Director Internal Communication

EPO - European Patent Office

Munich, Germany

Principal Directorate Human Resources 
EPO Munich (DE) 

The European Patent Office (EPO), the second largest European public institution, is looking for a dynamic Internal Communication Director. Working in a multicultural environment where 35 different nationalities are represented among the staff, he/she will advise the top management of the Office and define strategies in order to ensure that corporate values and managerial messages are disseminated as widely as possible throughout the EPO (7 000 staff members including a network of 400 managers spread across four different sites plus a bureau in Brussels). 

Placed under the direct responsibility of the Principal Director Human Resources as part of the general strategy of the Office, Internal Communication Directorate is a key contributor to performance and working climate. The EPO is currently engaged in a process of far-reaching strategic reform under five roadmaps – on Human Resources, Quality, Co-operation, IT and Buildings. Many initiatives affecting the working environment stem from the roadmaps' ongoing implementation. This presupposes the close involvement of the Internal Communication Director in the interlinkage between all directorates-general. 

The Internal Communication Directorate fosters understanding and promotion of the EPO's strategy and projects, with the aim of supporting constant dialogue with the staff and of developing staff involvement and commitment. 

It supports the promotion of cultural diversity, staff initiatives and work-life balance, and opens windows out onto the outside world.

Main duties

• structure, implement and co-ordinate an internal communication strategy, through the yearly presentation of an internal communication plan in line with the main actions stemming from the strategic roadmaps;
• define strategy and actions (in a roadmap for the medium term, and in an annually updated internal communication plan); 
• co ordinate and improve existing channels of communication (Gazette, intranet), and diversify and develop other channels (e.g. video media, internal networks, live events, blogs, etc.); 
• lead efforts to communicate organisational goals and initiatives, and identify ways to increase exposure for activities that raise awareness and engagement;
• support change-management processes Office-wide and work with key stakeholders to craft messages and communications that foster employee engagement through understanding of the EPO's vision, plan and goals; 
• advise and support the directorates-general in shaping and implementing their internal communication strategy; 
• organise, structure and manage a team of eight staff members plus external consultants; 
• manage in-house information policy: explain the main issues for the EPO (internal and external) and support official communication (internal or external);
• promote the EPO's aims and objectives, and explain the ways to achieve them; 
• support change management: explain changes from a global and co ordinated perspective to promote understanding and acceptance; 
• support managers in communicating more effectively with their staff; 
• listen to staff, promote interactivity, address their concerns, help them to understand change and overall strategy; 
• promote initiatives of collective interest.

Ideal profile

The EPO is looking for a senior internal communication specialist with a proven track record which includes:

• many years of experience in communication, with a special focus on corporate communications (including digital strategy) and change management;
• experience in message development and communications planning;
• experience in shaping and managing corporate communications policy; 
• many years of managerial experience; 
• proven experience as a content advisor; 
• special sensitivity to issues of social dialogue; 
• experience of project management.

The ideal candidate will also have

• excellent management and organisational skills;
• the ability to think strategically and understand a complex environment; 
• excellent writing and message-creation skills, and the ability to transform complex ideas into accessible, reader-friendly communications; 
• the ability to build trust and productive working relationships with senior management; 
• outstanding teamwork abilities; 
• the ability to work independently; 
• outstanding networking skills; 
• excellent oral and written communication skills; 
• the highest levels of integrity and honesty.

Additionally, candidates should have

• a broad perspective on public service;
• a result-oriented approach; 
• a service-oriented mind-set; 
• a high degree of intercultural sensitivity.

Minimum qualifications

Diploma of completed studies at university level or - in exceptional cases - equivalent professional experience. Excellent knowledge of one official language and ability to understand the other two.

Duration of the contract

The contract will be for the duration of 5 years. Subsequent appointment as permanent employee may be possible, if conditions laid down in the EPO Service Regulations are fulfilled.

Selection procedure

The successful candidate will be selected on the basis of qualifications supplemented as appropriate by interviews, tests and/or a psychometric questionnaire. Before the formal interviews, the candidates shortlisted by the selection board will be asked to attend an assessment centre for exercises and discussions designed to assess their management skills and personal qualities. The results will go to the board for consideration in the subsequent stages of the selection procedure. 

It is intended to hold the assessment centre on 24 and 25 June 2014 (in Munich) and the interviews on 8 and 9 July 2014 (in Munich). 

Please apply online, using the online application form, reference number EUR/5639.

Closing date: 9 May 2014 

Please apply via the 'link' below:

Click here for the application form! 

As the second largest European organisation, the European Patent Office offers a competitive salary, excellent social benefits and varied work in a modern international environment. 

www.epo.org/jobs