I have been approached by the European subsidiary of one of the largest companies in the world to help it find a strategic comms professional with expertise in European public policy and affairs.

As a guide to the level you’re looking at up to 85k euros base salary, plus bonus and benefits. 

You will join a strategic comms division that provides information on, analysis of, and advice on, all European policy developments relevant to the energy sector and business, including the European Green Deal and Fit for 55. More specifically, you will work very closely with the head of policy and strategic comms to implement campaigns under the team’s European political intelligence and policy analysis workstream.

It’s a role offering a lovely breadth across public affairs, policy, reputation management, crisis comms and more. As an example the remit will include:
– providing advice on public and policy makers’ perception of the company, its operations and strategy in its European markets
– building valuable ties with key stakeholders and members of the local community, as well as analysing potential risks and opportunities in the area of stakeholder engagement
– providing input to planned internal and external communications activities, ensuring that all partnerships, citizenship programs, sponsorships and other brand-related activities and engagement campaigns across European markets are aligned with the relevant policies in the EU and UK.

You’ll be joining a growing comms team which has worked hard to get a seat at the table within the business, recognised as adding genuine value as opposed to being seen as ‘just’ a service. As such it’s a team that tends to suit strong personalities who know how to engage and educate stakeholders, and who are able to push back diplomatically when appropriate. 

Other facts and figures:
– the role will be based in the Netherlands and the team is open to candidates relocating from the UK or Europe. It does, however, require someone whose career has been in Europe to ensure familiarity with its political and business landscape
– the position will likely involve a fair amount of European travel, especially to the London office. An excellent standard of written and spoken English is also essential

– all employees go in on a 12 month contract initially. It is common practice for them to subsequently become permanent

– you get to work nine days per fortnight (the entire office is closed every other Friday), with one day a week from home
– expertise in corporate communications and European policy analysis, either in-house or at a strategic communications consultancy, is essential

– experience related to the EU and UK energy sector would be advantageous. Within that, experience in the areas of energy transition, sustainability (ESG) and European advertising standards would be particularly valuable