Request For Proposals: Communications and Media Lead, EU (Brussels)
Contract Type: Consultancy (service contract)
Location: Brussels
Contract Term: 16 Nov. 2026 – 30 July 2027, flexible with option to extend
Time Allocation: Approximately 12 days per month (or flexible up to full-time equivalent)
Contract Manager: Eloise Todd, Executive Director and Founder, rani
Proposal Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
Proposal Submission Link (https://airtable.com/appg9BRiMNzAj1Ysr/pagS2bGQSZchN9yZb/form)
Background and Purpose
Rani (Resilience Action Network International) is building its EU team in Brussels to drive societal resilience across a range of issues including finance, health (particularly within the long-term EU budget), and biosecurity (related to the Biotech Act). Rani also works to innovate in the areas of health and climate, and health security, and rani is one of two co-founders of the Brussels Resilience Forum.
Rani is seeking a consultant to lead bold, evidence-driven communications to develop clear narratives, serve the advocacy goals of rani and our close partners, create media impact in Brussels, and advise on work in key EU Member State capitals. The ideal consultant is a hands-on political communications strategist with deep knowledge of the Brussels bubble, strong media relationships, proven campaign delivery, and the knack for turning technical evidence into persuasive, multi-channel media.
Scope of Services
Strategy and Narrative
* Deliver comprehensive communication strategies and campaigns that effectively communicate research and our key messages to policy audiences
* Create and refine key messages, narratives, and content such as fact sheets, blog content, opinion pieces, etc., to support rani’s objectives for different audiences, maintaining consistency and tone across all communications
* Present complex scientific and policy information clearly including via email newsletters, blogs, social media, video, etc. across owned and earned media channels
Media Relations
* Drive media relations strategies for rani leadership in target EU and Member State capitals, including editorial boards, desk-side briefings, press briefings, etc.
* Advance research and insights projects together with wrap-around communications strategies, engaging vendors and partners to maximise communications impact
Coordination and events
* Contribute to a communications and advocacy calendar of political events to help guide engagements that advance rani’s goals and priorities
* Support the design, planning, and delivery of strategic events and convenings (in-person, virtual, hybrid) – to help generate high-value content and media
Communications capacity and success
* Collaborate with a small but dedicated team and share communications best practices
* Define success metrics and support regular monitoring on impact – shifting strategy as needed
Consultant Profile
Proposals are welcome from individual consultants and agencies with sharp policy communications experience and proven media relations experience in Brussels.
Required Qualifications
* Extensive relevant experience in International Relations/Public Policy, Communications, Media, Public Relations – preferably in Brussels, with demonstrable campaign, events, and results
* Strong media relations experience in Brussels, with established contacts and proven ability to secure coverage at a range of levels, from high-profile to technical outlets
* Strong understanding and experience of how to best work with a range of stakeholders including partners, decision-makers to high-profile figures and their teams
* Outstanding messaging, writing, proofreading and research skills; skilled at translating technical/policy material into clear, persuasive creative content
* Strong project and event management skills – organised, detail-oriented, able to manage multiple workstreams and logistics
* Demonstrated ability to take the initiative, work independently, deliver under pressure with a solution-oriented approach
* Excellent written and oral English language skills
* Must be Brussels-based with the legal right to work/contract in Brussels, Belgium
* Issue expertise relevant or closely related to rani and EU policy-making, external action instruments and key decision-makers, a plus
* Understanding of digital comms tools and platforms, including social media management, website content management systems, and experience in the effective and ethical use of AI tools
* French or other language skills
Proposal Requirements
Submit one package containing the following (in PDF format):
* A technical, one-page proposal on your approach to a multi-level campaign, including media opportunities in Brussels and Member State capitals, considering rani’s key objectives on the EU budget (MFF) – based on your study of rani’s earned and owned media, including newsletter and social content, and research assets
* Relevant case studies (Two to three, max one page each) of successful media engagement, with objectives, your role, and measurable results
* A comprehensive, current CV
* A cover letter (max one page)
* A financial proposal with daily rate in EUR, estimated number of days per month (or fixed fees)
Please note, proposals will be longlisted on a rolling basis with follow-up only with qualifying submissions.
About rani & Panorama Global
Rani (http://rani.co) is a global advocacy network dedicated to building societal resilience to tackle shifts, change, and crisis. Rani’s network of hundreds of partners – from civil society to governments and the private sector – works together on policy, advocacy, funding mechanisms, and coordinated action across health and pandemics, biosecurity and defence, finance, and climate. Rani is a fiscally sponsored project of Panorama Global (https://www.panoramaglobal.org/), a 501(c)(3) social impact non-profit that empowers changemakers through radical collaboration.
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit one package in PDF format via the proposal submission form (https://airtable.com/appg9BRiMNzAj1Ysr/pagS2bGQSZchN9yZb/form) containing: a one-page technical proposal, 2-3 case studies (max one page each), a current CV, a cover letter (max one page), and a financial proposal with daily rate in EUR and estimated number of days per month (or fixed fees). Proposals will be longlisted on a rolling basis with follow-up only with qualifying submissions.