Policy Officer

Position description

Founded in 1995, the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association (IBMA) is an international non-profit trade association, based in Brussels since 2013. With over 220 members globally, we represent the manufacturers of biocontrol solutions, known alternatives to control pests and diseases effectively in an environmentally friendly way in agriculture, forestry, public spaces, and gardens. A large percentage of IBMA members are small and medium Enterprises (SMEs). Our members’ solutions enhance biodiversity, soil health, and fulfil the sustainability goals consumer’s demand. More information: https://ibma-global.org/about-ibma.

Biocontrol is firmly on the policy agenda worldwide as agriculture is adapting to climate and biodiversity changes. IBMA is looking for a Policy Officer to reinforce the team. The selected candidate will have the chance to work in a friendly and multicultural environment, for an innovative and rapidly growing industry, joining our dedicated team which is passionate about the future of sustainable agriculture.

Policy Officer Role

Purpose:

• To work with European Member States -linking into IBMA National Groups where relevant- and intergovernmental bodies to advance their sustainable agricultural policies to enable the authorisation and uptake of biocontrol;
• This role will have a tangible impact on agricultural policies and decisions worldwide.

Accountabilities:

• Outreach and engagement with relevant ministries in European Member States to collaborate on potential measures to accelerate the uptake of biocontrol;
• Represent IBMA in discussions with external groups of policy makers, legislative bodies and intergovernmental organisations worldwide. In Europe, the focus would be at Member State level;
• Provide insight into the food, agriculture and environment policy framework and priorities in Member states;
• Establish, manage and lead where necessary advocacy within the National Groups to ensure advancement of IBMA goals at National level;
• Co-ordinate IBMA National Groups feedback on consultations and IBMA proposals and distil feedback into consensus messages;
• Co-ordinate with other IBMA team members to ensure alignment between all IBMA’s advocacy workstreams;
• Build and maintain good working relationships with key contacts in the European Commission, EFSA, FAO, UNEP and other relevant stakeholders;
• Develop knowledge of FAO and CABI work on biocontrol regulation and implementation especially in LMIC;
• Participate in the UNEP FARM Project linking into IBMA Kenya and other National Associations outside Europe where relevant.

Skills and Qualifications

IBMA will offer on the job training in biocontrol to the right candidate. Experience in the Brussels and/or Member State(s) political environment is key. The job would suit a graduate with 2-5 years’ experience.

The complete list of desired skills is below:

• Political Science and/or Science degree, ideally in biological or agricultural sciences;
• English and at least one other European language, preferably German;
• Established Brussels and Member State network including European Parliament, European Commission, Member States Ministries and Permanent Representations in Brussels;
• Ability to network effectively and diplomatically in a multi-cultural environment;
• Good teamworking and consultative leadership approach, capable of listening and distilling varied opinions from stakeholders and members to find common ground;
• Good understanding of agriculture, sustainability issues and policies across Europe and ideally globally;
• Demonstrable interest in the biocontrol industry or a related field and a willingness to learn.

We offer: A permanent full-time contract under Belgian law with a competitive remuneration package including extra-legal paid leave, group insurance, lunch vouchers and a pension scheme.

The Policy Officer position is Brussels based and will collaborate closely with the Senior Advocacy and Outreach Manager. The Secretariat work is based in Brussels but is carried out throughout the world with frequent European travel and occasional intercontinental travel. Economy class travel is paid by the Association.

Start date: January 2024 or earlier

Application instructions

All queries should be sent by email to: [email protected]. To apply, please send your CV (including 2 references) and cover letter (1 page maximum) by email - with subject line Policy Officer – Application – [email protected] by 4th October 2024 COB;

Suitable applicants will be invited for an interview at the Brussels offices in the week commencing 14 October 2024.

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