Overall description
We are looking for a dynamic, well-organized, and self-motivated Policy Officer to join the Copa-Cogeca General affairs team.
Farmers and agricultural cooperatives are at the centre of many of the initiatives of the European Green Deal launched in 2019. Environment and biodiversity issues are fundamental to these initiatives. Therefore, Copa-Cogeca is looking for a candidate who could fulfil a key advisory and advocacy role in the development of our current and future policy positions. As Environment and Biodiversity Policy Officer you will oversee the management of working parties in contact with the members and you will represent and defend the positions developed within these working parties both internally and externally. You will also work on European projects related to your areas of expertise.
This position will require superior attention to detail, strategic thinking, and a good understanding of both agriculture and policymaking. We are looking for a candidate that will be able to plan and meet tight deadlines with a high degree of care and diplomacy and who shows the same level of commitment to all kinds of tasks - from the most technical to the most operational ones. A candidate that has a real desire to defend the EU farming sector and the willingness to innovate and propose new working methods to continue to improve our advocacy strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor European policy initiatives and projects with the aim to identify emerging trends and issues, particularly in the areas related to: agriculture biodiversity, water use in agriculture and research and innovation;
- Follow the latest academic publications and statistical reports relating to the topic;
- Provide thorough detailed analysis for Copa-Cogeca members and develop Copa-Cogeca positions on issues related to Environment and Biodiversity;
- Organise and coordinate the respective Copa-Cogeca Working Parties seeking efficiency and compromise;
- Develop, in collaboration with members and other external partners, networking and advocacy activities to influence EU stakeholders and EU institutions;
- Report to the General Affairs Director and collect feedback from colleagues working on sectorial issues to enhance Copa-Cogeca positions;
- Coordinate the work of the European projects in which Copa-Cogeca is involved;
- Prepare communication strategies and respond to press enquiries;
Basic Qualifications
- University degree (B.Sc or M.Sc) in agronomy, biology, environmental sciences or a political science with an extensive knowledge of agriculture topics;
- At least a first professional experience in agriculture (or related issue) at European level;
- A good understanding of the European Green Deal, EU Biodiversity Strategy, CAP, and other relevant EU policies;
- Thorough knowledge of the inner workings of the EU and its institutions;
- Experience of working with media and other means of communication;
- Excellent organization, planning, time management and problem-solving skills;
- Experience with Microsoft 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, etc.);
- Written and spoken fluency in English (C1 or higher) and a good command of French (B2 or higher);
- A high level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information, as well as professionalism in dealing with high-level politicians and stakeholders is of vital importance;
Preferred Qualifications
- Proven track record in developing and influencing policy;
- On-field farming or related experience would be highly appreciated;
- Experience working in and/or leading coalitions/working parties;
- Experience building networks of key stakeholders;
- Experience with European projects is a plus;
- Fluency in additional European languages.
We offer...
- A long-term, full-time contract to start rapidly;
- Additional benefits include group insurance, meal vouchers, and reimbursement of local transportation costs.
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