Director for Transport

Do you want to play a central role within the most influential European association of regions? Do you want to support CPMR Member regions on important challenges related to Transport?

The CPMR is looking for its new Director for Transport to lead its activities on Transport.

We are looking for a dynamic person with strong interpersonal and drafting skills, but also a solid understanding of the EU institutional system and of EU policies affecting regional and local authorities.

WHAT WE OFFER | The position:

JOB TITLE: Director for Transport

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE JOB: To lead the activities of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions on Transport, in particular by developing technical analysis, shaping and drafting the organisation’s political and technical positions, delivering advocacy actions, and liaising with the CPMR membership, including the participation in relevant meetings and events and the management of a small team.

EMPLOYEE’S POSITION IN THE ORGANISATION: This position reports to the Secretary General

LOCATION: Preferably in Brussels. Alternatively in Rennes or Barcelona

TYPE OF CONTRACT: Permanent contract under Belgian, French or Spanish legislation (with correspondent trial period foreseen by law)

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Kindly send your application to [email protected] by 19 May 2025 at 23.59 (CET)

INTERVIEWS: May-June 2025

STARTING DATE: As soon as possible, preferably 1 July

SALARY: Depending on work experience and seniority (60-80k annual gross salary)

JOB DESCRIPTION | Your responsibilities

The Director will lead the activities of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions on Transport, in particular by developing technical analysis, shaping the organisation’s political positions, delivering advocacy actions, and liaising with the CPMR membership.

The Director will work towards: a) maintaining and reinforcing the CPMR reputation as a key EU player in this area; b) influencing the shaping of relevant legislation and policies.

• Lead the work of the CPMR on transport policy

  • Coordinate and lead the reflection of the CPMR on Transport as well as the CPMR Working Group on Transport, in close coordination with the leading regions (e.g. VP for Transport and WG Chair) and the Secretary General, ensuring high participation of CPMR members and alignment with overall strategic priorities.

  • Draft technical notes, analyses, studies and or responses to consultations outlining key issues at stake for CPMR Member Regions and providing recommendations for the future.

  • Draft specific policy positions for approval by CPMR Members at statutory meetings of the CPMR and participate in the preparation of the CPMR Final Declaration or any other transversal proposal.

  • Actively support the organisation of CPMR Statutory Meetings and take the lead for Transport related activities.

  • Liaise with CPMR Member Regions and Geographical Commissions to seek (coordinate and embed whenever possible) their collective needs, expertise and views on specific issues in relation to Transport, working in particular with each of the six CPMR Geographical Commissions, providing advice and taking the lead on relevant topics of interest, as necessary.

  • Animate brainstorming sessions with external experts.

  • Prepare speeches, speaking notes and briefing notes for the attention of the CPMR President, the CPMR Vice-President responsible for Transport, the Transport WG leading regions, and any other CPMR elected Member representing the CPMR, as well as for the Secretary General.

  • Lead, coach and manage the staff assigned to the Transport team (currently 3 staff members) and liaise with all relevant colleagues on transversal topics.

  • Actively participate in events hosted by CPMR member regions, while also ensuring and coordinating the regular organisation and facilitation of meetings for the CPMR Transport Working Group.

• Contribute to the outreach of the CPMR

  • Represent the CPMR towards the EU institutions and networks.

  • Organise and participate in high level conferences and seminars in line with the European agenda.

  • Contribute to the communication, membership and EU project strategies of the CPMR.

• Advocate on policy and regulatory framework

  • Develop and maintain a network of contacts, alliances and partnerships with the European Union institutions, at national and regional level, and with other relevant actors.

  • Monitor developments related to the EU Transport Policy (e.g. TEN-T, CEF, Aviation, Alternative Fuels, Maritime transport, emerging EU legislation & transversal/complementary policies such as the Clean Industry Deal, the forthcoming STIP, EU Ports Strategy, Territorial Cooperation, Macro-Regions, among others) through contacts in the EU institutions, national, regional and other relevant actors (think tanks, academia, etc…)

  • Lead strategic lobbying and advocacy campaigns targeted at European Union Institutions during the negotiation phases of priority areas for the CPMR (including organising and participating in strategic meetings with MEPs, EU Commissioners, EC’s high-level officials, representatives of Member States, co-defining joint campaigns with partner organisations etc.).

  • To undertake research, analysis, benchmarks and or exchange of best practices with CPMR Member Regions on technical issues related to transport with the aim to support the advocacy activities of the Association.

  • Availability for frequent travel across Europe.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS REQUIRED | Are you the person we are looking for?

• A sound knowledge of EU transport policy; a strong understanding of the political debate around this area; ability to anticipate and track potential policy developments.

• Work experience of at least 5-7 years in the field of transport policy, ideally in a local and regional government (including managing authorities of EU funds) and/or relevant national/transnational organisations (e.g. European Commission/cooperation programmes, associations of local or regional authorities) or think tanks. Expertise in a member-based politically led organisation is an asset.

• In depth understanding of EU affairs and Brussels as a work environment.

• Good understanding of the lobbying process at EU, national, regional and local level and of complex membership-based organisations.

• Knowledge of key stakeholders and decision makers in this field and good network of contacts.

• A very high level of proficiency in both oral and written English is an essential prerequisite. Proficiency in 1-2 additional languages spoken across CPMR membership is a strong asset (e.g. French, Italian, Spanish)

• A proven and demonstrable record in drafting technical papers and or policy positions on transport policy (or addressing transports) and facilitating seminars, workshops and conferences.

• A university degree in a relevant field (Master or Phd in EU affairs, Public Policies, Transport are a plus).

• Direct experience managing or participating in EU projects involving regions and or related to transport is a plus.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Teams).

• Team management experience.

DESIRABLE PERSONAL SKILLS | As a person, we expect that you have/are:

• Proven ability to introduce innovative approaches as well as original and creative thinking and to translate it into concrete deliverables.

• Able to expose complex issues to a high-level audience in a relevant and concise manner, both orally and in writing, and to effectively communicate with politicians, civil servants and experts.

• Able to lead, manage and coordinate teamwork and delegate tasks in an appropriate and effective manner. Strong interpersonal skills, autonomy and sense of responsibility in task delivery: a result-oriented motivating team leader and team player who understands the importance of teamwork, with a ‘can-do’ attitude.

• Diplomacy skills and an understanding of different cultural contexts, able to respect and embrace the different working cultures represented within the membership of the CPMR and its Geographical Commission.

• Strong analytical skills and an ability to weigh the various interests against an overall view and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

• Demonstrated communication skills.

• A skilled networker able to build and maintain strong professional relationships and chorale stakeholders around a course.

• Politically astute, and able to adapt language and approach to manage unexpected and complex or politically sensitive situations.

• Able to operate effectively in a fast-paced, politically charged environment. Able to manage stress.

• Able to respect guidelines and deadlines, and to prioritise and manage time effectively.

LOCATION

The position is preferably based in Brussels (BE). Alternatively in Rennes (FR) or Barcelona (ES) where the CPMR also has offices. The position requires frequent travel across Europe (e.g. Brussels and regions members of the CPMR).

EMPLOYMENT TERMS

The position is offered as permanent contract under Belgian, French or Spanish legislation (with correspondent trial period foreseen by law).

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Please send your CV and a brief covering letter to [email protected] with the subject:“Application Transport Director_ 2025” by 19 May 2025 at 23.59 (CET).

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a job interview and a written test to assess their analytical and strategic skills.

Interviews and written tests are expected to take place in May-June. The position is expected to start as soon as possible, preferably at the beginning of July.