Airlines for Europe

Policy Director

Airlines for Europe

Brussels, Belgium

ABOUT:

Founded in 2016, A4E represents the united voice of Europe’s leading airlines in Brussels. Our 17 airline group members represent over 80% of European air traffic and carried over 718 million passengers in 2023. Leading global aircraft manufacturers are also members of A4E. Airlines with cargo and mail activities transport more than 5 million tons of goods annually. For further information: www.a4e.eu.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

A4E is looking for a Policy Director to join its team in Brussels. The successful candidate will develop strategy, build industry positions and execute advocacy campaigns on key issues for A4E members. You will represent the interests of European airlines towards the EU institutions, national governments and authorities. You will report directly to A4E’s Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director. You will also work closely with A4E’s Communications Director to make the association’s voice heard in Brussels and beyond.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• An academic background in politics, law, economics, international relations, or European affairs;
• At least 7 years’ experience working in EU affairs, e.g. in industry, trade associations, the EU institutions, other government bodies, or public affairs consultancies. Prior experience in aviation or transport policy is a plus;
• Good knowledge of the EU institutions, the political processes and legislative procedures. A track record of influencing relevant stakeholders on policy and legislation;
• Good understanding of public policy issues related to transport/mobility and climate/sustainability. Knowledge of the aviation industry is a plus;
• A strong interest in EU policy and politics, the airline sector or transport more broadly;
• Strong communication skills (oral and written) in English. Knowledge of an additional European language (e.g. Spanish or German) is a plus;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural team and fast-paced environment;
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines. A flexible and hands-on mentality, with the ability to shift priorities and take on new tasks as needed;
• A track record of building and maintaining a network of contacts in government, industry and other relevant organisations;
• The ability to build consensus among companies or stakeholders with different perspectives and interests.

THE POLICY DIRECTOR WILL:

• Be responsible for A4E’s work in specific policy domains, e.g. airports or consumer affairs;
• Chair and manage the work of A4E working groups or expert groups composed of airline members;
• Set priorities and identify risks and opportunities arising from political or legislative developments;
• Propose and develop industry positions on relevant issues in close cooperation with A4E members;
• Build and execute advocacy plans to achieve A4E’s policy objectives. Manage and lead short or long-term campaigns;
• Engage with officials and legislators in the Council of the EU, European Commission and European Parliament in Brussels, and the same in the national capitals;
• Build coalitions and coordinate initiatives with other stakeholders that have shared interests;
• Represent A4E in policy forums, expert groups, public events and hearings;
• Plan and execute policy events in Brussels and individual EU countries if applicable;
• Contribute to A4E’s external visibility and promote industry positions in the media in cooperation with the Communications Director.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• A unique opportunity to promote the political interests of a strategically important industry in the EU policy landscape, as part of a dynamic and international team at the heart of the EU quarter;
• A flexible work environment and a space to develop and challenge yourself;
• This is a Brussels-based role, with occasional travel in Europe.

HOW TO APPLY:

If you are interested in this position and match the profile, please apply by sending a CV and a cover letter to contact@a4e.eu. Please mention in the subject line “A4E Policy Director 2024”.

The deadline for applications is 5pm, Friday 19 April, 2024.

A4E is an equal opportunity employer. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

A4E is committed to the protection of your privacy and personal data. Our Privacy Policy can be consulted on our website. For any queries, please contact us at privacy@a4e.eu.