European Project & Public Affairs Officer - Cancer Data & Sustainability

Background: A high-performing healthcare system aims to provide high-quality cancer care across the entire patient pathway, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment. Population-based cancer registries (PBCR) play a crucial role in monitoring the incident cases within specific populations, and can detect unusual increase in cancer rates, leading to the development of hypothesis regarding potential causes within the community. Furthermore, PBCRs evaluate the effectiveness of cancer prevention and control efforts and contribute to the formulation of policies and screening programs. Europe launches CancerWatch: improving cancer data quality and timeliness to strengthen cancer control
Objectives: the 3-year Joint Action CancerWatch will transform how Europe collects, harmonizes, and uses cancer data. Coordinated by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and involving 92 partner organizations from 29 countries, including the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH) and National Cancer Registry (RNC), CancerWatch will enhance the quality, comparability, and timeliness of PBCRs data across Europe. Linked to other ongoing projects within the Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention (EPICAN) team, the European Project & Public Affairs Officer will play a key role in the coordinating of the activities on sustainability of cancer data and population-based cancer registry initiatives at both national and European level.
The position bridges project management, stakeholder engagement and science policy ensuring PBCRs are sustainable and aligned with EU priorities such as Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and The upcoming European health data space (EHDS).
Dr Claudine Backes, Scientific Director of the National Cancer Registry of Luxembourg, EPICAN head and lead of CancerWatch’s Sustainability Work Package, will supervise the successful candidate. She/he will also work in close relationship with the co-lead of the Sustainability Work Package from the Andalusian School of Public Health, in Spain, Prof Marià José Sanchez and Dr Dafina Petrova.

Key Accountabilities

• Coordinate and monitor EU-funded projects (e.g., JA-CancerWatch, EU4HEalth, and Horizon Europe) with a focus on sustainability of population – based cancer registries.
• Conduct basic qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis (e.g., stakeholder interviews, surveys, questionnaires).
• Draft reports, policy briefs, and position papers for EU stakeholders.
• Support dissemination, communication, and advocacy activities to enhance visibility and impact.
• Ensure compliance with project timelines, deliverables, and reporting requirements.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and networking across European partners.

Key Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public health, EU affairs, Science Policy, or related field. Familiarity with cancer epidemiology or healthcare quality is an asset.
• Solid Knowledge of the European Health Policy Landscape (EBCP, EHDS; EU Health Data Initiatives)
• Proven experience in project management, ideally within EU-funded Health or Research Projects
• Strong networking and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work across cultures and institutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (other EU languages are an asset).
• Ability to translate complex scientific/data topics into clear policy-relevant messages.
• Willingness and availability to travel frequently across Europe.
• Understanding of cancer control policies and care pathways is desirable.
• Proficiency in English; French language skills or the willingness to learn would be an asset.