Position

• Location: Brussels.
• Type of Contract: Full-time
• Report to: Ohana Public Affairs’ Head of Circularity
• Starting date: As soon as possible.
• Apply through this link. We will fill the position as soon as we identify the right candidate.

Ohana Public Affairs is a Brussels-based boutique public affairs consultancy, recognised by Best in Brussels. Specialised in EU sustainability policies, we are looking for a new (Senior) Consultant specialising in eco-design, chemicals (including substances of concern, revision of REACH Regulation, chemical restrictions such as PFAS) and potentially microfibres.

Level of employment depending on years of experience and qualifications.

You will work in close partnership and collaboration with the Head of Circularity Policy and the rest of the Circularity team.  

You have experience in working in sustainability, preferably have a solid consultancy experience, a deep understanding of the EU policy and policy processes. You are enthusiastic, self-driven and eager to work in a small, but growing company.

Responsibilities

1.  Act as account manager for some clients:

• Manage day to day client relationships and raise issues when needed to founder and other colleagues;
• Deliver clear, precise and client-driven analysis and advice;
• Represent clients in policy debates and meetings with policy makers, industry associations.
• Lead client meetings
• Deliver project work within budget.

2.   Lead on specific policies (see listed above) for the office and clients:

• Other policy areas under product communication could also be of relevance;
• Monitor EU developments and delivering up to date intelligence on the above files;
• Recommend and implement public affairs strategies and activities for clients on relevant files,
• Liaise with European institutions and other stakeholders; Attending relevant institutional and stakeholder events.

3.  Contribute to Ohana mission of driving change through awareness-raising by

• Deliver specific sessions in our webinar based services;
• Contribute with articles to Ohana website and other relevant media,
• Opportunities for speaking at events on behalf of Ohana Public Affairs.

4.  Support Head of circularity on issues around public affairs and team support:

• Acts as sparring partner for junior colleagues
• Regular coordination with colleagues across teams (project management)

Qualifications

• 3-6 years’ work experience as EU public affairs expert in EU sustainability policy matters. Consultancy and/or in-house corporate background is a plus;
• Deep interest in sustainability and in working with organisations driving positive change on sustainability and creating positive impacts through policies;
• Deep understanding of European policy making process and EU Institutions;
• Proven ability to develop high-impact, multi-level external advocacy programs and strategies;
• Solid knowledge of sustainability issues and ability to facilitate this knowledge into well-articulated arguments;
• Clear thinking/problem solving; ability to simplify strategy into specific actions with clear accountability and make decisions with speed and accuracy based on best available information;
• Experience working with and advising stakeholders; Project management experience
• Proven track-record in network building among EU Affairs professionals;
• A good team player, willing to contribute at every level;
• Well organised and able to manage multiple priorities and varying pressures to meet measurable targets and strict deadlines;
• A proactive & strategic mindset, focus on the client, a dynamic, quick-thinking approach to work, a good eye for detail and strong analytical skills; Comfortable with public speaking;
• Fluent English skills (speaking and writing) – additional languages are a plus.

Why join us?

We are committed to driving positive steps towards sustainability through public affairs and to the belief that it is possible to work alongside organisations and help them grow while still advancing sustainability.

We are all about enabling growth by giving our team full autonomy to manage their own projects, be a thought leader on your own files and truly make an impact on the company. Ohana has a non-hierarchical, friendly working environment within an effectively managed structure.

Our small teams work closely together based on our core values: honesty, simplicity, determination, empathy and respect.

Opportunities this position would bring to the successful candidate:

• Work on challenging assignments on topical political issues;
• Focus on in-depth understanding of sustainability issues;
• Gain technical knowledge of the textile sector;
• Gain visibility through public speaking.