Digital and Competitiveness Junior Policy Specialist

We are looking for a self-starter who is motivated to begin a career in European policy. He/she is a good communicator with a positive attitude, a strong sense of teamwork and can adjust easily to changing circumstances. This is an entry-level position best suitable for a recent graduate or someone who has already completed an internship in European affairs.

Main responsibilities:

• Management and/or co-management of working groups and subgroups – SG Cybersecurity, SG Data, SG Energy Smart Appliances, WG Trade, WG Product Information. Active representation of APPLiA and participation in SmartEN meetings, of which APPLiA is a member;
• Preparation of meeting agendas, minutes, presentations, documents and logistics;
• Presenting relevant topics to the APPLiA membership at working group and general assembly meetings;
• Preparation of summaries, presentations, reports, overviews; 
• Follow-up of actions initiated in the areas of Digital and Trade policy, with the possibility of other files;
• Managing the on-line Product Information (PI) Organisation data-base and website; 
• Cross-check of consistency and accuracy of PI to ensure the continued value of the tool;
• Intelligence gathering and analysis of documentation and legislative proposals related to the current EU policy agenda for the Digital & Competitiveness team;
• Drafting position papers and presentations;
• Developing and executing advocacy on relevant dossiers for the Digital & Competitiveness team, in close coordination with the APPLiA membership;
• Support in promoting and representing the home appliance sector towards the European     Institutions; attendance to relevant DG TRADE meetings;
• Working closely with other stakeholders, such as NGOs and consumer organisations;
• Coordinating advocacy positions with national other European industry associations;

Professional experience:

• Good knowledge of the EU institutions and the decision-making process;
• Self-confidence and patience working with numbers, data bases, Excel etc. 
• Previous professional experience in industry or with the home appliance sector will be considered a strong asset;
• Some experience in EU affairs, preferably in Brussels, is desirable but not essential.

Education:

• Relevant Bachelor or Master’s Degree: International or European Affairs, Economics or Political Economy, Digital Policy, etc.
• A scientific education will be considered if supported by education and/or experience in the European political environment.

Technical skills:

• Good level of general computer literacy: Google Docs, MS Office, presentations, spreadsheets, databases, web-meeting platforms; 
• Project management and presentation skills;
• Good analytical skills and an ability to assimilate the various aspects of an issue rapidly;
• Good skills to both write and edit engaging reports, briefing and position papers;
• Familiarity with data collection and processing – skills working with numbers, databases and use of Excel are essential.

Personal qualities:

• Independent, well organised and able to work autonomously as well as within a team;
• Flexible, ability to work on a number or projects simultaneously and to manage competing demands and deadlines;
• Capacity to work effectively in cross-cultural and diverse stakeholder environment;
• Ability to manage relationships with colleagues and members constructively, diplomatically and with discretion;
• Comfortable speaking in public and to large groups;
• Good organisational and planning skills;
• Ability to work in a small team.

Languages:

• Fluent English (both spoken and written);
• Other European languages will be considered an asset.

Job conditions:

• The opportunity to work in an EU related environment within an innovative industrial sector and a multinational, dynamic association; 
• On-the-job mentoring, coaching and training;
• A motivating, multilingual and multicultural working environment; 
• Salary package according to Belgium law;
• 1-year initial contract (possibility to renew);
• Reporting to the Digital & Competitiveness Policy Director.

In order to be considered, each candidate is requested to produce a short essay,  (one-A4-page maximum) or PowerPoint presentation (5 slides maximum) on his/her understanding of Digital aspects in household appliances. 

To apply, please send your CV, cover letter and essay or PowerPoint presentation to [email protected] by 21 May 2021.