Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, is both the forum and voice of the European chemical industry. Representing some of the world’s largest multinational brands, Cefic aims to maintain and develop a prosperous chemical industry in Europe by promoting the best possible economic, social and environmental conditions to bring benefits to society.
The chemical industry is a pillar of the European economy: a €527 billion industry showing a €49 billion trade surplus, providing over 1 million direct jobs and nearly 2.5 million indirect jobs in Europe.
Yet chemistry is all but invisible to most consumers, who don't associate it with the everyday technology and healthcare on which they depend. Our industry's products are essential to 95% of everything manufactured: hygiene, health, mobility, construction, computers and electronics all rely on the chemical industry. Our sector is also critical to meeting future needs, such as developing renewable energy sources or managing scarce resources.
Cefic is located in Brussels (Auderghem) and employs more than 160 people – one of the largest trade associations in the world. Cefic represents the European chemical industry vis-à-vis EU institutions and involves its member federations and companies in European advocacy.
Cefic is looking for a highly experienced Executive Director Public Affairs (M/F) to lead its recently integrated advocacy and communications functions. This is an exciting opportunity to join Cefic’s leadership team and shape the work of the newly formed Public Affairs Team at the early stages of the new EU Commission’s legislative agenda. The successful candidate would be accountable for Cefic’s Advocacy and Communications Strategy. He or she would be expected to work closely with and report to the Director General, some of the most senior figures in European industry and national associations to introduce innovative ways of working, appropriate to the new political landscape, in order to help Cefic achieve its goals and deliver value back to members.
The summary of the primary responsibilities of the job are:
- Develop and deploy an advocacy and communications strategy for representing the interests and views of the European Chemical industry to political audiences at European and International level;
- Lead a team of 12 advocacy and communications professionals;
- Support the internal departments (Industrial Policy, Product Stewardship, Energy & HSE, Research & Innovation, Sustainability, Legal & Institutional Affairs) in developing effective, industry-wide positions for communication and advocacy purposes;
- Identify and organise alliances with other industry organisations and multistakeholder coalitions as appropriate;
- Orchestrate joint advocacy and communications plans across the European chemical industry network (national associations/affiliated associations and companies) to achieve the agreed objectives;
- Develop and execute, together with the national associations, a communication plan with the overall aim of enhancing the reputation of the chemical industry;
- Present regular updates to Cefic Board and support the Cefic Board member responsible for Advocacy and Communications to ensure highly valued outcomes for members.
- Enhance relationships with targeted decision-makers and influencers across Brussels-based EU institutions; industry peers, NGOs, think tanks and academia;
- Cultivate and maintain strong media relationships, with particular emphasis on social media channels;
- Serve as executive editor for the development, production and maintenance of the Federation’s internal and external communications vehicles including websites, publications and reports;
- Ensure consistency of messaging throughout all activities;
- As an official spokesperson, advocate and represent Cefic in official and professional bodies in order to communicate and safeguard the interests of the industry;
- Identify and ensure Cefic’s compliance with all relevant regulations, guidelines and protocols concerning lobbying and communications activity, including Cefic’s representation in EU Transparency Register;
- Oversee professional, high quality delivery of Cefic external events.
Profile
- Strong academic background in communications, political science, business or relevant discipline;
- Extensive relevant working experience with decision-making responsibilities at a senior level within a government institution, international company, association or as a consultant;
- Superior verbal and written skills adaptable to different audiences;
- Proficiency in English; skills in at least one other major European language would be advantageous;
- Politically aware and astute e.g. proven track record delivering complex policy outcomes; forming coalitions and alliances to deliver outcomes with others; engaging effectively with senior politicians and civil servants;
- Relevant media handling/spokesperson experience;
- Strong leadership and team management capabilities.