A strong and efficient manager, passionate about European electricity legislation and the energy transition. You are highly organized, able to address daily and long-term tasks, have the highest integrity and skill to engender trust with excellent interpersonal skills able to interact at the highest level within an international and innovative organization.
YOUR POSITION
The Head of Policy and Communications is a key role in the association’s Brussels-based Secretariat, reporting directly to the Secretary General. As a member of the Management Team, they will lead and manage a section that is in charge of Policy and Communications Activities. Day to day you will be in charge of developing and operationally managing people to implement the work programme. This key position has a strong external focus, dealing with all publications and external communication, with a strong impact on policy-making through advocacy and stakeholder management. This position will also have a major impact on the way the Association is perceived by other players in the industry and by the wider public. The role includes building and maintaining relationships with key institutions such as the European Commission, the European Parliament, Agency for Cooperation of European Regulators (ACER) as well as with other associations in the energy industry.
As a Head of Section, your main tasks and responsibilities are the following:
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Thought Leadership: Contribute to the strategy aiming at positioning the Association as a thought leader in EU Energy policy development.
- Goal Setting: Contribute to the definition of the overall strategy and define the section’s short-term and long-term goals and implementation.
- Policy Development: Develop, advocate, and support the communication of relevant policy and advocacy topics.
- Creative Direction: Think creatively about communications and the channels used, working with Members’ Public Affairs teams to deliver integrated execution of initiatives.
People & Resource Management
- Team Building: Attract, develop, and retain people accordingly, ensuring the team fully supports activities.
- Coaching: Provide direction and coaching to the Managers and team members.
- Resource Allocation: Ensure efficient allocation of resources on ongoing projects and day-to-day tasks for quality and timely delivery.
- Operational Management: Define overall management objectives to ensure smooth operations and deliverables.
Governance & Member Relations
- Executive Support: Provide required support for the engagements of the Secretary-General and key role holders, including the President, Vice-President, and Chair of the Board.
- Committee Advisory: Provide appropriate and competent advice to the related committees.
- Member Engagement: Continue improving the Secretariat’s engagement with Members under the Assembly, Board, and Committees, specifically regarding the Annual Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Plan.
- Consensus Building: Provide Communications and Policy advice to Members to ensure the Secretariat delivers its work programme while taking into account their different points of view.
- Collaboration: Initiate, direct, and follow up on interactions with Members and stakeholders related to Policy, Communications, and Stakeholder Management , leveraging Member TSOs’ extensive knowledge of the political landscape.
Operational Delivery (Advocacy, Media & Events)
- Daily Oversight: Lead, coordinate, and guide daily tasks and deliverables concerning European Policy, Media & Communications, Events, Advocacy, and Stakeholder engagement initiatives.
- External Cadence: Together with the Committee group, develop a steady cadence of external communications opportunities, including external-facing events, media relations, and digital.
- Quality Control: Ensure consistency, quality, and completeness of deliverables for members’ support, external representation, and stakeholder relations.
- Execution: Ensure timely implementation of decisions and escalate decisions to the Secretary-General and Board.
- Strategy Implementation: Guide and develop approved media and communications strategy and relationships in Brussels.
YOUR PROFILE
Experience & Qualifications
- University degree with expert knowledge of European Policy and Communications with at least 10 years’ experience in the electricity sector, preferably in a European role or related Associations.
- Significant years’ people management experience and over expertise years in the electricity or energy sector, preferably in related organisations.
- Proven management experience (at least 8-10 years).
- Significant professional experience in communications and policy at a leadership level with significant and relevant experience of working at/with the EU institutions.
Sector Knowledge & Network
- Excellent understanding and experience of working with policymakers and stakeholders in Brussels to achieve strategic objectives, as well as strong knowledge of the energy and environment sector, regulation and policy discussions.
- A strong and reliable network across the EU and mindful of the European Legislative context and how to influence position papers.
- Experienced in public affairs, advocacy, issues and reputation management in the energy and environment sector.
Leadership & Management Style
- An authentic leader with a strong external focus who can act as an ambassador and uphold the Mission, Vision and Values of the Association.
- Highly organized people and project manager, able to develop and plan the work accordingly, replan where necessary and ensure outcomes are satisfactory.
- Experience working with business and opinion leaders and managing PR agencies to achieve communications goals.
Languages
- Language skills: English Native/ Fluent, other language skills are considered a plus.
Conditions & Benefits
Contract & Working Environment
- Contract Type: Permanent Belgian Contract (CDI), fully eligible for Belgian social security and tax benefits.
- Location: Based in Belgium (residency required).
- Hybrid Working Policy: Balanced teleworking model with 3 days from home and 2 days at the office per week.
- Work from Abroad: Opportunity to work from your home country (or abroad) for up to 30 days per year.
- Travel & Exposure: This role offers significant international exposure, requiring travel approximately 4 times per month and attendance at industry events (including occasional evenings).
Financial Package
- Salary: Competitive remuneration based on candidate’s profile.
- Performance Bonus: Up to 15% of the annual gross salary based on performance.
- Monthly Allowance: A net allowance of €249.48 per month.
- Mobility: Company car leasing included, complete with an electricity/fuel card.
Comprehensive Benefits
- Health & Well-being: Top-tier DKV Health Insurance covering hospitalization, ambulatory care, and dental costs—extended to cover your family members as well.
- Group Insurance: Pension/Group insurance plan included.
- Holidays: 30 days of annual leave (20 legal days + 10 extra-legal days).
- Flexible Income Plan: Options to optimize your salary package via warrants, bike leasing, and other benefits.
- Daily Perks:
- Meal Vouchers: €8.00 per worked day.
- Eco Vouchers: €250 per year.
- Connectivity: High-end smartphone provided with a generous subscription plan (up to €522 HTVA/month value).
- Professional Development: Access to continuous training opportunities.
- Security: Individual travel insurance included.
Application process
Send a CV and a cover letter at julien.schiettecatte@mavence.com mentioning “head of Policy and Communication”
