The Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) is recruiting a Policy Analyst to lead and develop its work on Gender Equality from its Brussels base. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed this opportunity for experienced researchers and policy professionals with a background in gender equality, feminist policy, anti-discrimination or related social policy fields. The position carries a fixed starting gross salary of €4,500 per month and is based in Brussels with a start date in January 2027.
Explore more Jobs on Youth Works Hub for similar professional opportunities in Brussels and across Europe.
About FEPS
The Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) is the think tank of the progressive political family at the EU level. Its mission is to develop innovative research, policy advice, training and debates to inspire and inform socialist and social democratic politics and policies across Europe.
🌐 FEPS operates as a hub for thinking to facilitate the emergence of progressive answers to the challenges Europe faces today.
🤝 FEPS works in close partnership with its members and partners, forging connections and boosting coherence among stakeholders from the worlds of politics, academia and civil society at local, regional, national, European and global levels.
📊 FEPS today benefits from a network of 76 member organisations: 40 full members, 31 with observer status and 5 ex-officio members.
🔗 In addition to its member network, FEPS has an extensive network of partners, including renowned universities, scholars, policymakers and activists.
FEPS' ambition is to undertake intellectual reflection for the benefit of the progressive movement, and to promote the founding principles of the EU: freedom, equality, solidarity, democracy, respect of human rights, fundamental freedoms, human dignity and the rule of law.
The Role
The Policy Analyst on Gender Equality will substantiate FEPS' work in this thematic field. The successful candidate will embody FEPS' internal expertise in gender equality, covering feminism, anti-discrimination policies, equal opportunity, social investment, demography and related areas.
The Policy Analyst will design, steer and implement a coherent portfolio of FEPS (co-)funded projects, including their development and consolidation, aimed at impacting policies, political debates and public awareness related to the EU's approach to Gender Equality.
The Policy Analyst reports daily to the delegate of the Secretary General (the Director or Head of Programme appointed to supervise the thematic field).
Candidate Profile
🎓 At least an MA or MSc degree in a relevant field; a PhD will be considered a relevant asset and count towards years of professional experience
🌐 Knowledge of and interest in EU affairs, combined with political sensitivity
📈 At least 5 years' professional experience in a field connected to Gender Equality
🔬 Proven expertise in quantitative and qualitative research, data analysis and survey design
🔭 Capacity to follow developments at international, European, national, regional and local levels and analyse relevant trends across political, economic and social dimensions
🏗️ Experience in designing, overseeing and managing multi-stakeholder projects
🗣️ Written and oral proficiency in English and in a second European language; additional European languages will be considered an asset
📝 Proven ability to draft analysis, research and policy recommendations
💡 A strong set of soft skills, with specific reference to innovative and out-of-the-box thinking, high organisational and time-management skills, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, advanced interpersonal and social skills, and exceptional teamwork capacity
✈️ Readiness to travel and to adapt to flexible working hours
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Employment Conditions
📅 Start date: from January 2027 onwards
📄 Contract duration: 6 months, potentially renewable in the form of an indeterminate contract
💶 Fixed starting monthly gross salary: €4,500
📍 Workplace: Brussels, Belgium
🏢 Applicants must be able to work and reside in Belgium
⚖️ As FEPS is registered in Belgium, the contract will be under Belgian law
Selection Process and Timeline
⏰ Deadline for complete applications: Monday, 23 November 2026, noon CET
📋 Eligibility check and first assessment of written applications: resulting in a shortlist of no more than 6 candidates
🎙️ First round of interviews and a short written test: between 30 November and 04 December 2026, resulting in a shortlist of no more than 3 candidates
🏆 Second interview of shortlisted candidates: early January 2027
📢 Communication of final results to candidates: by the end of January 2027
Throughout the entire selection procedure, FEPS is committed to equal opportunities regardless of background. FEPS values diversity and lived experience, and acknowledges the underrepresentation of people from certain backgrounds.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the careers section of the FEPS website by Monday, 23 November 2026 at noon CET. Applications not respecting the submission instructions will not be considered.
Required documents:
📎 A cover letter outlining your motivation for the post and your understanding of progressive values (maximum 2 pages)
📄 A detailed CV without a photo (Europass format is recommended)
📚 A sample of work authored in the gender equality field (links or attached documents)
👤 The names of 2 referees with their contact details
FEPS AI usage policy for applications:
🤖 Applicants may use AI tools to prepare their application
✅ All applicants must declare whether or not they used AI
🔍 All submitted documents will be scanned and reviewed for AI tool use
⚠️ If an applicant declares no AI use but the review raises doubt about undeclared use, the application will be eliminated
📂 If AI was used: declare how and for which documents, and upload the Markdown (MD) files containing the prompts and AI conversations used to generate the submitted documents
FEPS notes that AI use is not encouraged, is not an assessment criterion as such, and that transparency about its usage is required. Where AI use is declared, AI literacy will be assessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for this position?
The fixed starting monthly gross salary is €4,500. The contract is under Belgian law and the workplace is Brussels. The position is for a 6-month fixed-term contract, potentially renewable as an indeterminate contract.
When does the role start and how long is the contract?
The position starts in January 2027. The initial contract duration is 6 months, with the possibility of renewal as an indeterminate contract (i.e. open-ended) based on performance and organisational needs.
Who can apply?
FEPS is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief or sexual orientation. Youth Works Hub lists this opportunity as open to applicants worldwide. Note that applicants must be able to work and reside in Belgium.
What level of experience is required?
Candidates need at least 5 years of professional experience in a field connected to Gender Equality, alongside an MA or MSc degree in a relevant field. A PhD is a recognised asset and can count towards the years of professional experience.
What language skills are required?
Proficiency in English is required, plus proficiency in a second European language. Any additional European language is considered an asset.
What work sample should I submit?
The application calls for a sample of work authored by the applicant in the thematic field of gender equality. This can be provided as a link or as an attached document and will be used to assess research and writing skills in the field.
What is FEPS's approach to AI in applications?
Applicants may use AI tools but must declare any use. Documents will be scanned for undeclared AI use, and an application with undeclared AI detected will be eliminated. Applicants who declare AI use must specify how they used it and upload the MD files containing their prompts and AI conversations. AI literacy, not AI avoidance, is what FEPS assesses in that case.
What is the full selection timeline?
The selection has four stages: (1) written application review with shortlist of 6, (2) interviews and written test between 30 November and 04 December 2026 with shortlist of 3, (3) second interview in early January 2027, and (4) communication of final results by end of January 2027.
Deadline
⏳ 23 November 2026
Links
Apply: https://feps-europe.eu/recruitment/a-policy-analyst-on-gender-equality/
FEPS Responsible Use of AI in Research and Writing Activities: https://feps-europe.eu/responsible-use-of-ai-in-research-and-writing-activities/
