Policy Officer - Cohesion Policy [Belgium]

 

Job Description

Position title: Policy Officer – Cohesion

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Location: Brussels

Position status: Permanent contract

Reporting arrangements: This position reports to the Director for EU Budget and Cohesion Policy

Salary: Depending on work experience

Deadline for application: Kindly send your application to jobs@crpm.org by 30 June 2023 at 23.59 (CET)

Interviews: July 2023

Starting date: As soon as possible

I. Job Summary

Do you want to play a central role within the most influential European association of regions? Do you want to support CPMR Member regions on important challenges related to Cohesion Policy?

The CPMR is looking for a Policy Officer based in Brussels at CPMR Secretariat (Rond point Schuman 14) to support the work of the CPMR on Cohesion Policy.

We are looking for a dynamic person with strong interpersonal and drafting skills, but also a solid understanding of the EU institutional system and an understanding of EU policies affecting regional and local authorities.

II. Main duties and responsibilities

The Policy Officer (Cohesion) will report to the CPMR Director for EU Budget and Cohesion Policy.

She/he is responsible for assisting the activities of the CPMR on Cohesion Policy, as follows:

• Provide important support to the work of the CPMR General Secretariat in the areas of cohesion policy;

• Develop and maintain a network of contacts with the institutions of the European Union, at national and regional level, and with any relevant actors;

• Take responsibility for certain cohesion policy files to be defined and agreed with the CPMR Director for EU Budget and Regional Policy and in line with the CPMR’s general work plan;

• Contribute to the reflection activities of the CPMR and its Geographical Commissions and organise, when the political agenda so requires, seminars, conferences and meetings;

• Liaise with CPMR members and follow up on joint requests and activities with them. Plan and organize regular meetings of the “Cohesion working group” and “Macro regions task force” (establish agenda, draft invitation emails, liaise with external stakeholders and members, etc.);

• Under the coordination of the Director, draft technical notes, briefings and provide the latest information to the relevant CPMR working groups with the aim of presenting, to elected representatives and officials of CPMR member regions, the main issues at stake in specific topics related to cohesion policy;

• Provide support in the preparation of lobbying and awareness-raising campaigns with the European Union institutions, in accordance with the priorities agreed with the Director;

• Under the coordination of the Director, prepare speaking points and briefings for the President or any other elected member in the framework of the CPMR’s participation in conferences and seminars in Brussels on matters of responsibility;

• Provide support in the drafting of proposals for Political Positions for adoption by CPMR members at CPMR statutory meetings (Political Bureau and General Assembly);

• Liaise with CPMR colleagues in the Policy, Communication and Geographical Commissions teams as necessary to ensure an optimum and synergetic development of activities.

III. Qualifications and skills required

• At least two year’s worth of experience of EU affairs, preferably working with local or regional governments and/or relevant organizations and Institutions (e.g. European or national institutions, associations of local or regional authorities).
• Expertise in a member-based politically led organisation is an asset.
• A previous work experience in the field of cohesion policy and a good knowledge of the file is a strong asset.
• A university degree in a relevant field (Master or Phd in EU affairs are a plus).
• Solid knowledge of the EU institutional system and legislative process is a must.
• A very high level of proficiency or native level of fluency in English is an essential prerequisite.
• Proficiency in at least one other European language (particularly French) is a strong asset.
• Experience in organising high-level events involving pan-European participants and focused on (a) EU policy theme(s) is an asset.

IV. Desirable Personal Skills

• Diplomacy skills and an understanding of different cultural contexts, able to respect and embrace the different working cultures represented within the membership of the CPMR and its Geographical Commission.
• Strong interpersonal skills, autonomy and sense of responsibility in task delivery: a team player who understands the importance of teamwork, with a ‘can-do’ attitude.
• Strong analytical skills and an ability to weigh the various interests against an overall view and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrable capacity in drafting technical papers and policy positions is an asset as well as proven ability to produce innovative approaches and original thinking.
• Able to expose complex issues to high-level audiences in relevant and concise manner both orally and in writing and to effectively communicate with politicians, civil servants and experts.
• Demonstrated communication skills.
• A skilled networker able to build and maintain strong professional relationships and chorale stakeholders around a course.
• Politically astute, and able to adapt language and approach to manage unexpected and complex or politically sensitive situations.
• Able to operate effectively in a fast-paced, politically charged environment. Able to manage stress.
• Able to respect hierarchy and deadlines, and to prioritise and manage time effectively.

V. Location

The position is based in Brussels. Travel within Europe will be required.

VI. Terms of recruitment

The position is offered as a permanent contract under Belgian law.

VII. Selection procedure

Please send your CV and a brief covering letter to jobs@crpm.org with the subject: “Application Policy Officer (Cohesion)_July 2023” by 30 June 2023 at 23.59 (CET).

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a job interview and a written test to assess their analytical and strategic skills.

Interviews and written tests are expected to take place in July. The position is expected to start as soon as possible.

DISCLAIMER

Please note that applications documents (CVs, cover letters and contact details) will be kept for a period of two years after the end of the selection process, in case other opportunities may arise. Please let us know if you disagree. Your documents will be deleted immediately.

Do not forget to mention that you found this job ad on the EURACTIV Jobsite!

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