Europe is experiencing exciting and challenging times. Digital tools and technologies are ever-more shaping our daily lives and transforming different sectors. The European DIGITAL SME Alliance is tasked to represent and support the main driver of such changes in Europe – small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the ICT sector. Representing over 45,000 SMEs through its national and regional member associations, DIGITAL SME is Europe’s first and largest ICT SME association. Along with the rapid acceleration of Europe’s digital transformation, the Alliance is growing and in need of one highly motivated and hands-on Project Manager to strengthen our Brussels-based team!
The selected candidate will manage EU-funded projects on digital topics, such as Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, EC grants and service contracts, etc. They will also help to strengthen the synergies between the association’s policy activities and project tasks and will contribute to the coordination of Working Groups and Focus Groups.
The successful candidate is a self-starter, willing to take initiative and able to manage a wide variety of project tasks. A demonstrable track-record of previous experience in EU project management is required. In addition, we are looking for individuals with a keen interest in digital policies, particularly in AI, Data and Cybersecurity, and experience in community building, stakeholder engagement and organisation of workshops.
Your role and responsibilities

• Executing DIGITAL SME’s responsibilities within EU funded projects, including timely production of EU projects deliverables
• Supporting DIGITAL SME’s policy development on digital files, collaborating with the policy team and strengthening synergies between projects and policy-work of the Association
• Contributing to the organisation of (physical or online) events, working group meetings, trainings, workshops, etc.
• Providing information to the association’s members and engaging them in project activities through the internal Working Groups and Focus Groups
• Contributing to the mapping of funding opportunities and development of new project proposals,
• Participating and giving presentations at project meetings and events on EU policy

Requirements:

• At least 1 year of experience with EU-funded projects, ideally related to digital technologies or SME support
• Proven ability to manage and implement various project tasks, oversee and coordinate partners’ contributions in different working packages
• Completed higher education diploma
• Good understanding of EU policies and institutions
• Fluency in English, including excellent drafting skills
• Can-do attitude and strong motivation, topped with an ability to self-start and implement new tasks and initiatives
• Strong organizational skills and good time management
• Legally eligible to work in Belgium

Desirable skills

• Understanding of and interest in EU digital policies and initiatives, especially topics related to Artificial Intelligence, Data, Cybersecurity (such as AI Act, European Data Act, Cyber Resilience Act, etc.)
• Previous experience in members-driven business associations
• Good communication skills: at ease to speak in public, able to write clear and concise notes, reports, articles, and social media posts.
• Fluency in other European languages, especially French or German.

Work Conditions
As our Project Manager, you will be part of an international and dynamic team. Our office is in the heart of the EU district in Brussels, easily accessible by public transportation. Since the pandemic, we have established a hybrid work model, where the team works partly from the office, partly remotely. Flexible working hours are also part of the deal – the Alliance’s organisational culture is result- rather than control-driven.
We offer a permanent full-time contract and a competitive salary and benefit package in line with your skills and level of experience.
Short missions abroad within the EU are a key component of the role (around 2-3 days per month).
The European DIGITAL SME Alliance is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion of people from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply!
Application procedure
Please send your application by email to jobs@digitalsme.eu, subject: “VACANCY/PM24”, including the following documents and information:

• CV (Europass template)
• Cover letter (one page maximum)
• Desired net salary/month
• Earliest date of availability to start the job
• Names and contact details of two references (will not be contacted before having the agreement of the candidate)

Deadline for applications: 20th September 2024
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Only applications including all the above-mentioned documents and information will be considered. Please read this vacancy notice carefully and only apply if you fulfill the key requirements! In your cover letter, please focus on your technical and professional experience as it relates to this vacancy, in addition to your motivation and interest for the Alliance’s work. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Privacy disclaimer: DIGITAL SME ensures a GDPR-compliant treatment of your personal data. Please note, we might keep your CV and all the information provided in your application, so that we can contact you in the future should a similar position open again. If you don’t want your data to be retained, please indicate this in your application.