Lead Institutional Relations Manager - Institutional Agreements - #2197322

Job Overview

Coordinate and oversee efforts across the Agency on the negotiation, implementation, and management of institutional cooperation agreements. Ensure alignment with EU aviation safety objectives, provide strategic advice to senior management on institutional matters/aviation agreements, fostering synergies between international representation, technical cooperation, and institutional agreements. Acting as a central point for cross-departmental and cross-regional coordination, this role ensures that international relations are managed strategically, efficiently, and in a legally sound manner.

General Accountabilities

• Cross-Departmental & Regional Coordination: Facilitate a horizontal approach to institutional cooperation. Ensure interconnectivity across regions and technical domains. Influence the cross-departmental engagement to align institutional cooperation with operational and strategic objectives.
• Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement: Ensure the achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs) related to international agreements. Implement continuous improvements in negotiation processes, agreement execution, and stakeholder engagement.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Engage with internal and external stakeholders to ensure clear communication, alignment of expectations, and positioning of the Agency in international institutional matters.
• Coaching: Guide and mentor internal stakeholders involved in institutional relations. Foster knowledge-sharing in international cooperation and inter-institutional processes.

Specific Accountabilities

• Institutional Relations Management: Oversee the development and execution of institutional agreements and arrangements with foreign aviation authorities, ensuring smooth collaboration and alignment with EU aviation safety priorities.
• Strategic Advisory & Policy Coordination: Provide senior management and the European Commission with strategic advice on institutional cooperation matters, policy initiatives, and agreement implementation. Identify key opportunities and risks related to international cooperation.
• Lead Negotiations: Act as the main negotiator for the most complex and critical institutional files, lead and support negotiations on working arrangements and cooperation instruments. Represent the Agency in committees under EU aviation agreements and coordinate input to European Commission negotiations.
• Regulatory Guidance: Advise on the relevant regulatory parameters governing institutional relations, ensuring compliance while identifying areas for flexibility within the existing reagulatory frameworks.

Admission Criteria

The following constitute eligibility and essential criteria for the role and for being admitted to the selection process. Candidates not fulfilling these criteria by the deadline for applications, will be excluded from the selection:

• Have a thorough knowledge of one of the languages of the European Union (at least level C1) and a satisfactory knowledge of another language of the EU to the extent necessary for the performance of the duties (at least level B2). One of the required languages shall be English[1]
• Be a national of a Member State of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
• At least a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma when the normal period of university education is 4 years in the area of Business or Public Administration, European Studies / EU Affairs, Political Science, International or European Law, in technical areas related to aviation or other disciplines related to the role and, after having obtained the university degree, at least 9 years of professional experience in line with the described accountabilities

  or

  At least a level of education which corresponds to completed university studies attested by a diploma when the normal period of university education is 3 years in the areas as described above and, after having obtained the university degree, at least 10 years of professional experience in line with the described accountabilities

 

This vacancy is open as well to Temporary Agents 2(f) employed at EASA, or other EU institutions in the grade bracket AD7-AD12

 

[1] Mother tongue English speakers will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of a second EU language. English oral and written skills will be assessed throughout the assessment phase

Selection Criteria

The selection process is based on the assessment of the professional skills and competences listed below. While these are considered essential for performing the role effectively, candidates who do not meet all criteria may still be considered.

Professional Skills Relationship Management Regional geopolitical situation and the foreign aviation system International relations & representation Global and European Aviation regulatory and standardisation framework, including key players and their responsibilities Experience in developing and negotiating international aviation agreements and arrangements Strong understanding of regulatory developments and strategic dynamics in relations with key international aviation partners Familiarity with European Commission and EASA procedures for managing aviation relations with third countries and foreign authorities Behavioural Competences Flexibility & Change Adaptability Stakeholder Orientation Communication Managing Ambiguity Conceptual Thinking Additional Criteria

Prior to recruitment, you will be requested to demonstrate that you:  

• Are entitled to the full rights as a citizen.
• Have fulfilled any obligations imposed by the applicable laws on military service.
• Meet the character requirements for the duties involved (you will be asked to provide a police certificate confirming the absence of any criminal record) .
• Are physically fit to perform the duties linked to the post (you will be asked to undergo a medical examination in a centre indicated by EASA).

Conditions of Employment

Contract: 5 years contract as Temporary Agent 2 (f) with possibility of extension. 

Working hours: 40 hrs per week (on a full-time working pattern). Flexible working arrangements.

Salary: Basic salary: EUR 8,651.92 - 9,015.49 depending on work experience. Additional allowances depending on personal situation.

Location: Cologne, Germany (relocation is required).