Trainee Junior Consultant - Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems CIP

Ecorys; Brussel; Hybrid; EUR 16,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Homeworking allowance

Hybrid work (up to two days remote)

Meal vouchers

6-month traineeship contract (CIP)

Job summary

Ecorys is seeking a motivated trainee to join the Policy and Research team in Brussels. You will contribute to studies, evaluations and technical assistance for EU agricultural and food policy, delivering high-quality work for EU institutions.

Responsibilities include tender prep, data collection design, qualitative/quantitative analysis, and coordination of project tasks. Fluency in English is required; French is a plus. Hybrid work with Belgian CIP traineeship contract.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field as described in the posting (e.g., agronomy, agricultural economics, rural development).
• Strong command of English; French language skills are an asset.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative analysis and research methods.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines within a policy research context.
• Solid understanding of EU institutions and EU policies.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to tenders and research proposals, including methods and administrative documents.
• Assist in data collection, literature reviews, stakeholder mapping, interviews, surveys, and workshops.
• Perform qualitative and quantitative analysis and support report preparation.
• Help manage and coordinate project tasks and activities as needed.
• Support Ecorys' communication and outreach, liaising with teams and external stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical skills

English proficiency

French language

Research methods

Project management

EU policy knowledge

Data collection design

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in agronomy/agricultural economics/rural development or related field

Job description

Ecorys is a leading international research and consultancy company addressing society’s key challenges. We combine our deep knowledge of the societal challenges and our extensive skills and expertise to make genuine sustainable change happen.

We offer the full policy cycle to our clients who are decision makers in the public and third sectors. We advise on the options and consequences of change options. We support clients to implement and communicate change and manage the consequences.

Ecorys is a company with strong European roots and international presence. With own offices in 10 countries, we employ over 600 people working alongside external experts and associates in about 200 locations throughout the world.

The role

We are looking for a motivated and analytically minded trainee to join our Policy and Research team and contribute to impactful work shaping European agricultural and food policy. You will be part of a collaborative team delivering high-quality studies, evaluations and technical assistance projects for EU institutions.

You will join the Policy and Research team working on European projects in the areas of sustainable agriculture and food systems. We deliver studies, evaluation and impact assessments of the CAP and other relevant policies, as well as technical assistance projects, including the management and coordination of European policy networks and stakeholder activities. Our clients are mainly EU institutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the preparation of tenders and research proposals, including elaboration of research methods and support with administrative documents;
• Support the design and the implementation of data collection (e.g. literature review, stakeholders mapping, interviews, survey, workshops, focus groups);
• Deliver qualitative and quantitative analysis, contribute to the preparation of reports (analysis and policy evaluation implemented for the European Commission);
• Depending on your experience, managing and delivering (part of) projects and/or specific tasks, including coordination of different activities (research, communication, events, etc.);
• Contribute to Ecorys’ communication and outreach activities, collaborating with other teams, experts, organisations and external stakeholders (attend conferences and workshops, deliver presentations).

What you will bring

• A master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. agronomy, agricultural science, agricultural economics, rural development or related subject);
• Excellent command of English - additional language would be an asset;
• Strong analytical skills for both qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Ability to work on own initiative, to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines;
• A very good knowledge and understanding of the functioning of EU institutions and key EU policies;
• Strong team player with a curious mind and eagerness to learn.
• Work experience or a PhD in a relevant field;
• Fluency in French (written and spoken);
• Knowledge of evaluation and impact assessment methodologies;
• Experience in project management and strong organisation skills.

Our Offer

At Ecorys, you will join an international organisation with highly motivated professionals working on key societal challenges. We provide a stimulating and flexible work environment where your ideas and growth are valued.

Ecorys offers it employees a professional, stimulating and learning environment and scope to develop. We are a highly international, socially responsible and employee-owned organisation.

We offer you a full-time position under a 6-month Belgian traineeship contract (CIP).

Our package also includes:

• The indicative remuneration is 1.450€ per month.
• A homeworking allowance, public transportation subscription reimbursement, and meal vouchers.
• A degree of freedom and flexibility with hybrid working (up to two days remote per week).
• An open culture that welcomes new ideas and collaboration.
• Development opportunities through training and knowledge sharing.
• A modern, collaborative office in Brussels with an informal, social atmosphere.

As part of our recruitment policy, the intention is to follow up with a Belgian employment contract upon good performance.