We're recruiting a Head of Public Affairs and Standards!

About the Role

We are now seeking a Head of Public Affairs and Professional Standards to build on and expand our Government Affairs and industry standards capabilities. This is a (hands-on) team leadership position, and you will represent the GA/PS team as part of the day-to-day business management group. Your central goal is to maintain and strengthen our position as the global voice of the data, research and insights ecosystem, both within the ecosystem (by promoting ESOMAR products and services for its membership and partnershipcommunity) and beyond in front of regulators, related sectors, and the general public (by promoting its societal role and defending its interests).

The Head of Public Affairs and Professional Standards also works closely with national associations to develop and strengthen global self-regulation and adopt consistent frameworks for the setting and enforcement of professional standards in the industry, worldwide. The Head of Public Affairs and Professional Standards serves as an ambassador for the government affairs and industry standards team,promoting and highlighting to members the services offered and ensuring that new products meet the needs of the membership, thereby strengthening the value proposition of ESOMAR membership.

Reporting to the Director-General, the ideal candidate is an experienced government affairs professional, with an established network of key contacts with regulators, especially in the EU, and a proven track record in representing industry cases. You must be comfortable in working with and guiding committees, be an outstanding communicator, and demonstrate excellent interpersonal and analytical skills.

The supervision of the Government Affairs & Professional Standards teams:

• Set strategic objectives for the teams and identify opportunities to strengthen and/or develop tools and resources building capacity and reputation of the team:

  • Align strategic objectives based on Management and Council input, as well as own strategic plans

  • Set annual performance objectives for team members

  • Recommend to Management Team, Committees, and working groups new projects and initiatives

  • Establish as required multi-department project teams to advance approved new projects and initiatives

• Guide coordinators and executives in the implementation of services:

• Provide line management to the Professional Standards and Government Affairs team

• Supervise resources to ensure professional and diligent execution of tasks and communication with external stakeholders

• Provide guidance and oversight for outgoing correspondence and communications

• Monitor and ensure effective reporting of performance and conversion indicators

• Propose and oversee an annual operating budget for Professional Standards and Government Affairs

• Identify new opportunities to generate revenue to reduce operating costs

The provision of a leading expertise centre, enforcing standards and offering guidance and training:

• Supervise and guide executives and consultants in the implementation of disciplinary services:

  • Review interim reports, agendas, briefing notes, and ensure effective support is given to the Disciplinary (Sub-) Committee and Professional Standards Committee.

• Work to strengthen the industry’s global ability to set and enforce global standards

  • Provide effective support to the Legal Affairs Committee, to ensure global companies have a topical forum to review and discuss common approaches

  • Provide effective support to the Associations Executive Committee, to set and enforce global professional standards in partnership with those Associations having adopted/endorsed the ICC/ESOMAR Code

  • Setup tools/frameworks enabling global handling and transfer of professional standards cases

  • Establish a programme of activities focussed on building national association capacity to promote and implement robust professional standards programmes

• Support the creation of a Continuing Professional Development programme to strengthen practical guidance and training to members to help apply standards

Lead on coordinating and providing an advocacy service in service of the industry:

• Represent, as appropriate, the industry in relevant fora, meetings, and initiatives that strengthen the influence of the industry.

• Monitor, report, and guide the industry on emerging regional and global developments which may impact the industry’s ability to operate.

• Guide the organisation to detect new regulatory trends:

• Monitor emerging legal requirements and best practice on topics relevant to the community

• Provide recommendations to stakeholders on basis of available capacity and risk indicators

• Work to strengthen the industry’s global ability to showcase its value to society and key stakeholders and defend its interests in the face of global legislators and regulators, including the establishment of a programme of activities focussed on supporting and developing national association capacity to implement coordinated advocacy initiatives

Initiate, support and facilitate discussions and debates through committees, project teams, and initiatives for the benefit of the industry:

• Supervise and project manage strategic initiatives of the industry

Requirements

ESOMAR’s traditional strength has been its position as our sectors leading lobbying reference in Europe, and through that position, reinforcing and growing our position as a key thought leader and contributor to all relevant advocacy debates in our sector, worldwide. This aspect of the role is an essential driver of membership value.

The role is also responsible for facilitating and curating the activities of the Professional Standards Committee, the Legal Affairs Committee and the Associations Executive Committee, and for supporting and guiding the three external Chairpersons.

Given the evolution of digital platforms, the explosion of digital data sources and the ongoing challenge for regulation to keep up with technological development, this is a key role within our organization and one on which our members’ interests, rely heavily.

The ideal candidate should possess:

• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Public Affairs, Political Science, Public Administration, Law or related field.

• 10+ years of experience in lobbying, public administration, or related experience.

• Expertise in dealing with high-profile stakeholders such as elected officials, executives and a variety of external constituencies; including ability to influence and navigate complex political landscape(s).

• Proven experience executing and/or managing multi-stakeholder projects, campaigns, or initiatives leading to strengthened positioning in the public sphere.

• Demonstrable ability to handle complex policy and legislative issues, and develop innovative strategies and solutions

• An established network of peers in other legislative jurisdictions

• Proven ability to create and implement comprehensive Government Affairs strategies that include lobbying, association engagement, third party advocacy, digital/social/earned media, and other Government Affairs tools that result in successful engagement of external groups and influencers.

• Possess strong analytical, critical thinking and interpersonal skills, the ability to speak and write persuasively and a proven track record of being able to work under tight deadlines.

• Brussels, London or Washingon DC experience required, specifically with ties to committees or leadership.

How to apply

Please send your motivation letter and CV with the subject heading 'Head of Public Affairs and Professional Standards' as soon as possible. Short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews in February 2022 for an immediate start.