Policy Officer - Medical Counter Measures innovation and funding

We are the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (DG HERA). DG HERA 's mission is to improve preparedness and response for serious cross-border threats to health by ensuring access to medical countermeasures (MCM). It includes:

• strengthening health security coordination involving all relevant actors during preparedness and crisis response times and bringing together the EU Member States, industry and relevant stakeholders in a common effort;
• addressing vulnerabilities and strategic dependencies related to the development, production, procurement, stockpiling and distribution of MCM;
• contributing to reinforcing the global health emergency response.

DG HERA is responsible for the following tasks exercised in close cooperation with the Member States:

• assessment of health threats and intelligence gathering relevant to MCM;
• promoting advanced research and development of MCM and related technologies;
• addressing market challenges and boosting the Union’s open strategic autonomy in MCM development and production;
• swift procurement and distribution of MCM;
• increasing stockpiling capacity of MCM;
• strengthening knowledge and skills in preparedness and response related to MCM.

HERA.04 is the Unit for Threats and MCM Intelligence, Innovation and Funding. The unit lays the foundations for structured and targeted pandemic preparedness and response planning in area of medical countermeasures (MCM) by developing and strengthening intelligence gathering systems and activities, including identifying, assessing and addressing serious cross-border health threats. To this end, this unit aims to promote research, innovation and development of medical countermeasures able to prevent, detect, and rapidly respond to health emergencies.

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled colleague to join our team. The successful candidate should have a strong understanding of funding programmes, rules, and instruments under both direct and indirect management, as well as the management and implementation of health projects. Familiarity with policy development in the EU institutions is also essential, particularly in relation to funding programmes. A sound understanding of the technological specificities of medical countermeasures, combined with familiarity with their use would be expected. 

As a Policy Officer you will play a critical role in designing innovation and market access actions, as well as in implementing innovative funding schemes and tools. You will translate the scientific needs and market realities of MCMs into EU initiatives, helping to ensure their availability and accessibility.

The successful candidate should demonstrate flexibility, adaptability and resilience, given DG HERA’s role in supporting responses to health emergencies. Atypical working hours including evenings and weekends may occasionally be required, particularly during emergencies

The position ideally requires a combination of scientific and policy background and experience. In addition, as the as the job holder will be expected to engage with a wide variety of stakeholders including academia, industry, EU agencies among other sin diverse settings, and to represent the Commission in internal and external meetings, excellent oral and written communication skills in English are essential.

The candidate should also demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and experience: 

• Scientific background would be highly desirable. 
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
• Strong problem-solving skills, results-oriented approach, attention to detail and initiative.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.