Head of Information Systems

Εργασιακά Θέματα

COST - European Cooperation in Science and Technology

Brussels, Belgium

COST

COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a unique means for European researchers to jointly develop their own ideas and new initiatives across all scientific disciplines through trans-European networking of nationally funded research activities.

Based on a European intergovernmental framework, COST has contributed since its creation in 1971 to closing the gap between science, policy makers and society throughout Europe and beyond. COST aims to enable breakthrough scientific developments leading to new concepts and products. It thereby contributes to strengthening Europe’s research and innovation capacities.

An international non-profit association based in Brussels, the COST Association was established in 2013 by 35 European Member Countries. It integrates the governance, management and support functions dedicated to COST activities aiming at enabling trans-European science and technology cooperation. It is funded by the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, Horizon 2020, through specific Grant Agreements with the European Commission.

Position Responsibilities

The Head of Information Systems primary responsibilities are to plan, direct and manage the IS Unit in order to ensure the development and implementation of cost-effective systems and efficient IT operations to meet current and future decision making requirements aligning business and IT strategies.

The successful candidate should be available to start as soon as possible and will report directly to the Director of the COST Association. The position will involve:

  • Acting as a key role in the management of the COST Association as a member of the management group and as the head of the IS activities;
  • Analysing activities and requirements for all parties to formulate and develop new and modified IS solutions, within the corporate framework;
  • Supporting the continuous development and enhancement of systems and operations by providing and implementing appropriate IS solutions. Supervising, monitoring and optimising the COST Information Systems;
  • Leading, planning and coordinating projects to ensure that goals and objectives are achieved within the prescribed time frame and budget;
  • Streamlining and enhancing the internal business and science management processes;
  • Taking responsibility for building and managing the IS budget in investments and expenditure;
  • Evaluating needs in equipment, managing quotation purchase (software, hardware, technical products…) and purchasing hardware and software equipment in a cost effective way and within available budgets;
  • Promoting a climate of positive, trustful and respectful staff collaboration by encouraging communication and information sharing between the IS activities and the science activites in close coordination with the Head of Science Operations;
  • Supervising the IS Unit: coordinating the operations, managing performances and workload distribution, including the timely completion of performance appraisals, regular feedback, and appropriate action planning;
  • Fulfilling other responsibilities and tasks as necessary for the good organisation of the office, as mandated by the COST Association Director.

Profile and Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate the following competencies:

Education & Experience

  • Master degree in Computer science or Informatics or Computer Enginnering or similar, with a minimum of 7 years of experience in Information technology and project management;
  • Excellent knowledge of current information technologies and organisational functions;
  • Ability to conceive and carry out inter-departmental projects;
  • High standard of spoken and written English, knowledge of other European languages appreciated;
  • Experience in academic or not-for-profit environment.

Specific Competencies

  • Good knowledge of business information systems; working knowledge of science management information systems is an advantage;
  • Ability to prioritise assignments/projects and multi-task within restricted time constraints;
  • Solid analytical, project management and problem-solving skills;
  • Technical skills: Microsoft Windows, Javascript, Webservices, Oracle, My SQL – MS SQL Server, PHP, Unix, Sharepoint.

Other Competencies

  • Leadership, strong staff management and motivational skills;
  • A collaborative and flexible style, with a strong service mentality. Needs to be seen as a team player who is committed to lifelong learning;
  • Strong commitment to developing team members;
  • Excellent inter-personal and communication skills within a multi-national context, including diplomacy, discretion and confidentiality;
  • Continuously improvement-minded to enable process review in a spirit of simplification and automation;
  • Positive and constructive attitude in an evolving environment.

The COST Association offers

  • A full-time contract under the Belgian law;
  • Start date: as soon as possible;
  • A European working environment located in Brussels;
  • Unless a national of the ‘EU and EEE’, candidates must be eligible to work in Belgium and must have a work permit.

Electronic applications (motivation letter with possible start date mentioned + CV in English and at least 2 recent reference letters in English) should be addressed to Barbara Bottiau and sent to job@cost.eu, mentioning the reference code HIS2015 in the subject line.

Please note that the COST HR Team will only contact the candidates who are invited to the interview. No individual feedback will automatically be given to unsuccessful candidates.

The interviews will take place on the 24th April 2015 for the first round and on the 30th April 2015 for the second round.

For more information, please visit our website: www.cost.eu

Deadline for application: 22/03/2015

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