Do you want to play a central role within the most influential European association of regions? Do you want to support CPMR Member regions on important challenges related to Transport and Energy? The CPMR is looking for its new Director for Transport and Energy based in Brussels or Rennes to lead its activities on Transport and Energy. We are looking for a dynamic person with strong interpersonal and drafting skills, but also a solid understanding of the EU institutional system and an understanding of EU policies affecting regional and local authorities.
WHO WE ARE | About the CPMR:
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The Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions of Europe – CPMR (www.cpmr.org) is a pan-European political association of over 150 regions in 24 countries in the European Union and beyond. It is both a think tank and an interest group for regional authorities. Since it was established in 1973, the CPMR has been acting to promote a more balanced development of the European territory. Most of its work addresses EU policies with a strong territorial impact, and has a particular focus on Cohesion Policy, the maritime dimension of all EU policies, territorial accessibility, transport, energy and climate change. The CPMR is structured around six Geographical Commissions based around Sea-basins: Baltic Sea, North Sea, Atlantic Arc, Mediterranean, Balkan and Black Sea, Islands.WHAT WE OFFER | The position: JOB TITLE Director for Transport and Energy GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE JOB To lead the activities of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions on Transport and Energy, in particular by developing technical analysis, shaping the organization’s political positions, delivering advocacy actions, and liaising with the CPMR membership. EMPLOYEE’S POSITION IN THE ORGANISATION This position reports to the Deputy Secretary General LOCATION Rennes or Brussels TYPE OF CONTRACT Permanent contract DEADLINE TO APPLY Kindly send your application to jobs@crpm.org by 30 June 2023 at 23.59 (CET) INTERVIEWS July 2023 STARTING DATE 1 September 2023 SALARY Depending on work experience
JOB DESCRIPTION | Your responsibilities
The Director will lead the activities of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions on Transport and Energy, in particular by developing technical analysis, shaping the organization’s political positions, delivering advocacy actions, and liaising with the CPMR membership. The Director will work towards: a) maintaining and reinforcing the CPMR reputation as a key EU player in the two relevant areas; b) influencing the shaping of relevant legislation.
Lead the work of the CPMR on transport and energy
- Coordinate and lead the reflection of the CPMR on Transport and Energy.
- Draft technical notes outlining key issues at stake for CPMR Member Regions and providing recommendations for the future.
- Draft specific policy positions for approval by CPMR Members at statutory meetings of the CPMR and participate in the preparation of the CPMR Final Declaration.
- Actively support the organisation of CPMR Statutory Meetings and take the lead for Transport and Energy related activities.
- Liaise with CPMR Member Regions and Geographical Commissions to seek (coordinate and embed whenever possible) their collective views on specific issues in relation to Transport and Energy, working in particular with each of the six CPMR Geographical Commissions, providing advice and taking the lead on relevant topics of interest, as necessary.
- Animate brainstorming sessions with external experts.
- Prepare speeches, speaking notes and briefing notes for the attention of the CPMR President, the CPMR Vice-President responsible for Transport, the Vice-President responsible for Climate and Energy and any other CPMR elected Member representing the CPMR.
- Lead and manage the staff assigned to the Transport and Energy team (currently 3 staff members) and liaise with all relevant colleagues on transversal topics.
Contribute to the outreach of the CPMR
- Represent the CPMR towards the EU institutions and networks.
- Organise and participate in high level conferences and seminars in line with the European agenda.
- Contribute to the communication, membership and EU project strategies of the CPMR.
Advocate on policy and regulatory framework
- Develop and maintain a network of contacts with the European Union institutions, at national and regional level, and with other relevant actors.
- Monitor developments related to the EU Transport Policy (including Territorial Cooperation, the European Social Fund and Macro-Regions) through contacts in the EU institutions, national, regional and other relevant actors (think tanks, academia, etc…)
- Lead strategic lobbying and advocacy campaigns targeted at European Union institutions during the negotiation phases of priority areas for the CPMR.
- To undertake research with CPMR Member Regions on technical issues related to transport and energy with the aim to support the advocacy campaigns of the Association.
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS REQUIRED | Are you the person we are looking for?
- Work experience of at least five years in the field of transport and/or energy policy, ideally in a local and regional government (including managing authorities of EU funds) and/or relevant national/transnational organizations (e.g. European Commission/cooperation programmes, associations of local or regional authorities) or think tanks. Expertise in a member-based politically led organisation is an asset.
- A sound knowledge of EU transport and energy policy; a strong understanding of the political debate around the two areas; ability to anticipate and track potential policy developments.
- In depth understanding of EU affairs and Brussels as a work environment.
- Good understanding of the lobbying process at EU, national, regional and local level and of complex membership-based organisations.
- Knowledge of key stakeholders and decision makers in the two fields
- A very high level of proficiency in both oral and written English is an essential prerequisite. Proficiency in 2 additional languages spoken across CPMR membership is a strong asset.
- A proven and demonstrable record in drafting technical papers and policy positions on transport and/or energy policy.
- A university degree in a relevant field (Master or Phd in EU affairs, transport or energy issues are a plus).
DESIRABLE PERSONAL SKILLS | As a person, we expect that you have/are:
- Proven ability to introduce innovative approaches and original thinking.
- Able to expose complex issues to a high-level audience in a relevant and concise manner, both orally and in writing, and to effectively communicate with politicians, civil servants and experts.
- Able to lead, manage and coordinate teamwork and delegate tasks in an appropriate and effective manner. Strong interpersonal skills, autonomy and sense of responsibility in task delivery: a team player who understands the importance of teamwork, with a ‘can-do’ attitude.
- Diplomacy skills and an understanding of different cultural contexts, able to respect and embrace the different working cultures represented within the membership of the CPMR and its Geographical Commission.
- Strong analytical skills and an ability to weigh the various interests against an overall view and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Demonstrated communication skills.
- A skilled networker able to build and maintain strong professional relationships and chorale stakeholders around a course.
- Politically astute, and able to adapt language and approach to manage unexpected and complex or politically sensitive situations.
- Able to operate effectively in a fast-paced, politically charged environment. Able to manage stress.
- Able to respect hierarchy and deadlines, and to prioritise and manage time effectively.
LOCATION
The position is based in Brussels (BE) or Rennes (FR). Travels within Europe will be required.
EMPLOYMENT TERMS
The position is offered as a permanent contract under Belgian or French law.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
Please send your CV and a brief covering letter to jobs@crpm.org with the subject: “Application Director (Transport & Energy)_September 2023” by 30 June 2023 at 23.59 (CET).
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a job interview and a written test to assess their analytical and strategic skills. Interviews and written tests are expected to take place in July in order for the position to start on the 1st of September.
DISCLAIMER
Please note that applications documents (CVs, cover letters and contact details) will be kept for a period of two years after the end of the selection process, in case other opportunities may arise. Please let us know if you disagree. Your documents will be deleted immediately.
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