Job Summary

The Member and NOAD (National Open Access Desk) Engagement Officer will play a pivotal role in advancing OpenAIRE's mission by strengthening relationships with current members, engaging National Open Access Desks (NOADs), and actively soliciting new members to join the OpenAIRE network. This person must demonstrate strategic thinking paired with a practical, empathetic approach to effectively guide members, addressing their unique needs while promoting OpenAIRE’s services. The ideal candidate will embody a confident yet supportive demeanour, providing proactive assistance to members, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the successful delivery of OpenAIRE initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Engagement and Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary contact for OpenAIRE members, NOADs, and related stakeholders, fostering effective communication and collaboration.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with national and institutional representatives who foster trust and alignment with OpenAIRE’s mission.
• Act as a coach and advisor to members, helping them integrate OpenAIRE tools and practices into their institutional or national strategies.
• Organise and lead regular meetings, workshops, and one-on-one sessions to provide guidance and maintain engagement.

Strategic Support and National Insights

• Analyse, monitor and report developments and trends in national research ecosystems, including open science policies, funding priorities, institutional challenges and development and maintenance of per country portfolio.
• Identify opportunities and develop strategies for OpenAIRE members to lead or participate in national initiatives aligned with OpenAIRE’s and EOSC’s goals.
• Tailor OpenAIRE’s offerings to address specific member needs and priorities

Soliciting and onboarding New Members

• Actively identify and engage prospective members, including research institutions, funders, and policy organisations.
• Develop compelling value propositions tailored to the needs of potential members.
• Design and implement targeted outreach strategies to expand OpenAIRE’s network across Europe and beyond.
• Support prospective members through the onboarding process to ensure smooth integration into the OpenAIRE network.

Delivery of Monitoring Reports and Data Oversight

• Oversee the delivery of monitoring reports and data updates for OpenAIRE country pages and the EOSC Observatory.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure data accuracy, relevance, and timeliness, reflecting national open science activities
• Provide actionable insights based on monitoring outcomes to help members address gaps and seize opportunities.

Promotion and Adoption of OpenAIRE Services

• Advocate for OpenAIRE services, tailoring demonstrations and training sessions to the specific needs of members.
• Proactively gather feedback to improve OpenAIRE’s tools and services, ensuring continued alignment with member requirements.
• Build a strong relationship and effective collaboration with relevant Office Managers/Officers.

Knowledge Sharing and Advocacy

• Share best practices, lessons learned, and success stories across the OpenAIRE network to foster innovation and collaboration.
• Represent OpenAIRE at national and international conferences, meetings, and public forums.

Engaging Members in EU Projects

• Guide members in identifying and pursuing opportunities to participate in EU-funded projects.
• Foster partnerships among members and external stakeholders to form successful EU project consortia

Required Qualifications

• A Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field (e.g., information science, research administration, public relations, policy, open science, European project management, or related domains).
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship management, or strategic advisory roles, preferably in the context of international or European organisations.
• Strong understanding of open science principles, European research ecosystems, and policy frameworks (e.g., EOSC, Horizon Europe).
• Experience supporting or participating in EU-funded projects, including proposal writing, consortia building, and project implementation.
• Demonstrated experience in managing data collection, monitoring, and reporting processes, particularly in a research or policy environment.

Key Skills and Attributes

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align organisational objectives with national and institutional priorities, proposing tailored strategies to address challenges and seize opportunities.
• Leadership, Relationship Management and Collaboaration: Confident, authoritative approach balanced with empathy and strong interpersonal skills to build trust, foster collaboration, and guide members effectively.
• EU Project Expertise: Knowledge of EU funding mechanisms, ability to guide members through proposal processes, and support their participation in EU projects.
• Communication and Advocacy: Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of presenting complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to identifying challenges and implementing practical, innovative solutions.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple tasks and relationships simultaneously, meeting deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with OpenAIRE services and tools, or the ability to quickly learn, and advocate for technical infrastructure.
• Cultural Awareness: Sensitivity to the diversity of European research and policy contexts, with a collaborative mindset.
• Languages: Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required; proficiency in additional European languages is an advantage.

What we offer

• Competitive salary.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment.

Terms of employment

• The position is offered for a period of two-years as an associate  (in consultancy/self-employed terms). It is renewable upon satisfactory performance.
• This will be a full-time position. 
• We only accept candidates who already have an EU work permit.
• Selected candidates will join forces with the OpenAIRE team located in Athens but we apply a hybrid mode of work environment, with physical presence on premises for at 2-3 times a week.
• Candidates should be available for travelling to meet with our members in Europe or conferences and other meetings (paid travel). 
• Depending on skills and experience, gross salary for a full-time position will be in the range of 42.000 EUR to 50.000 EUR per year. The salary is intended to be gross, i.e. taxes, insurance, etc. are included.