After an exciting period of growth, DeHavilland EU is recruiting for an EU Policy Assistant to extend its office in Brussels.
DeHavilland is the definitive provider of political intelligence, monitoring, research and consulting services in the UK & EU based in London and Brussels. Our services help public affairs professionals track, monitor and evaluate the impact of the political environment, enabling them to effectively plan, implement and evaluate their organisation’s objectives.
The successful candidate will join a small, but fast-paced office, coordinating closely with colleagues based in London. The position will allow the successful candidate to use their reporting, research skills and online information management skills and gain insight into EU policy-making, working closely with the EU team, whilst developing their knowledge of EU affairs.
This role is to be filled at the beginning of January and would suit a professional with a first experience in EU affairs. This position offers a rare opportunity to combine an interest in EU journalism, policy and research. The position offers excellent development opportunities and would suit anyone who is contemplating a career in journalism or public affairs.
Job description
- Attend and report on political events in Brussels producing clear, concise and engaging reports on developments, with focus on the European Parliament;
- Edit and review work prior to publication ensuring that it is grammatically correct, meets the highest possible standards and is written in a clear and concise manner;
- Support planning activities and liaise with freelance journalists coordinating coverage;
- Compile agreed updates and intelligence on daily and weekly developments;
- Produce biographies and profiles for EU officials;
- Contribute to research and reports working closely with the EU team in Brussels and London;
- Manage online content on the client facing web portal;
- Manage and contribute to social media content;
- Provide general support to the team as directed by the EU Service Manager.
Key skills, experience and competencies
- A genuine interest in and knowledge of the EU policies and the political process;
- Completed degree in journalism, political science, European affairs or equivalent;
- First-class writing and oral skills in English at native level or equivalent;
- Excellent writing, editing and layout skills used to compose regular updates and contribute to briefings;
- Ability to deliver information accurately in a fast-paced environment and to think quickly to provide insights and perspective on EU/industry/civil society reports;
- Experience in providing written work to tight deadlines;
- A keen eye for quality and attention to detail;
- Strong communicator and interpersonal skills;
- A flexible team-player with a high degree of motivation and pro-activeness;
- Excellent time management skills and the ability to multi-task;
- Self-sufficiency and self-starter working in a small satellite office;
- Proficient in MS Word, Excel and Outlook.
Desirable skills
- Experience in the European Parliament or in any of the other EU institutions;
- Interest in and knowledge of specific policy areas – transport, manufacturing and industry – is a benefit;
- Experience in journalism, online publishing and social media;
- Experience and an interest in online information management and InDesign.