Senior Policy Analyst – Hybrid threats

About the role

The European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS) is the EU agency that analyses foreign, security and defence policy issues. The post will focus on hybrid threats affecting the EU, including foreign information manipulation and interference, other malign influence operations, electoral interference, sabotage and threats to critical infrastructure, cyber-enabled coercion, grey-zone military activity, and the exploitation of political, societal, technological and economic vulnerabilities by hostile state and non-state actors.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and assess the evolution of hybrid threat actors, tools and tactics, with particular attention to their implications for EU foreign, security and defence policy.
• Analyse the effectiveness of EU and member state responses to hybrid threats, including strengthening resilience, deterrence, attribution, sanctions, strategic communication and cooperation with NATO and other partners.
• Build and maintain networks with relevant EU institutions, member state bodies, research institutes, technology actors and other stakeholders working on hybrid threats.
• Author and commission high-quality, forward-looking analyses, with clear policy recommendations for key EU actors.
• Organise events and meetings designed to disseminate EUISS research and analysis, as well as to inform decision-makers.
• Contribute to EUISS projects and wider Institute activities through analytical, written and oral inputs.
• Represent the Institute in Europe and beyond, including in relevant meetings of the EU, member states, international organisations and research institutes.
• Liaise with relevant policy departments and working groups across the European Union and its member states as well as other think tanks and the private sector.
• Travel on a regular basis, as required.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be a national of a member state of the European Union who enjoys full rights as a citizen attested by a recent extract from judicial records and/or certificate of good conduct.
• Have fulfilled any obligations imposed by national law on military service.
• Be physically fit to perform the required duties.

Education

A PhD or specialised Master’s degree, preferably in the field of EU integration, security studies, conflict studies, political science, international relations or a related field from a university of recognised global standing.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of eight years of professional work experience within one or more research, governmental, academic, or educational institutions, acquired after having obtained a Master’s degree.
• Demonstrated knowledge of EU and member state policies for countering hybrid threats, including resilience, deterrence, attribution, sanctions, strategic communication, cyber and critical infrastructure protection, and cooperation with NATO and like-minded partners.
• Strong understanding of how state and non-state actors use hybrid tools to exploit political, societal, technological and infrastructural vulnerabilities in Europe.
• Proven record of close collaboration and having established a network with relevant national diplomatic and EU institutions.
• Experience producing analysis for senior policy audiences, preferably in or around the EU or national governments, NATO or an international organisation.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills, including the ability to identify and distil complex policy issues and propose viable reforms and solutions.
• Ability to translate technical or specialised threat assessments into clear, policy-relevant analysis for senior decision-makers.
• Proven ability to work well under pressure and to deliver high-quality results within tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment as a team member.
• High professional values and standards characterised by analytical rigour, integrity, and confidentiality.

Languages

Excellent English writing and speaking skills are essential. Satisfactory knowledge of at least one other EU language is required.

Duration

The successful candidate will be offered a contract of 3 years, renewable for up to 2 further years, if under the status of contract staff member. Up to 2 years, renewable for a further period of 1 year maximum, if seconded.

Salary

The salary scale of the EUISS is calculated according to that of the Coordinated Organisations to which grade A2/A3 makes reference, depending on the level of experience of the successful candidate. For a secondment, the salary will remain as determined (and paid) by the current employer plus a daily allowance paid by the EUISS.