Regulatory Affairs Officer

European Boating Industry (EBI) represents the recreational boating and nautical tourism sector in Europe, with 24 national associations and 14 sustaining members. Speaking for the entire value chain, EBI works with European institutions and stakeholders to advance a sustainable boating and nautical tourism industry Made in Europe. EBI helps shape the future of recreational boating and nautical tourism in Europe through advocacy, sustainability initiatives, regulatory guidance, event platforms, studies and industry collaboration.

The sector includes approximately 32,000 companies, over 18,000 marinas, supports 280,000 direct jobs, and enables 48 million people to enjoy boating and water sports each year.

Besides its active role at EU level, EBI also holds official stakeholder status with HELCOM (Baltic Sea), OSPAR (North-East Atlantic), Mediterranean Action Plan, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the European Committee for drawing up standards in the field of inland navigation (CESNI). It is an affiliate member of UN Tourism, and member of the Tourism Manifesto Coalition, the European Circular Composites Alliance and Waterborne Technology Platform.

The sector encompasses the following subsectors:

• Manufacturers (motorboats, sailing boats, large yachts, personal watercraft)
• Manufacturers of engines, equipment and components
• Refit and maintenance yards
• Dealers and importers
• Marinas and yacht harbours
• Charter and rental companies and boating schools
• Service companies

EBI is now recruiting for a newly created position as Regulatory Affairs Officer.

Main responsibilities

• Monitor, analyse and advise on EU regulatory and policy developments relevant to the recreational boating industry (e.g. chemical regulatory processes, Biocidal Products Regulation, Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Water Framework Directive, circularity, sustainability and environmental regulation)
• Active advocacy together with EBI Team on relevant regulatory and policy files for the recreational boating industry (briefings, consultation responses, position papers and advocacy material)
• Engagement with EU institutions, agencies, expert groups and stakeholders
• Coordination with EBI Executive Committee, Taskforces and members to provide updates, draft papers and act as regulatory contact point
• Coordination with International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) to share relevant EU regulatory developments and incorporate global technical input
• Lead technical work on EU-funded projects, including on underwater noise
• Contribute to the development of communication, events and educational materials as needed, as well as work closely with the EBI Secretary-General and team on other topics

Required profile

• University degree in a relevant field preferred (e.g. EU affairs, law, political science, environmental policy, sustainability, engineering, chemistry)
• Around 2 years of relevant experience with excellent understanding of EU decision-making and stakeholders (e.g. association, EU institution, consultancy, NGO or business)
• Excellent written and spoken English, other languages are desirable
• Passion for boating and water sports is a plus

Key competencies

• Strong analytical, drafting and coordination skills
• Ability to work with industry experts, associations and policy makers
• Strong self-starter and pro-active attitude with focus on identifying opportunities
• Excellent project management skills including ability to handle multiple parallel projects and flexibility to adapt and reprioritise time-sensitive issues
• Ability to successfully work autonomously in a small team
• Ability to translate technical industry input into clear policy messages, as well as translate regulatory updates to industry realities
• Availability for work travel

The position is full-time under an initial two-year contract with the aim to extend into an unlimited contract. Candidates must already have the right to work in Belgium/EU. Remuneration for the position is competitive in line with experience and includes meal vouchers, transport reimbursement and other benefits. The position is Brussels-based with 2 days home working per week and partial remote working possible. EBI welcomes applications of all background.