Senior EU Policy Manager

Position description

The Senior EU Policy Manager will be responsible for building on and expanding the policy and public affairs environment to ensure that the strategic and operational plans support EVU’s objectives.

The Senior EU Policy manager will develop and promote policies and outreach plans that enable the growth of the plant-based and cultured food industry, reduce animal consumption, and influence relevant agriculture, consumer, environmental and health agendas primarily at the EU level. The position works with plant-based alliances, such as EAPF, and other relevant partners, to:

• Lead public-facing policy actions to promote food system change and enhance the position of plant-based foods and other alternatives to animal products;
• Develop policy briefs and recommendations, provide evidence to guide policymakers’ decisions and arrange meetings with relevant stakeholders;
• Advocate for the strongest (regulatory) environment possible for plant-based and cultured food research and development;
• Ensure sustainable food production and consumption feature prominently in public health and environmental policy;
• Collaborate with and support EVU members’ advocacy efforts at the EU and national levels.

Key responsibilities

Strategy and planning:

• Develop and implement the EVU strategic direction and operational advocacy aims, with a view to the organisational make-up and different institutional focuses;
• Oversee EU policy developments and research, review European institutions’ (e.g. Commission, Parliament and Council) priorities, and identify and communicate emerging issues and propose solutions;
• Lead the review and development of robust policy positions across a broad range of issues, working with key stakeholders and arranging meetings with relevant stakeholders;
• Identify policy areas in which EVU can have great impact, and develop strategies, policy briefings and action plans which are aligned to external priorities, and influence and affect positive change;
• Keep abreast of political developments and parliamentary activities, changing environmental, health, scientific and other relevant areas. Undertake relevant analysis on threats and opportunities and communicate any developments/insights to the relevant stakeholders, to help inform future strategy development;
• Contribute to stakeholder consultations and develop advocacy plans;
• Review the effectiveness of EVU advocacy;
• Oversee external contracts relating to EVU’s advocacy work, including with service providers such as political consultancies and partnerships.

Integration, collaboration and alignment:

• Ensure there is robust coordination between EVU and its members, and EAPF; high-level representation within EAPF structures;
• Together with members ensure advocacy efforts are effective, and where relevant, engaging through online outreach, media/PR and social media;
• Ensure research and scientific developments that have a bearing on policy are considered with relevant colleagues and partners.

External collaboration and representation:

• Establish and maintain effective collaborative relationships with external stakeholders and identify opportunities and strategies to improve engagement with policy-makers, environmental and other aligned organisations, healthcare officials, corporate leaders, scientific bodies, and grant-making organisations;
• Represent EVU within the media, and at internal and external events;
• Deliver expert briefings and targeted lobbying campaigns to achieve regulatory and private sector action and public policy change;
• Oversee policy-informed responses to consultations and the submission of evidence to enquiries and manage/coordinate those responses;
• Lead the coordination of relations with external bodies such as government departments and agencies, relevant private sector organisations and other organisations, including representing EVU on external committees and working groups;
• Travel to other parts of Europe if necessary to meet and coordinate with colleagues, members and policy stakeholders.

Management

• Lead and manage the EU Policy team (Policy Manager, Communications Advisor), setting objectives and priorities, monitoring progress and providing support and guidance;
• Ensure that all activity is conducted to the highest standards and in line with the strategic priorities, developing consistent and rigorous methods for measuring success and sharing knowledge/outcomes with the wider team;
• Provide strong leadership and support to colleagues, to deliver an effective and efficient service. Promote team building and collaborative working to deliver strategic and operational plans;
• Contribute to the annual and quarterly planning, budgeting process and fundraising efforts;
• Continuously develop professional knowledge and expertise, attending relevant meetings and conferences to ensure up-to-date knowledge is relevant to the role;
• Provide progress reports and monitoring updates, and log any challenges and risks that may be encountered;
• Undertake any other relevant duties and projects, in line with the responsibilities of the post.

Person specification

Essential criteria:

• Degree in Public Relations/International Studies/Politics/Law/Public Affairs or similar;
• At least 3-5 years work experience in a related position;
• Demonstrable experience in developing policy outputs or media work;
• Experience in providing high-level strategic advice to decision-makers and senior stakeholders on complex policy issues;
• Excellent written and verbal communication and diplomacy skills;
• In-depth understanding of EU policy institutions, processes and agendas, particularly regarding food and agriculture policies;
• Experience in interacting with government officials, policy-makers, and agencies and/or media. Experience in interacting with external stakeholder groups to advance policy goals;
• Experience in leadership duties and people management skills;
• Fluent verbal and written English language skills;
• Commitment to EVU’s goals.

Desirable:

• Experience in planning and implementing policy campaigns, and/or media/PR experience;
• Understanding of performance metrics and KPIs to track policy and public engagement progress;
• Understanding of the current environmental and/or food industry agenda (F2F, Green Deal, SFS, production, consumption, marketing, retail files etc.) in the EU;
• Proficiency in an additional language such as French.

Application instructions

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