Vice President, Food and Sustainability, Edelman Global Advisory
Brussels
Edelman – Global Advisory /
Full-Time /
Hybrid
Edelman Global Advisory (EGA) is a boutique international advisory firm within the Edelman network that owns the firm’s government affairs and business advisory services. We have rebranded public affairs to advisory to better capture the evolution and future of this sector. Advisory services combine business strategy, government affairs, corporate social responsibility and sustainability, and political risk analysis to help clients navigate changing political and economic dynamics. Our mission is to build trust in today’s evolving geopolitical environment.
Joining the EGA team will provide team members with the opportunity to be involved in the building of this growing firm—from creating a new culture, to redefining public affairs services, to exploring new services, such as data analytics and political risk analysis—across the regions where we operate: APAC, MENA, Europe, North America, Latin America, and India. We view ourselves as a start-up built on top of one of the world’s most recognisable brands.
About the job
Do you want to take a leading role in a team developing and deploying public affairs strategies for clients in the food and fast-moving consumer goods sectors?
Do you have between six and eight years of experience infood policy and/or in sustainability related policies, and are you interested in developing your career in European public affairs?
If so, readon to see if you’d be a good fit for our team!
Edelman Global Advisory (EGA) Brussels is looking for a talented public affairs professional with extensive experience in food and sustainability public affairs/ government relations.
Ideally, you’ll have experience working in an EU institution, in the private sector, a consultancy,not-for-profit organisations, or national government. The successful candidate will work withsome of the most well-known food companies in the world, as well assupport us to develop new business opportunities. We’re looking for someone with excellent public affairs knowledge and communications skills, an eye for detail, and who thrives on addressing complex public policy problems through evidence-driven public affairs strategies.
The year’s EU institutional changes are already beginning, so this is a great time to make changes in your EU public affairs career. Join us on our mission to shape the agenda, develop public affairs strategies, influence policy initiatives and manage issues for our clients.
Job Responsibilities
Your responsibilities are likely to include the following:
- Maintaining and developing further your knowledge of and insight into EU food policy and sustainability initiatives in their global, European and local context;
- Providing strategic and tactical advice to clients on relevant food and sustainability policy challenges and opportunities, and coordinating teams to deliver public affairs support;
- Leading client accounts, and managing junior colleagues;
- Reviewing public affairs materials on EU food and sustainability policy issues, including briefings, reports, updates, and other of client materials prepared by the team;
- Identifying and leading relevant new business development activity, including proposals to clients;
- Managing projects, including oversight and coordination of budget and resources management;
- Coordinating the development and preparation of materials for meetings, events, or other client/stakeholder engagement activities with support from colleagues;
- Supporting the Senior Vice President, as needed, in leadership activities and coordination with other offices/teams within the EGA and Edelman networks
Qualifications and requirements:
- Native or near-native level of English (oral and written) is required; ability in additional EU official and/or other European languages is desirable.
- Six to eight years of public affairs experience in an EU institution, in the private sector, a consultancy, not-for-profit organisation, a national government administration (or a combination of any of the above).
- Experience working with the food and beverage sector or on food policy is required - knowledge or experience of sustainability policy (circular economy, sustainable supply chains, sustainable agriculture and food systems) affecting the food sector or FMCGs is a plus.
- Excellent knowledge of EU decision-making processes and stakeholders– preferably with previous experience working in the EU institutions and / or Executive Agencies(including internships).
- University degree in politics, law, economics, international relations, environment or climate policy, or another relevant field.
- Excellent analytical and written skills.
- Proactive approach, willingness to take the initiative and responsibility for an assignment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – a positive, reflective approach with a self-learning attitude, and the ability to network.
- Ability to work under pressure and on multiple assignments.
- Ability to manage and lead small teams, including nurturing professional development.
- Excellent account / project management skills.
- Capability to work effectively in a varied environment and within small dynamic teams.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), additional IT skills are a plus.
- You must also have existing permission or the right to work in Belgium.
What we offer
At EGA, we believe that diversity of all types – gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, political orientation, religion, disability, socio-economic background, experience, and more – enriches our work culture. We promote and enhance a diverse, equitable, respectful, and culturally curious workplace that drives innovative thinking, cultivates diverse ideas and fosters collaboration among our people, clients, and partners. We want to make sure that newcomers and existing employees see EGA as a place where they can work, develop, and advance their careers. For our colleagues to be able to bring all of who they are to the table. Furthermore, we offer:
- A Full-time position
- Mentorship and training
- Competitive Salary and Benefits
- Access to the global EGA / Edelman network - 65 offices across the globe
- A comfortable office and a central location with a hybrid working model (3/5 office days expectation)
Edelman is a global communications firm that partners with businesses and organizations to evolve, promote and protect their brands and reputations. Our 6,000 people in more than 60 offices deliver communications strategies that give our clients the confidence to lead and act with certainty, earning the trust of their stakeholders. Our honors include the Cannes Lions Grand Prix for PR; Advertising Age’s 2019 A-List; the Holmes Report’s 2018 Global Digital Agency of the Year; and, five times, Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work. Since our founding in 1952, we have remained an independent, family-run business. Edelman owns specialty companies Edelman Data & Intelligence (DxI) and United Entertainment Group (entertainment, sports, lifestyle).
For more information please visit: www.edelman.com
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