European External Affairs Specialist

Job description

MAIN JOB PURPOSE

Unilever is looking to recruit a junior European External Affairs Manager to bring additional capacity and energy to its European Affairs Team. He/she will work closely with colleagues within the European and Global External Affairs teams to help develop and deliver the External Affairs priorities, with a focus on Foods, as defined by the Unilever business priorities as well as the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan.

You will be required to represent Unilever externally in European policy making, including maintaining contacts with public and private stakeholders and monitoring EU decision-making.

To do so, the European External Affairs Manager has a good understanding of and experience with the EU Institutions and processes, possesses excellent advocacy skills and has developed a strong external stakeholder network.

JOB SUMMARY
· Help drive the European External Affairs plan and ensure alignment of European External Affairs agenda within the broader integrated Unilever global External Affairs strategy.
· Represent Unilever in external contact building and networking with relevant European institutions including the European Parliament, European Commission and Council of the European Union.
· Represent Unilever at key European industry organizations.
· Build and maintain relationship with other key stakeholders such as NGOs, academics, etc.
· Provide input and guidance on positions/perceptions of external audiences as part of the business strategy.
· Assist with preparation of communications materials, positions and stakeholder outreach programs.
· Work with the business Categories to develop broader communications strategies to support External Affairs activities.
· Work with the business Categories to align and ensure coherence of communication on External Affairs policies and issues.
· Support the business with the launch of product innovations that require acceptance of external stakeholders and/or regulatory approval.

KEY REQUIREMENTS
Relevant Experience
· Minimum 1-2 years working experience in a communications/external affairs role on EU issues and/or working experience in the EU institutions.
· Good insight into decision making procedures and processes in the EU.
· A team player with a global mindset who is willing to work across communications disciplines, geographies and functions.

Desirable
· Knowledge of Unilever and/or FMCG sector;
· Knowledge of Food policy, Diet, Nutrition and Health;
· Network of established European external contacts with European Institutions, NGOs, and industry stakeholders;
· Experience at regional or local level in External Affairs.

Key Skills
· Stakeholder management and knowledge;
· Strategic Issues Management expertise;
· Lobbying and Advocacy skills;
· Fluency in written and spoken English is key. Good knowledge of French, German and/or Dutch is considered an asset.

Should you require additional information, please contact Recruiter Fee Hompes on .

On any given day, two billion people use Unilever products to look good, feel good and get more out of life. With more than 400 brands focused on health and wellbeing, no company touches so many people's lives in so many different ways. Our portfolio ranges from nutritionally balanced foods to indulgent ice creams, affordable soaps, luxurious shampoos and everyday household care products. We produce world-leading brands including Lipton, Knorr, Dove, Axe, Hellmann's and Omo, alongside trusted local names such as Andrélon, Blue Band and Conimex.