About IIAS and EGPA

The International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) is an international non-profit organization with a scientific purpose, producing policy-relevant knowledge in public administration. Established in 1930 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, it is the worldwide platform for public administration professionals: academics and practitioners. The European Group for Public Administration (EGPA) is a regional group of IIAS for Europe. EGPA is the platform for academics and practitioners in Europe, gathering its Permanent Study Groups around key topics in Public Administration during its conferences and dialogues with its partners.

Job summary

Join EGPA/IIAS as our Executive Secretary, supporting the Steering Committee and President to grow our network, launch Permanent Study Groups, host the annual conference, and elevate governance research across Europe. This role is your chance to drive impactful change in public administration.

Job description

The EGPA Executive Secretary reports to the EGPA President functionally and the IIAS Director General hierarchically while supporting the EGPA Steering Committee. You will drive the network's growth, strategy, and events, contributing to cutting-edge governance research across Europe. Key clusters of responsibilities include:

• General Coordination & Strategy:
  • Coordinate EGPA strategy, activities, and projects with the IIAS Secretariat Team.
  • Implement decisions from the Steering Committee and President, including scientific initiatives.
  • Provide secretariat functions, such as preparing agendas, minutes, and follow-up for statutory meetings.
• Scientific Management & Conferences:
  • Support scientific organization of the EGPA Conference: select speakers, schedule sessions, and valorise outputs.
  • Manage calls-for-papers, abstracts, programs, and participant communications in collaboration with the IIAS Program Manager.
  • Oversee on-site logistics and financial aspects (e.g., contracts, fees, expenses) with local organizers.
• Governance, Membership, & Community:
  • Manage EGPA governance: meetings, appointments/elections, and membership administration (updates, invoicing, recruitment).
  • Act as key contact for Permanent Study Group chairs and prospect new members.
  • Coordinate projects, partnerships, and funding submissions with administrative support.
• Communications & Administrative Support:
  • Communicate on behalf of EGPA to IIAS, the network, public, and partners.
  • Provide overarching admin support for all activities, reports, and European institution engagements.

Requirements and qualifications

Essential:

• PhD in Public Administration, Public Management, Political Science, or related field (equivalent experience considered).
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in learned societies, academic management, or events organization.
• Strong connections to the European public administration community (e.g., via publications, conferences, or networks).
• EU/Belgium work eligibility (ability to start on short notice); proficiency in English (French or other languages a plus).
• Availability for worldwide travel and understanding of European institutions/partners.

Preferred:

• Project management skills and knowledge of research methodologies/tools for papers/communications.
• Personal qualities: Autonomy, proactivity, teamwork, communication, adaptability to change, and tolerance for diversity (multicultural team experience warmly welcomed).
• Entrepreneurial spirit and interest in PA networks for strategic growth.

What We Offer

The IIAS Secretariat is a small, dynamic team hosted at the Federal Public Service Finances (Treasury), in the heart of the European neighbourhood in Brussels, Belgium. You'll have your own equipped office with contemporary facilities and seamless integration into the team.

We offer a full-time, initial 1-year contract including:

• Remuneration based on Belgian civil service Level A grade (valuing diplomas, skills, and experience), with a gross salary range of €60.000-65.000. Simulate your package here: https://www.talent.brussels/fr/candidats/le-salaire-8547.
• Holiday allowance, year-end bonuses, lunch vouchers, public transport coverage, and comprehensive sickness/pension insurance.
• Funded international travel, and exclusive networking opportunities with 500+ European public administration professionals.

How to Apply? 

Full application files should be sent to egpa@iias-iisa.org by December 10, 2025.

The application file must contain:

• A detailed CV, emphasizing education, skills, experience, and other relevant information.
• A motivation letter.
• Two letters of recommendation.

Selection Procedure

A shortlist of candidates will be contacted for an online interview.

We look forward to receiving your application.

The EGPA/IIAS is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds. All personal data will be processed in accordance with GDPR regulations.