Regulatory Project Officer

Regulatory Project Officer

IBMA – International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association

Brussels, Belgium

Founded in 1995, the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) is an international non-profit trade association, based in Brussels since 2013. With over 220 members globally we represent the manufacturers of biocontrol solutions, known alternatives to control pests and diseases effectively in an environmentally friendly way in agriculture, forestry, public spaces, and gardens. A large percentage of IBMA members are small and medium Enterprises (SMEs). Our members’ solutions enhance biodiversity and soil health and fulfil the sustainability goals consumer’s demand. More information: https://ibma-global.org/about-ibma.

Biocontrol is firmly on the policy agenda worldwide as agriculture is adapting to climate mitigation and biodiversity changes. IBMA is looking for a Regulatory Project Officer to reinforce the team. The selected candidate will have the chance to work in a friendly and multicultural environment, for an innovative and rapidly growing industry, joining our dedicated team which is passionate about the future of sustainable agriculture.

Regulatory Project Officer Role

Purpose:

As a Regulatory Project Officer, you will respond to and collaborate closely with the Technical Project Manager, offering regulatory insights internally and shaping IBMA’s contributions to be delivered to authorities and stakeholders. The position is Brussel based.

The position offers a significant opportunity for professionals to develop regulatory and project management skills, to gain experience in the growing biocontrol industry and to actively promote the industry to advance the uptake of sustainable biocontrol solutions in the EU and beyond.

This role will have a tangible impact on regulatory policies and decisions worldwide.

Accountabilities:

• Represent IBMA in discussions with members and with external groups such as policy makers, legislative bodies and intergovernmental organisations worldwide and where appropriate support the Technical Project Manager in such discussions;
• Monitor industry critical regulatory developments and provide insight into the regulatory framework and priorities in EU COM to support the Technical Project Manager;
• Establish, manage and lead where necessary regulatory ad hoc or working groups as approved by IBMA Council;
• Co-ordinate member and expert input into public consultations, surveys and working group questions, resolving member differences to distil a clear IBMA position aligned to strategic objectives, under the supervision of the Technical Project Manager;
• Build and maintain good working relationships with key regulatory stakeholders in EU COM, EFSA, OECD, and any other relevant organisations;
• Develop knowledge of Horizon and other EU funded project calls and assess their relevance to IBMA strategic objectives and target possible calls and partner organisations for IBMA project participation;
• Participate and provide input into new and existing EU projects with the Technical Project Manager;
• Develop appropriate membership information (members regulatory update) and monthly regulatory brief for the Secretariat.

Skills and Qualifications

IBMA will offer on the job training to the right candidate. We recognise that some of the desired skills will be developed on the job. Experience in a member company and a membership organisation would be an advantage. The job would suit a graduate with 1-2 years experience although candidates with less experience and the right interest and potential will be considered.

The complete list of desired skills is below:

• Science degree, ideally in biological or agricultural sciences;
• English and at least one other European language;
• Good teamworking and consultative leadership approach, capable of listening and distilling varied opinions from stakeholders and members;
• Ability to network effectively and diplomatically in a multi-cultural environment;
• Good understanding of agriculture, sustainability issues and policies across Europe and ideally globally;
• Technical or regulatory background in crop protection or crop nutrition with a knowledge of organics or biocontrol or biostimulants;
• Demonstrable interest in the biocontrol industry or a related field and a willingness to learn with the help of experts engaged by the Association to train the job holder;
• Established Brussels network including EP, EU COM, NGOs, relevant trade associations and other stakeholders.

We offer: A permanent full-time contract under Belgian law with a competitive remuneration package including extra-legal paid leave, group insurance, lunch vouchers and a pension.

The regulatory project officer position is Brussels based. The Secretariat work is based in Brussels but is carried out throughout the world with frequent European travel and occasional intercontinental travel. Economy class travel is paid by the Association. For the right candidate, assistance in moving to Brussels would be considered.

Start date: 1^st September 2024 or earlier.

How to apply

• All queries should be sent by email to: [email protected]. To apply, please send your CV (including 2 references) and cover letter (1 page maximum) by email – with subject line Regulatory Project Officer – Application – [email protected] by 6^th June 2024 COB;
• Suitable applicants will be invited for an interview at the Brussels offices in the week commencing 17 June 2024.