Job: Experienced EU network officer

The Atlantic Cities Association – ACA is today a unique and single voice for Atlantic cities in Europe, promoting and defending their interests, establishing and reinforcing cooperation across the Atlantic Arc, through the promotion of joint actions between members and the exchange of best practices and solutions for common problems. In this regard, cooperation through ACA is key to counter and fight the negative impacts of the covid19 pandemic crisis and its economic effects.

Atlantic Cities Association – ACA reached its 20 years in 2020. We can be proud of the network achievements, like the approval of the Atlantic Maritime Strategy by the European Council and the recognition of our expertise by the European Institutions. Since our foundation on July 7, 2000, we managed to consolidate the association as the Atlantic Urban forum, we gathered influence across the Atlantic Arc and the European Union, we worked on more than 200 project proposals and we count nowadays with a reinforced General Secretariat.

The association is looking for an experienced network officer to support its development and the implementation of its action plan.

Under the guidance of the Presidency and the Bureau, the experienced network officer will work in collaboration with the rest of the team of ACA Secretariat.

Missions

1. Support the implementation of ACA’s strategic plan and the development of the association.
2. Planning and Implementing Policy activities, with a particular role drafting policy positions for ACA; monitoring and analysing EU policy developments to build internal intelligence.
3. Develop collaborations and maintain regular contact with members, C4C platform, EU policy makers and stakeholders – in order to develop advocacy, outreach and engagement of ACA community and thus regularly updating ACA members on the latest policy developments.
4. Facilitate meetings and trainings using creative and inclusive participatory methods, including online meetings, by using adequate tools.
5. Promote ACA membership before local authorities located in the Atlantic Arc or interested by its geographical impact, and also recruit observer organisations.
6. Organise statutory meetings: i.e. General Assembly and Executive Bureau so the governing bodies can keep track of the Strategic Plan
7. Regularly brief the staff and Bureau on the network activities and the different evolutions of member cities and pro-actively feed in policy, campaigning and communication initiatives
8. As far as possible – Travel abroad to visit members, attend members’ activities or related events (or attend the on-line alternative)
9. Follow-up of budget, grants and audits with support from the project manager and the administrative assistant.
10. Run the Atlantic Futures programme, recruiting and mentoring in-training staff
11. As an experienced profile, support others in the Secretariat for development and execution of ACA strategy; being the liaison point between staff and the Presidency/ Treasurer / Bureau.
12. Take on any task related to the post as deemed necessary and appropriate by the President.

Skills

Strong interpersonal, team working and networking skills, good public speaker and meeting facilitator.

Tactful, diplomatic and non-judgmental, able to relate to people in all situations; ability to achieve consensus when dealing with multiple stakeholders;

Growth-mindset and strive to be better every day, goal and priority oriented.

Versatility, eye for detail, autonomy and resilience

Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines – structured, data-driven and autonomous way of working;

Understanding ACA mission and vision; ACA’s member scope of challenges, positioning and unique expertise

Proven experience in EU policy monitoring and analysis, having a broad understanding of urban issues and Atlantic territorial development

Understanding European decision-making system, debates and policy is a must

Profile

At least 2 years’ experience in a related field, including international activities. If possible, prior work experience in EU city networks or EU institutions. A prior experience within ACA Secretariat or ACA city member will be also valued.

Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural work environment;

Master degree in EU Affairs or Law, Urbanism, Geography, Local Economy, or similar.

English C1, French C1 and at least B2 of either Spanish or Portuguese.

Proficient computer skills, especially handling of web-based software for project management

Terms of the contract

• Job based in Rennes (France).
• The starting date is September 2021. Availability will be a selection criterion.
• Fixed-term French law contract of one year. The possibility of a permanent contract will be considered by the General Assembly in 2022.
• The selection of the candidate will be based on the merit principle

Applications and selection process:

The candidates must send a one -page CV and a one -page cover letter. These documents should demonstrate how the candidate fulfils the criteria mentioned in Skills and Profile section.

The cv should be written in French. The cover letter in Spanish or Portuguese. The e-mail accompanying both, in English.

Applications should be sent to arcat.sg@gmail.com by 31 August. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview, followed by a short questionnaire (1 hour).

Please note that, as part of Atlantic Futures’ philosophy, any application receives brief feedback on its strengths and weaknesses within the following three months.

For more information, please check our website (sections talent and employment) and our You Tube channel (Atlantic Futures’ list).