Executive Director of the European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research (all genders)
The European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research, founded in 1974 by an agreement between the United Nations and the Austrian Federal Government, is an intergovernmental organisation affiliated with the United Nations. Located in Vienna, its mission is to tackle social policy challenges in Europe through comparative research and consultation. The European Centre works on policy-oriented research projects and offers evidence-based advice for decision-makers in the entire UN European Region (UNECE).
The Centre provides expertise on social policies, particularly in areas where multi- or interdisciplinary approaches, integrated strategies and intersectoral measures are required. The Centre acts as a double intermediary based on its Bridge Building Function – between all countries of the UNECE Region, in particular with potential EU Accession countries, as well as between research and policymaking. The Centre’s activities and mission are guided and monitored by its Board of Directors whose members are representing member states in the UNECE region.
The key areas of research and project activities of the European Centre are:
* Social Protection & Inclusion (social security, inclusion strategies, poverty and social services)
* Ageing, Health & Long-Term Care (health and long-term care systems, funding, quality assurance, labour force, informal care, population ageing)
* Employment & Labour Mobility (labour market policies and labour migration)
Job Description
The European Centre is looking for a new Executive Director (starting date 1 March 2026) whose tasks and areas of responsibility include:
* Planning and directing the Centre’s programme of activities
* Organising and managing the Centre’s administration and appointing other staff members
* Planning and controlling the budget; preparing and submitting reports and annual budget estimates to the Board of Directors
* Expanding the Centre’s outreach and significance as a potential partner based on its expertise and competencies
* Extending the Centre’s funding base through third-party acquisition in close cooperation with researchers and research networks
* Actively promoting the continuous development of the Centre’s mission and strategy, taking into account the inputs of board members and with a particular focus on an application-oriented approach to research, knowledge transfer and evidence-based policy consultancy
Qualifications and core competencies
* Advanced university degree in social and economic sciences or comparable; fluent in German and English; other European languages are an asset
* Extensive knowledge of social welfare policy in Austria and the UNECE region, knowledge of the research landscape, including knowledge transfer in social welfare, preferably research experience
* Expertise in dealing with public administration, European and national decision-making processes, and international institutions in social welfare policies, the non-profit and research sector
* Proven experience (at least 15 years) in international project acquisition and management
* Experience in knowledge transfer of social welfare policy, preferably to the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership countries
* Strong communication, negotiation and teamwork skills, profound leadership skills, management and decision-making experience, strategic thinking and target orientation
Please submit your application in English language to AltoPartners Executive Search, Ms. Anna Woell, a.woell@altopartners.at, by 11 April 2025, including:
* Detailed CV (Europass)
* Cover letter (max. 1 page)
* Outline presenting your skills, conceptual ideas, and your approach to the position, all by addressing the key areas of research and project activities of the European Centre (max. 2 pages).
The workplace will be Vienna; there is no possibility to fill this position remotely or to combine it with any other professional activity.
The European Centre is an equal opportunity employer. The employment contract (full-time), starting on 1 March 2026, is limited to a five-year period with a renewal option.
For further information on the European Centre please see:
Please note that any travel expenses incurred in connection with the application process will not be reimbursed and must be covered by applicants themselves.