Job title:  Legal and policy specialist / ecosystems specialist
Employment type:  Fixed contract
Contract duration:   March 2024 through 31 March 2026, with opportunity for renewal.
Location: Remote, based in the EU and with a preference for Oslo, or Helsinki. 
Reports to: Executive Director

Role description  

The ecosystems specialist is responsible for advancing MyData’s work to facilitate the emergence of human-centric ecosystems, primarily through contributions to the Data Spaces Support Centre project, but also by identifying and strengthening connections and synergies with other MyData activities and external initiatives. Though a combination of consortium participation, thought leadership, and engagement with the diverse stakeholders already contributing to realising data spaces and personal data ecosystems, the specialist will support MyData’s efforts to embed human-centric thinking in the European data spaces, facilitating data intermediary interoperability in data spaces, strengthen MyData’s position to shape EU data policy. 

Mode of work: 

The specialist reports to MyData’s executive director and will work closely with MyData’s project coordinator and senior advisor working on the DSSC project, but also with other staff. Specific activities and responsibilities will be agreed on a running basis, to adapt workflows to skill sets within the team, prioritising both delivery and professional development.

Work may be done flexibly according to agreed schedules and working hours. Remote teamwork will thrive on clear communication and transparency regarding availability and workflows. Work-life balance is an explicit priority. 

Though significantly focused on data ecosystems, this role is expected to be fully integrated into the core of MyData Global’s activities. It is a team role that will contribute to developing and supporting a healthy shared working environment, supporting and empowering team members towards shared goals.  

Responsibilities and functions:

• Participate in the DSSC consortia activities
  • Regular meetings (relevant task groups,  expert groups,  and community events)
  • Write and review on DSSC documents
  • Draw connections and synergies between DSSC and other stakeholders or activities external to MyData Global
• Contribute to MyData’s strategic development
  • Development of ecosystems-thinking and linking to relevant initiatives, 
  • Synergies and coordination across projects and activity lines, especially MyData operators 
• Contributions to MyData’s publications and research activities
  • Research design and implementation
  • Leading or contributing to collaborative writing efforts
  • Contributions to blogs, newsletters, event presentations and other MyData outreach activities
• Liaise with the MyData community
  • Work with the core team to design and execute consultation and capacity development activities to inform other workflows (DSSC and others)
  • Convene and facilitate community discussions and actions

Qualifications and criteria:

Successful candidates must have the following qualifications:

1. Expertise in data ecosystems, with special insights from one or more of the following areas: personal data management, governance, digital identity, information systems management, enterprise architecture or digital business modelling.
2. Demonstrated thought leadership within the genres of academic peer review, policy analysis, or advocacy reports 
3. Demonstrated ability to convene and facilitate discussion in multi-stakeholder environments marked by divergent objectives and priorities
4. Ability to translate complex technical concepts and dynamics related to interoperability and data governance into non-technical language and vice versa
5. Mastery of English and clear communication style, both written and verbal  
6. A clear commitment to MyData’s organisational and professional values related to the human-centric approach to data management, collaboration across sectoral and cultural boundaries, and a generous team ethos built on ambition, respect, and mutual support.  
7. Availability for a full-time position based in the EU.

It is an advantage if candidates can also demonstrate:

1. Prior research experience with EU-funded projects
2. Experience with working in volatile domains/markets
3. Positive experience working with multidisciplinary, multicultural, virtual teams
4. Ability to flexibly manage a workload that includes both responsive short-term tasks, and longer-term projects
5. Fluency in multiple European languages
6. Prior involvement in or understanding of MyData

Inquiries and applications including a cover letter and a CV can be sent to christopher@mydata.org. We will interview suitable candidates on a rolling basis.