Senior Adviser (European Policy) - NATIONAL FARMERS UNION - Bruxelles

Senior Adviser (European Policy)

Based at the British Agriculture Bureau (BAB) in Brussels

Grade 5 - Competitive benefits package

About the role

This exciting role will see you working in the heart of Europe at an unprecedented and unique time, interacting with policymakers who are shaping the future of the changing UK/EU relationship. Following our departure from the EU, the UK is establishing its own trade and agricultural policies, but everyday decisions made in Brussels will remain important and impactful to our farming membership.

As part of a small team:

• You will be an advocate for the tens of thousands of UK Farming Union members.
• You will represent and champion their views within the European farmers’ organisation COPA, to policy makers in the EU institutions and UK government.
• You will build new and influential relations with organisations in the agri-food supply chain and representatives from other non-EU countries based in Brussels and further afield.
• You will monitor, analyse, report on and assess developments in Europe and advise the UK Farming Unions on issues that will potentially impact on our members, including the future EU/UK trade relationship.

About You

We are looking for a proactive and innovative individual who can develop and carry out engagement strategies with both European and UK stakeholders. You will need to have a proven track record of influencing and negotiating with diplomacy and tact, having used these skills to build alliances and consensus. Candidates must be able to demonstrate an understanding of UK and European agricultural and trade issues and wider legislative processes.

You will possess excellent analytical skills with an ability to quickly get to grips with technical files and be a flexible, team player who is supportive in covering for colleagues. Excellent communication skills, the ability to interact with a variety of audiences and engage with the media, alongside fluency in English is essential. You will also need to have excellent English writing skills as you will be expected to write high quality reports, briefings, meeting notes, blogs, magazine and online articles and give presentations. You will need to be flexible and prepared to attend networking events, sometime outside of normal working hours, to assist in building a professional network and outreach.

You will need to be located in Brussels and be willing to travel throughout the UK and the EU when necessary, sometimes at short notice.

Who we are?

BAB represents the interests of English, Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish farmers in Brussels. We are the voice of UK farmers; members are at the heart of what we do. On their behalf we lobby government and other stakeholders, develop policy and provide a range of frontline services.

Why Join Our Team?

Working for BAB means working alongside great people, who are recognised for their knowledge and expertise. Benefits include 25 days annual leave (plus statutory Belgian bank holidays), along with a competitive salary, private medical insurance and other benefits.

You will be employed on a Belgian contract and pay tax and social security in Belgium. Final appointment will depend on securing a work permit/visa, if necessary.

The initial length of the contract will be for 2 years, mutually extendable for a maximum period of a further 2 years.

At BAB, we embrace the unique worth of everyone from all backgrounds, identities and circumstance. As a Professional, Resourceful, United and Inclusive organisation, we strive to celebrate all individuals. We are committed to creating a sense of belonging, educating and developing an inclusive community, and welcoming the value of diversity.

As a lobbying organisation BAB staff will primarily be based in the Brussels office or out and about with members, but we are currently piloting a ‘hybrid working’ scheme that gives colleagues the choice of working from home for part of the week. Please discuss this with us as part of the recruitment process if you have any questions about this.

Application/further information:

If you believe you are an enthusiastic individual who can take on the challenges and opportunities this role provides, please complete the link in English.

We encourage candidates to submit their applications as early as possible and not to wait until the published closing date. We reserve the right to remove this advert or close it to further applications at any point during the recruitment process.

For an informal chat about the position please contact BAB Director, Robin Manning, on +32 (0)478 17 05 82.

Closing Date: 8 June 2022 at midnight

Interview Date: 22 June 2022