Advocate for libraries, research, education and cultural participation (Knowledge Rights 21 Brussels Consultant)

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is looking for a part-time consultant to increase the impact of the Knowledge Rights programme around the Brussels institutions and wider community, and so support the achievement of its overall goals.

The successful consultant will work with a small team in order to engage around upcoming legislative proposals in areas where there is strong potential for progress, notably:

• The European Research Area Act
• The Digital Fairness Act
• The European Innovation Act
• Potential reforms to the AI Act
• Potential future copyright reforms
• The Digital Omnibus (AI, data)

The consultant will:

• Expand KR21’s capacity to be an actor in the Brussels space, building recognition and relationships with a view to advancing goals through legislative and non-legislative processes
• Develop relationships with key allies and like-minded actors within the institutions who can champion our asks, notably around advancing open science and research through legislation, and protecting the ability of libraries to serve their users in a digital age
• Define plans for how to deploy KR21 colleagues most effectively to support the achievement of our goals
• Monitor publications, press, events and other announcements in order to gain intelligence about relevant processes, and in agreement with the KR21 secretariat, either act directly or define responses involving others
• Organise and participate in meetings and events
• Engage with the Policy and Management Committees to provide updates and intelligence on developments in the EU space

We are looking for the following capacities:

• A strong knowledge of the institutions (Parliament, Council, Commission) and their operation, and so where, when, and how best to influence decision-making.
• An ability to track policy processes and debates, and to make connections between issues, as well as identify potential allies.
• A skill for establishing and developing connections with like-minded MEPs and their teams, as well as Permanent Representations.
• A good knowledge of copyright and/or research issues, and the ability to pick up knowledge quickly in other areas.
• Availability to attend committee sessions and other meetings in Brussels on a regular basis.
• The judgement to plan one’s own work for greatest impact, as well as to identify where others involved in the Programme can most usefully engage.
• An ability to deliver timely, accurate, and succinct expert reports on developments, opportunities, and risks that enable the KR21 project team to target activity in the most strategic and effective way.
• A focus on ensuring that the KR21 project team can fully leverage the knowledge and networks developed through this work.

We anticipate needing someone who can dedicate approximately three days on average a week to the role during relevant periods, with a measure of flexibility to respond to the calendar around relevant legislative processes. In particular as legislation is tabled, there are likely to be peaks and troughs of activity. 

They will be supported and work closely with the KR21 Secretariat in The Hague, including a senior policy lead, policy and management committees and colleagues, including through taking meetings jointly in Brussels. We are only looking to hire on a consultancy basis, until a maximum of early 2029.