Acting Head of Policy

Acting position to
cover maternity leave
(1st December to June 2026)

Full-time job

Metropolis supports cities and large metropolitan areas in finding innovative and sustainable solutions to current and future urban challenges. Bringing together over 164 member cities and 700 million inhabitants worldwide, Metropolis serves as a global hub where metropolises can connect, share experiences and mobilise on issues related to economic development, social cohesion, sustainability, gender equality, and quality of life.

Please note: Only applications submitted through will be considered.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Metropolis is seeking an
experienced Acting Head of Policy to lead our Policy team, comprising 5 staff members.

The Acting Head of the Area leads the team and ensures the smooth and efficient functioning of the area, following the strategic directives of Metropolis and management committee decisions and agreements. This is achieved by setting objectives, seeking new growth opportunities, and contributing to the development, monitoring, and evaluation of Metropolis' long-term strategy.

Main responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Direction

●       Lead the Policy team to provide knowledge and policy solutions aligned with Metropolis' mission and global urban debates.

●       Participate in international debates, campaigns, and disseminate publications and policy products.

●       Represent Metropolis in expert debates on Metropolis' strategic themes.

Policy Strategy Development and Execution

●       Define key expertise areas, messages, and positions; coordinate the team to produce evidence and materials for external impact.

●       Leverage member experiences and curate organizational knowledge to stay relevant.

Coordination and Resource Management

●       Oversee policy statements, analysis, data, evaluations, advice, publications, indicators, research, and partnerships.

●       Ensure accurate reporting and management systems.

●       Implement and optimize processes for efficiency, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Structure, Organization, and Team Management

●       Execute strategies, monitor objectives, control budgets, and apply corrective measures.

●       Lead, coordinate, and motivate the team; evaluate performance, plan careers, and identify training needs.

●       Contribute to the Management Committee's strategic decisions and implementation.

Selection criteria

●       Advanced degree in Urban Studies, Social Sciences, International Relations, Economics, or related field.

● –7 years of experience in policy development, research, or urban governance, with proven project management and impact delivery.

●       Excellent communication and writing skills in English; fluency in Spanish, French, or other Metropolis member languages is highly desirable.

●       Experience with international organizations and city governments or city diplomacy.

●       Familiarity with urban studies, key international debates, and policy advice in metropolitan contexts.

●       Skilled in Google Workspace, Trello, Canva, and familiar with data visualisation and CRM software.

●       Minimum 2 years of proven team management experience.

WHAT METROPOLIS OFFERS

●    Full-time (37.5 hours per week) with flexible hours

●    
8-month

contract approx to cover a maternity leave (estimated end date: 15 July 2026)

●    Location: 70% on-site at the Secretariat General HQ in Barcelona and 30% online

●    
Gross remuneration: €52,000

●    Estimated start date: 30 November 2025

●    2-month trial period.

Benefits

●    Continuous learning and professional development opportunities.

●  Opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that address critical issues and promote positive change for women worldwide.

●    An inclusive and supportive work environment with flexible work arrangements allows for a healthy work-life balance.

Metropolis is firmly committed to creating a workplace that values and embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is an equal-opportunity employer and is firmly committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

TO APPLY

To apply for this vacancy, please send your CV to:

by
9 November :00 CET

Please note that writing tests, if needed, will be held on 11
th

November and interviews will be held on 13-14th November. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for these assessments.