Technology and Democracy Lead at the Evens Foundation The Evens Foundation is recruiting a Technology and Democracy Lead to shape the future of democratic digital infrastructure in Europe. This newly created role seeks an entrepreneurial leader capable of connecting civic technology, policy, and philanthropy to strengthen democracy with and for young people. Applications are open until 24 November 2025. Role Overview The Technology and Democracy Lead will guide the Foundation’s growing portfolio of digital democracy tools, help scale high-potential projects, and contribute to public debate on the future of democracy in a digital age. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the selected candidate will initiate a new department with anticipated growth in staffing and budget once early milestones are achieved. The position combines grantmaking, project leadership, and strategic engagement. Location and Compensation • Hybrid preferred, with 2–3 days per week in the Brussels office; remote options possible within approximately two hours of CET• Travel to Brussels every two months• Compensation: €70,000–€110,000 total cost to the organisation (employees in Belgium receive aligned benefits, including 13th-month pay and lunch vouchers)• Full-time or four-day-per-week arrangements possible Role Responsibilities The position blends hands-on digital product work, ecosystem building, and thought leadership. Weekly Focus • Build and scale democratic digital tools (approximately 60 percent): incubate two to three pilot products with external partners; drive adoption, innovation, and measurement• Grantmaking and partnerships (approximately 15 percent): manage a small fund and support a network of promising NGOs• Public voice and field leadership (approximately 15 percent): write, speak, and convene practitioners to strengthen standards and practices, including in areas such as recommender systems Core Profile The Foundation will prioritise candidates possessing the following four qualities: Independent and Entrepreneurial • Ability to shape initiatives within a strategic framework• Capacity to build a new function and eventually lead a small team• Early thematic priorities include AI and recommender systems Digital Expert with Hands-On Experience • Deep understanding of software or AI product lifecycles• Experience ideating, launching, and scaling digital products• Ability to guide external builders and teams Network Builder • Strong relationship-building skills in the philanthropic ecosystem• Ability to mobilise researchers, engineers, and civic tech innovators• Commitment to supporting democratic digital infrastructure with and for young people Strategic Thinker and Public Communicator • Ability to contribute to debates on democracy and technology• Experience presenting at conferences and articulating domain leadership• Capacity to shape narratives and collaborate with field experts Additional Skills (Nice to Have) • Fundraising experience, including securing co-funding or public funds• Expertise in AI applications relevant to democracy• Familiarity with EU policy frameworks, including digital, AI, and market regulations About the Evens Foundation The Foundation works to strengthen democratic resilience in Europe at a moment of declining trust among young people aged 18 to 29. As digitalisation reshapes political participation, the Foundation invests in building digital democratic infrastructure, such as youth-focused voting advice applications or integrating AI in citizens’ assemblies to elevate underrepresented voices. The team includes six staff and an active Board with leadership experience across major philanthropic and technology institutions. Why Join • Mission-driven work centred on societal impact• Opportunity to shape a foundational function in the organisation• Access to a dynamic network of innovators, technologists, and policymakers• High autonomy, with direct reporting to the Executive Director• Strong organisational commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equitable hiring Additional Details • Occasional European travel (less than 10 percent)• English is the working language• EU work permit required• Candidate data stored up to 12 months in compliance with GDPR Application Process Applicants should email their CV to antwerp@evensfoundation.be with the subject line “application: democracy and tech” and submit responses to the following three questions in no more than one page:• Describe a product you scaled and what you learned• Explain how you would prioritise a €200,000 democracy technology grantmaking budget across Europe• Describe how you would manage a European network of hundreds of civic tech actors and generate value for them Only shortlisted candidates will receive detailed feedback. Around five candidates will advance to stage two, which includes a short case study and an initial interview with the Executive Director. Final interviews with members of the Evens family will follow, with up to two candidates progressing. The target start date is January 2026 or earlier. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.