Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe is looking for a Policy Officer – Energy and Transport

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 Energy and Transport?

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 Energy and Transport.

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

WHO WE ARE | About the CPMR:

The Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions of Europe – CPMR (www.cpmr.org) is a pan-European political association of over 150 regions in 24 countries in the European Union and beyond. It is both a think tank and an interest group for regional authorities. Since it was established in 1973, the CPMR has been acting to promote a more balanced development of the European territory. Most of its work addresses EU policies with a strong territorial impact, and has a particular focus on Cohesion Policy, the maritime dimension of all EU policies, territorial accessibility, transport, energy and climate change. The CPMR is structured around six Geographical Commissions based around Sea-basins: Baltic Sea, North Sea, Atlantic Arc, Mediterranean, Balkan and Black Sea, Islands.

WHAT WE OFFER | The position:

JOB TITLE: Policy Officer – Energy and Transport

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE JOB: To provide support to the CPMR Energy and Transport team through the handling of specific EU energy and transport policy documents and dossiers on behalf of the CPMR General Secretariat

EMPLOYEE’S POSITION IN THE ORGANISATION: This position reports to the Director for EU Transport and Energy

LOCATION: Brussels

TYPE OF CONTRACT: Permanent contract under Belgian provisions OR V.I.E French International Internship Programme

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Kindly send your application to jobs@cpmr.org by Friday 28 June 2024 at 23.59 (CET)

INTERVIEWS: First half of July 2024

STARTING DATE: As soon as possible

SALARY: Permanent contract under Belgian provisions: €28k-32k annual net salary depending on experience (i.e. €37k-45k annual gross salary) V.I.E: €32k yearly net salary Depending on work experience (At least two to five years of experience)

JOB DESCRIPTION | Your responsibilities

The Policy Officer (Energy and Transport) will report to the CPMR Director for EU Transport and Energy.

They will be responsible for assisting the activities of the CPMR on Energy and Transport, as follows:

• Provide targeted support to the work of the CPMR General Secretariat in the areas of EU energy and transport policies.

• Analysing and following these specific policy areas at EU and regional level, including the drafting of technical analyses, political positions, studies, briefings and speeches for the benefit of the CPMR Members and CPMR Working Groups as well as for policy influencing purposes towards the EU co-legislators.

• Develop and maintain a network of contacts with the Institutions of the European Union, as well as at national and regional level, and with any relevant stakeholders and actors.

• Take responsibility for certain policy files in these areas to be defined and agreed with the responsible CPMR Director and in line with the CPMR’s general work plan.

• Contribute to the reflection activities and or projects of the CPMR and its Geographical Commissions on relevant transport and energy issues.

• Organise, when the political agenda so requires, seminars, conferences and meetings, including the regular, periodic Transport and Energy Working Groups (e.g. agenda, invitations, presentations, etc.).

• Liaise with CPMR members and follow up on joint requests and activities with them.

• 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.

• (Re)present the CPMR and its advocacy work in external events and to key stakeholders.

• Liaise with CPMR colleagues in the Policy, Communication and Geographical Commissions teams.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS REQUIRED | Are you the person we are looking for?

• At least two to five years’ worth of experience in EU affairs, preferably working with local or regional governments and/or relevant organisations and Institutions (e.g. European or national institutions, associations of local or regional authorities, thematic organizations on energy or transport).

• Previous experience in a member-based and politically led organisation is an asset.

• Previous work experience in the field of energy and/or transport policy and a good knowledge of the files is essential.

• A University Degree in a relevant field (Master or Phd in EU affairs, Public Policies, Energy, Transport are a plus).

• Solid knowledge of the EU institutional system and legislative decision-making process is a must.

• Knowledge of the functioning of Regional Authorities is an asset.

• Strong drafting skills with a proven track record in drafting technical and/or political papers and analyses.

• Strong communication and presentation skills with experience in communicating to a diverse audience.

• Fluency in English and proficiency in at least one other European language are essential prerequisites.

• Experience in organising high-level policy-themed and/or political events involving high-level politicians and pan-European participants is an asset.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Teams).

DESIRABLE PERSONAL SKILLS | As a person, we expect that you have/are:

• 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 Commissions.

• 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 of the CPMR Members against an overall view.

• Politically astute, skilled networker and able to adapt language and approach to diverse audiences (politicians, civil servants and experts) and manage unexpected and complex or politically sensitive situations.

• Able to operate effectively in a fast-paced, politically charged environment.

• Able to meet deadlines, to prioritise, manage multiple tasks simultaneously and manage time effectively.

LOCATION

The position is based in Brussels (BE). Occasional travel within Europe will be required.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS

The position is offered as a permanent contract under Belgian law or as a V.I.E (French International Internship Programme).

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Please send your CV and a brief covering letter to jobs CPMR jobs@cpmr.org with the subject: “Application Policy Officer (Energy and Transport) 2024” by Monday 17 June 2024 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 between June and the first half of July maximum. The position is expected to start on as soon as possible.

DISCLAIMER

Please note that application 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.