Policy Analyst - Governance Team
IEEP - Institute for European Environmental Policy
Brussels or London
The Role
IEEP has a vacancy for a full time Policy Analyst within the environmental governance programme. It is a key role within a busy and dynamic team focussing on the development and implementation of a wide range of strategic and cross-cutting European environmental policy issues at both European and national level.
We are seeking someone capable of both initiating and undertaking projects under tight deadlines, involving frequent contact with the European Commission and other key stakeholders. An ability to grasp and assess both technical EU budget and political issues and prepare fluent and cogent reports in English is critical. A successful candidate will need to have the skills and confidence to represent the Institute at a variety of fora in Brussels and elsewhere. For the right candidate there is an opportunity to make a real difference to policy outcomes.
Job Overview: The work will be varied, interesting and intellectually demanding. You will be involved in a range of projects of different size, timescale and subject matter nthat will overlap in their timing. You will be leading some and contributing analysis and inputs to others, including studies led by other teams at IEEP. Projects address all stages of the policy process, including agenda-setting, formulation, practical implementation and evaluation. Both the EU and national levels are of relevance and we cover legislative and funding instruments as well as novel approaches.
The programme has particular strengths in relation to strategic approaches to EU environmental policy, including forward looking plans (the 7th Environment Action Programme), policy integration, impact assessment, policy implementation and better regulation. Climate and environmental “proofing” of the EU budget and the reform of EU Cohesion Policy currently are priority topics with a growing portfolio of projects in 2012 and beyond. Project financing and the governance of eco-innovation and resource efficiency are emerging areas of strategic interest. The successful candidate will particularly play a role in reinforcing IEEP’s activities in the broader area of the EU budget and its links to the green economy discussion.
The principal aspects of the role are:
· Researching and drafting reports led by yourself or others, which typically will focus on policy issues, at a European or national level (such as environment in the EU budget);
· Undertaking literature reviews, interviews, the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, interviews, workshops and case studies;
· Assisting with, and in some cases leading, the preparation of tenders and funding proposals;
· Playing a role in project development, management and administration;
· Providing regular briefing notes on developments in EU general and crosscutting policy issues and their implications;
· Working with colleagues to develop robust policy positions on behalf of the Institute;
· Promoting policy messages to wider audiences, beyond immediate client groups or sponsors, inter alia through contributing to the Institute's communication, outreach and training activities. This will involve presentations to conferences and workshops;
· Supporting the development of the team’s knowledge base and IEEP publications by attending relevant meetings and conferences (mostly in Brussels) and compiling relevant literature;
· Working with colleagues to organise and facilitate meetings, workshops, seminars etc as needed;
· Contributing to updates of the Institute’s award winning Manual of Environmental Policy.
· Contributing to the overall day-to-day operation of IEEP and helping to organise internal activities, as necessary.
Role in the Institute
The postholder will be a member of the 6 person governance programme, led by Dr Axel Volkery. The postholder will also work closely with other London and Brussels staff and on occasion contribute to projects led by other IEEP teams. IEEP is a relatively small organisation, so like other staff, the postholder will be required to show commitment and flexibility in undertaking a range of general tasks in pursuit of the smooth running, effectiveness and development of the Institute.
The successful candidate will enter an intellectually challenging and fast-paced environment, where the opportunities for learning and for making a difference are great. You will also join a cohesive and supportive team that is committed to the professional development of all of its members.
Person-specification
The ideal candidate will have the following attributes.
Skills and personal attributes
· Excellent analytical and report writing skills;
· Excellent written and spoken English and the ability to present information in a clear, precise and accessible style in this language;
· Excellent understanding of the role of policy;
· Good networking skills;
· Good public speaking and presentational skills;
· Demonstrable ability to take initiatives;
· Proven ability to work as part of a small team.
· Enthusiasm and adaptability to work across a range of subjects.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
· A postgraduate degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. political sciences, economics, public management, law);
· A sound knowledge of environmental policy, preferably at EU level, coupled with a broad understanding of the EU environmental ‘acquis’;
· A proven understanding of the role of public sector financing in relation to the creation of a greener economy and infrastructure, preferably at EU level;
· Significant relevant work experience and proven capacity to deliver work;
· Specific experience of policy related work;
· Demonstrable ability to plan and manage tasks efficiently, to work under pressure and to meet tight deadlines.
Desirable:
· A good understanding and proven work experience on broader EU budget matters, programming of EU funds and approaches to project financing;
· Relevant expertise in the fields of eco-innovation or resource efficiency or policy implementation
· Understanding and knowledge of EU affairs, covering strategies, policies and institutions, and policy-making processes;
· Knowledge of the principles and methods of environmental economics;
· Proficiency (written and spoken) in a European language other than English – knowledge of French would be especially advantageous.
