Head of Communication Department

This position is based at our headquarters and requires regular office presence in Luxembourg and Brussels. The EIB offers you the opportunity to live and work in a truly international and multi-cultural environment. We also offer relocation support. The EIB, the European Union's bank, is seeking to recruit a Head of Communication Department within the Secretariat General to steer the EIB Group Communication Strategy and lead the activities of the Communication Department at the Luxembourg and Brussels offices as well as in the local offices in the 27 Member states and throughout the world. This is a full-time position at grade 8/9.

The successful candidate will be offered a defined duration contract (CDD) of 5 years which may be renewed or converted in accordance with applicable policies and rules.

• internal benchmark: Department Head

Applicants will receive initial feedback in March 2025.

Assessment Centres for selected applicants would take place in March 2025.

Panel interviews are anticipated for March 2025.

The EIBG is the financial arm of the EU, contributing to a stronger Europe in a more sustainable, prosperous and peaceful world.

With around 5,000 staff members in its Luxembourg HQ, our Permanent Representation Office in Brussels as well as in local offices inside the EU and external offices around the world, we work closely with our clients and partners, with the EU institutions and with our shareholders, the EU Member States.

We are looking for a creative and dynamic communications professional, with a proven track record in an equivalent role and a well-established network of relevant contacts inside the EU and beyond, to shape the Communication function of the EIBG and to relay our mission to the general public.

Purpose

The Head of the Communication Department in the EIB Group develops, manages, supervises and coordinates a comprehensive communication strategy that supports the Group’s strategic priorities, mission, goals and vision, as financing arm of the European Union.

The successful candidate will oversee all internal and external communication, media, public relations and stakeholder engagement in close collaboration with the EIB’s President and senior management in the EIB Group, and building partnerships with other European institutions, EU Member States and other key partners.

The successful candidate will lead a diverse team of experienced professionals to ensure impactful messaging across all current and emerging communications platforms. The successful candidate will foster strong relations with key audiences and participants in the communications and media environment to ensure a modern, consistent and forward-looking presence on social and traditional media. They will develop communication frameworks to further strengthen the EIB Group transparency, image and impact.

Specific Post Environment

In a rapidly evolving and fast-moving environment, the EIB engages with European Institutions, EU Member States, International Finance Institutions, other stakeholders, clients and citizens with clear, accurate and impactful communications. The channels and means of engaging with different audiences are developing fast, offering new and exciting opportunities to reinforce transparency and impact. The position offers a unique opportunity for the successful candidate to build a strong narrative around the EIB Group within the European Union, to communicate and amplify its activities and ensure consistent and coordinated messaging across diverse audiences and through innovative and emerging channels.

Operating Network

Based at the EIBG's headquarters in Luxembourg and with regular presence in Brussels, the Head of Communication reports to the Deputy Secretary General and works in close collaboration with the President, the Management Committee, Directors General and other managers, the EIB’s Permanent Representation in Brussels, local offices inside the EU, external offices in third countries and other staff. They interact closely with all directorates of the EIB Group and in particular with the Heads of the Group Strategy and the Economic Departments within the Secretariat General. The Head of Communication leads teams present in Luxembourg and in the EIB’s Permanent Representation in Brussels as well as in many EU Member States and a number of non-EU countries of operations.

The operating network includes media outlets including social media, EU Member States, EU institutions, International Financial Institutions, Multilateral Development Banks and National Promotional Banks, NGOs and other organisations, EIB Group clients and the general public. It also includes external experts and suppliers in the areas of communication services and communication technologies.

Accountabilities

• Develop and implement a modern and effective communications strategy that ensures transparency and contributes to a strong EIB brand within the European Union, and contributes to maximize the positive impact of investments, technical assistance, and other actions of the Group.
• Manage the Communication Department to optimise the utilisation of the Department’s resources in line with the business priorities of the EIB Group.
• Deployment and implementation of proactive communication strategies in a timely and efficient manner, in line with the communication strategies and priorities of the EIB Group, and in partnership with other EU institutions and other key stakeholders.
• Pro-actively develop and manage communications for the President, the Management Committee and other senior managers in their fields of responsibilities.
• Lead, motivate, develop and manage staff in own area of responsibility through the management team in place, ensuring that all staff has adequate competencies, training opportunities, technical resources and technical and personal skills to achieve their objectives.
• Promote consistency, effective cooperation and team spirit within the Communication Department and with other services.
• Manage capacity and budget, ensure the timely preparation of annual forecasts of budgetary needs and implement process to ensure compliance with allocated annual budgets.
• Ensure efficient and accountable use of resources in the realisation of own area’s mission.
• Ensure that staff resources are sized, organised and used efficiently to achieve business objectives and take ownership of the overall efficiency of the used resources.

Qualifications

• University degree (minimum an equivalent to a Bachelor), preferably in communication, journalism, finance, economics or social sciences.
• At least ten years of relevant experience in leading high-level positions of international multidisciplinary teams.
• At least ten years of relevant professional experience in the field of communications; with a significant track record in people management and budget planning.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and coaching staff, ideally in multicultural environments or international organisations (e.g. contribution to: determining team resources and skills; establishing objectives; assessing performance; delegating and supervising tasks; guiding, motivating, coaching and providing feedback).
• Demonstrated strategic approach, with the ability to analyse and prioritise stakeholders, generate consistent and engrained messages, and enhance the EIB Groups impact.
• Results driven, with the ability to establish measurements and KPI's to monitor progress.
• Deep knowledge of the political, economic and financial environment of the European Union, its different Member States and regions and the functioning of European Institutions.
• Empathy, excellent interpersonal, leadership, political and diplomatic skills; and ability to handle diverging interests, conflict and ambiguity. Resilience in business and people management issues.
• Creativity, openness to innovation and ability to support and manage change.
• Fluency in English both written and spoken. Knowledge of other EU languages would be an advantage.

Competencies

Find out more about EIB core and managerial competencies here

To find out more about our eligibility criteria click here

We hire and value talent with unique characteristics, creating a work environment where they can be themselves. We believe that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion makes us a performing and innovative organisation. We encourage all suitably qualified and eligible candidates to apply regardless of their gender identity/expression, age, racial, ethnic and cultural background, religion and beliefs, sexual orientation, disability or neurodiversity.

We strongly invite applicants with a disability, neurodivergent profile or chronic condition to request reasonable accommodations at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact the EIB Recruitment team [email protected] who will ensure that your request is handled.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge the importance of maintaining the security and integrity of the Information of the EIB Group. In case of selection for the position you agree to comply with all measures (policies, controls, document classification and management) implemented by the EIB Group to prevent unauthorised disclosure of any information or any damage to the EIB Group reputation.

Deadline for applications: 4th March 2025