Policy Officer

Europe is experiencing exciting and challenging times. Digital tools and technologies are ever-more shaping our daily lives and transforming different sectors. With upcoming elections more than ever, the mandate of The European DIGITAL SME Alliance is to represent and support the main driver of such changes in Europe – small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the ICT sector. Representing over 45,000 SMEs through its national and regional member associations, DIGITAL SME is Europe’s first and largest ICT SME association. Along with the rapid acceleration of Europe’s digital transformation, the Alliance is growing and in need of a highly motivated and hands-on Policy Officer to strengthen our Brussels-based team!

The selected candidate will support the implementation of DIGITAL SME’s policy and advocacy strategies, under the supervision of the Public Affairs Director. The future Policy Officer will also help to strengthen the synergies between the association’s policy activities and project tasks and will contribute to the activities of the Working Groups.

The successful candidate will be a self-starter, willing to take initiative and able to manage a wide variety of tasks.

Your role and responsibilities

• General support to the execution of the Organisation’s policy and advocacy activities on a variety of digital policy files
• Conduct stakeholder mappings
• Monitor legislative processes and policy initiatives
• Prepare summaries and analyses of legislation, draft positions, advocacy plans and presentations, under the supervision of the Public Affairs Director
• Support the coordination of DIGITAL SME’s working groups and focus groups, including the organisation and preparation of meetings, events ect.
• Contribute to shaping the concept and agendas of large scale events, including the annual DIGITAL SME summit
• Work in cooperation with the communications team to create relevant policy content and materials (Press releases, articles, blog posts, etc.)
• Participate in policy-related tasks in the execution of EU funded projects
• Present and moderate  relevant meetings and events.

Requirements: 

• 1-2 years of experience in EU Affairs/ EU policy, preferably in a membership based organisation
• Experience in drafting policy briefs and concept notes
• Experience in organising meetings and events (both online and in-person)
• Experience in stakeholder engagement & outreach
• Good analytical skills
• Completed higher education diploma
• Good understanding of and interest in EU policies, in particular digital policies and initiatives
• Fluency in English, including excellent drafting skills
• Can-do attitude and strong motivation, topped with an ability to self-start and implement new tasks and initiatives
• Strong organizational skills and good time management
• Legally eligible to work in Belgium

Work Conditions

As our Policy Officer, you will be part of an international and dynamic team. Our office is in the heart of the EU district in Brussels, easily accessible by public transportation. Since the pandemic, we have established a hybrid work model, where the team works partly from the office, partly remotely. Flexible working hours are also part of the deal – the Alliance’s organisational culture is result- rather than control-driven.

We offer a permanent contract with a competitive salary package in line with your skills and level of experience.

Short missions abroad within the EU can be expected as part of the role.

The European DIGITAL SME Alliance is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion of people from diverse backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply!

 Application procedure

 Please send your application by email to jobs@digitalsme.eu, subject: “VACANCY/PO24”, including the following documents and information:

• CV (Europass template)
• Cover letter (one page maximum)
• Desired net salary/month
• Earliest date of availability to start the job
• Names and contact details of two references (will not be contacted before having the agreement of the candidate)

 Deadline: 31st March 2024

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Only applications including all the above-mentioned documents and information will be considered. Please read this vacancy notice carefully and only apply if you fulfill the key requirements! In your cover letter, please focus on your technical and professional experience as it relates to this vacancy, in addition to your motivation and interest for the Alliance’s work. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Privacy disclaimer: DIGITAL SME ensures a GDPR-compliant treatment of your personal data. Please note, we might keep your CV and all the information provided in your application, so that we can contact you in the future should a similar position open again. If you don’t want your data to be retained, please indicate this in your application.

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