Scientific Affairs and Innovation Attaché

Québec Government Office

Brussels, Belgium

DESCRIPTION

The Québec Government Office in Brussels is looking for a Scientific Affairs and Innovation Attaché to contribute to strengthening Québec's relations with Europe for the Research & Innovation sectors. This person would join a team of about twenty employees whose mandate is to promote Québec and its interests in Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and with the European institutions. The diplomatic representation, inaugurated in 1972, is attached to the Ministry of International Relations and Francophonie of Québec.

POSITION

The successful candidate will help design and develop strategic initiatives with the European Union, its Member States, particularly with the Benelux countries, with a view to raising Québec’s profile as a key player in science, research and innovation. The candidate will be committed to support actively the promotion and deployment of innovation and technologies to the European markets. He or she will promote Québec’s interests by monitoring and, preparing key networking and strategic activities with the European Union institutions (relevant Directorates-General of the European Commission and European Parliamentary committees), the Benelux countries and other partners (European research and innovation NGOs, alliances and networks).

RESPONSIBILITIES

The successful candidate will have the following responsibilities:

Acting as a focal advisor to science, technology and innovation actors in Québec on best practices, trends, funding opportunities, and regulatory frameworks impacting research and innovation in Europe while providing expert advice on European funding and research programs such as Horizon Europe;
Increasing Québec’s outreach in Europe by participating in strategic events and nurturing close relations with European and Benelux partners in science, research, and innovation;
Facilitating and strengthening collaboration between scientific institutions, universities, research centres, and innovative companies in Québec, Benelux, and the European Union;
Planning and supporting international missions, ensuring rigorous monitoring to maximize their impact and align actions with Québec’s strategic priorities;
Developing and maintaining key partnerships with research and innovation ecosystems in Europe, with a particular focus on collaboration with Benelux and the European authorities;
Representing Québec at key events, conferences, and strategic meetings relating to innovation and research and promoting its role as a natural partner of Europe in this context.

REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must:

hold a university degree in international relations, political science, economics, or any other related field;
have three years of experience in European science, technology, and innovation policy;
have in-depth knowledge of European Union funding programs such as Horizon Europe and the main challenges in the international cooperation with third countries;
have an effective and extensive professional network of research and innovation players, especially at the European Commission and within European scientific and innovation stakeholders;
demonstrate wide-ranging experience in creating, developing, and monitoring international partnerships and interinstitutional cooperation in complex and multicultural environments;
be familiar with the European research and innovation ecosystem and the mechanisms for international collaboration; familiarity with Québec’s ecosystem is a strong asset;
have a thorough grasp of the issues associated with scientific diplomacy and evidence-based policymaking, particularly in the context of relations between governments, academic institutions, and research bodies.

QUALITIES SOUGHT

The person we are looking for must have the following qualities:

A clear ability to manage complex projects and establish strategic international partnerships;
Versatility in managing multiple projects and priorities;
Proactivity in identifying collaboration and funding opportunities;
A diplomatic attitude and good interpersonal skills, building trust with partners;
A rigorous approach to analyzing issues and monitoring initiatives;
The creativity to develop innovative solutions adapted to the needs of organizations in Québec and Benelux;
A capacity for analysis and synthesis that enables him or her to evaluate and report on complex information in a clear and structured manner.

LANGUAGES

A very good knowledge of spoken and written French and English;
Knowledge of other official European Union languages is an advantage.

CONTEXT AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The conditions of the position are as follows:

Permanent contract;
35 hours;
Benefits: hospitalization insurance, group insurance;
Possibility of working from home;
Desired start date: early April.

Position based in Brussels. The successful candidate may be required to work outside usual working hours in connection with the Office’s activities (National Day of Québec celebrations, ministerial missions, activities relating to the International Day of La Francophonie, etc.).

ELIGIBILITY

The person we are looking for must meet the legal requirements for working in Belgium.

APPLYING FOR THE POSITION

If you are interested in the position and meet the requirements set out in the job description, send your CV and a cover letter in French (Word or PDF format) to roland.vandermeulen@mri.gouv.qc.ca, mentioning the job title in the subject line of your email.

Only applications received by 15 march 2025 at 11.59 pm Belgian time will be considered.

Thank you for your interest in the network of Québec’s government offices abroad. Although we are delighted to receive your application, we will only contact candidates who are selected for interview.

Don't forget to mention EuroBrussels when applying.

Share this Job