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 maritime affairs?
The CPMR is looking for its new Policy Officer (Maritime Affairs and relations with the European Parliament).
We are looking for a dynamic person with strong interpersonal and drafting skills, but also a solid understanding of the EU institutional system and EU policies affecting regional and local authorities.
Who We Are | About the CPMR
The Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions of Europe – CPMR (www.cpmr.org) is a pan-European political association of around 140 regions in 24 countries in the European Union and beyond. It is both a think tank and an interest group for regional authorities. Since it was established in 1973, the CPMR has been acting to promote a more balanced development of the European territory. Most of its work addresses EU policies with a strong territorial impact, and has a particular focus on Cohesion Policy, the maritime dimension of all EU policies, territorial accessibility, transport, energy and climate change. The CPMR is structured around six Geographical Commissions based around sea basins: Baltic Sea, North Sea, Atlantic Arc, Mediterranean, Balkan and Black Sea, and Islands.
What We Offer | The Position
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Job Title: Policy Officer (Maritime Affairs and relations with the European Parliament)
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General Description of the Job: To support the work of the CPMR on maritime affairs and its role as secretariat of the European Parliament’s Seas, Rivers, Islands and Coastal Areas Intergroup (SEArica).
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Employee’s Position in the Organisation: This position reports to the Director responsible for Maritime Affairs and Climate.
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Location: Brussels
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Type of Contract: Permanent contract under Belgian legislation
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Deadline to Apply: Kindly send your application to [email protected] by 27 August 2025 at 23:59 (CET)
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Interviews: First week of September
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Starting Date: As soon as possible, preferably in September
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Salary: Depending on work experience and seniority (35-43k annual gross salary)
Job Description
The Policy Officer will dedicate her/his time to the following main activities:
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Provide support and animate the Secretariat of the European Parliament Intergroup on Seas, Rivers, Islands and Coastal Areas (SEArica)
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Provide key assistance to the Maritime Affairs team of the CPMR General Secretariat
Main Responsibilities
In relation to supporting the SEArica Intergroup
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Coordinate the SEArica Intergroup Secretariat (e.g. contact with APAs/MEPs, key stakeholders) and contribute to the organisation of events in line with the objectives and aspirations of the SEArica Intergroup
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Manage the Intergroup website and communications
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Support the CPMR Geographical Commissions and Directors in terms of their contact with the European Parliament, in line with the activities of the Intergroup
In relation to supporting activities related to Maritime Affairs
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Provide policy support to the CPMR maritime team on specific areas to be agreed with the CPMR Director responsible for Maritime Affairs
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Attend and report on external events organised by European institutions or by CPMR Member Regions
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Provide key support in coordinating the relations of the CPMR with relevant organisations in the framework of a sustainable blue economy
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Take responsibility for organising conferences and seminars in line with the CPMR work programme for Maritime Affairs
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Support the CPMR Geographical Commissions and Directors in terms of their contact with the European Parliament, in line with the activities of the Intergroup
Tasks and Duties
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Preparation of briefing notes, technical papers and policy positions for the SEArica Intergroup and the CPMR
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Liaising with CPMR Members and representatives from the European Commission, European Parliament, Council as well as with relevant maritime stakeholders and organisations, when necessary and under the supervision of the Director
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Organise meetings and events and alliances under the supervision of the Director
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Contributing to the implementation of EU projects in relation to the organisation of European Parliament-based events under the supervision of the Director
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Contribute to the communications activities of the CPMR in coordination with the Director on Communication
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Coordinate with relevant CPMR Geographical Commissions’ staff for the coherent implementation of the assigned functions
Qualifications and Skills Required | Are you the person we are looking for?
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A university degree in a relevant field (e.g. EU affairs, political science, economics, maritime affairs)
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In-depth understanding of EU affairs and Brussels as a work environment
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Knowledge and personal interest in EU Maritime Policies is a strong asset
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At least 1-2 years of experience in EU affairs, preferably working with EU institutions
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Experience with or at the European Parliament will be an asset
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Good understanding of the lobbying process at EU, national, regional and local level and of complex membership-based organisations
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Knowledge of key stakeholders and decision-makers in this field and good network of contacts
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Event organisational and communication skills, particularly relating to social media
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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, etc.)
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Teams)
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Experience managing or participating in EU projects and managing small teams (e.g. interns) is an added value
Desirable Personal Skills | As a person, we expect that you have/are:
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A skilled networker able to build and maintain strong professional relationships and chorale stakeholders around a course
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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
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Strong interpersonal skills, autonomy and sense of responsibility in task delivery: a team player who understands the importance of teamwork, with a ‘can-do’ attitude
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Analytical skills and an ability to weigh the various interests against an overall view and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
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Politically astute, and able to adapt language and approach to manage unexpected and complex or politically sensitive situations
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Ability to introduce innovative approaches as well as original and creative thinking and to translate them into concrete deliverables
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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
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Demonstrated communication skills
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Able to respect guidelines and deadlines, and to prioritise and manage time effectively
Location
The position is based in Brussels (BE).
Employment Terms
The position is offered as permanent contract under Belgian legislation.
Selection Procedure
Please send your CV and a brief covering letter to [email protected] with the subject:“Policy Officer EP and Maritime” by 27 August 2025 at 23:59 (CET).Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a job interview to assess their analytical and strategic skills.Interviews are expected to take place early September. The position is expected to start as soon as possible, preferably in September.
For More Information
If you require further information on the position and tasks you are welcome to contact:
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Giuseppe Sciacca: [email protected]
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Emmanuel Maniscalco: [email protected]
