policy briefs, reports, and thought leadership pieces, to inform policymakers and industry stakeholders.
• Engage and strengthen community-building efforts, fostering dialogue with key stakeholders to advance open source adoption in the public sector.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with policymakers, industry leaders, and technology advocates, promoting the integration of open source software in public sector digital transformation.

Represent OFE at conferences, forums, and policy discussions, delivering presentations and engaging with key decision-makers.

Candidate Profile & Competencies

We are seeking candidates with one of the following backgrounds:

• 5+ years of experience in EU digital policy or public affairs, ideally in a Brussels-based context, AND
• Demonstrated expertise in open technologies, software regulation, or related technical domains.
  

Essential Competencies

• Language Proficiency: Native or near-native English; proficiency in other major European languages is an asset.
• Policy Writing and Communication: Proven ability to write clear, concise, and accessible content on complex digital policy issues. Strong experience in drafting policy briefs, reports, and opinions.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Deep understanding of open source software, open technologies, and European digital policy and regulation. Candidates should have either direct experience in the field or EU public affairs expertise with credibility in the open source community.
• Policy Analysis and Development: Track record in developing and articulating policy strategies, conducting research, and delivering actionable insights.
• Project and Policy Paper Management: Experience in managing policy papers, publications, and research projects.
• Professional Experience: Minimum five years of relevant experience; candidates with more extensive backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
  Networking and Stakeholder Engagement: Skilled in public speaking, network-building, and stakeholder engagement. Experience developing relationships with policymakers, organisations, and thought leaders in digital policy.

Candidates with broader experience are encouraged to apply. The role and responsibilities may be adapted to reflect the selected candidate’s profile. 

We’re also looking for a Policy Advisor, learn more and apply here 

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter to jobs[at]openforumeurope[dot]org with “Senior Policy Advisor [your name]” in the subject line. We encourage applicants to include samples of written work and public talks relevant to this role.

For any queries, feel free to contact us via the same email.