- ShareAction
- Brussels, Belgium (Remote)
- Contract staff
Interim Head of EU Policy
- ShareAction
Brussels, Belgium
Contract staff
Published:
Application Deadline: April 28, 2025
- ShareAction
Brussels, Belgium
Contract staff
Published:
Application Deadline: April 28, 2025
COMPANY DESCRIPTION:
ShareAction is an independent charity and an expert on responsible investment. We work to build a world where the financial system serves our planet and its people. We set ambitious standards for how financial institutions, through their investment decisions, can protect our planet and its people and campaign for this approach to become the norm. We convene shareholders to collectively push companies to tackle climate crisis, protect nature, improve workers’ rights and shape healthier societies. In the UK and EU, we advocate for financial regulation that has society’s best interests at its core.
Our vision is for a world where the financial system serves our planet and its people. Our mission is to define the highest standards for responsible investment and to drive change until these standards are adopted worldwide.
OUR VALUES:
Courageous
We’re not afraid to do what needs to be done or say what needs to be said. We use our evidence-based research to push for bold solutions and to hold those with power to account.
Persistent
We stick at things until we get results. With the powerful institutions we’re taking on, that counts for a lot. As the context changes, so do we, while staying focused on our vision of a world where responsible investment is the norm.
Independent
We are independent from the sector we seek to influence, and our opinion is grounded in rigorous, expert research. This is key to our effectiveness and credibility when engaging with financial, corporate and political stakeholders.
Respect
We respect others' perspectives and seek to engage in constructive debate. We consider our audience’s situation in every interaction and in our workplace, respect fosters the collaborative approach that drives our impact.
Inclusive
We want everyone to be able to help shape a finance system that protects people and planet. We offer a range of ways to take action and support people with lived experience of the issues we work on to push for change. We know that an investment system that is diverse and inclusive at all levels will enable better decision making that meets the needs of people everywhere.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Head of EU Policy is responsible for setting ShareAction’s agenda within the EU policy space - balancing work to proactively shape the policy debate whilst reacting to opportunities that arise. The Head of EU Policy leads a team to influence the way regulation can drive a more sustainable financial sector. They work closely with ShareAction colleagues focused on research, engagement and networks in order to amplify our impact. The Head of EU Policy has responsibility for raising the profile and impact of ShareAction’s EU policy work and supporting colleagues doing the same in the UK.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Essential
Desirable
REQUIREMENTS:
What you’ll bring to the team
We want to hear from you if you’re excited by the opportunity to lead a team to influence EU regulation to drive a more sustainable financial sector.
We think this role would suit someone who has a background in EU advocacy, with a strong experience in people management, comfort with programme and budget management, and who enjoys building and leveraging stakeholder relationships. Sustainability expertise is desirable; and experience working with the financial sector would also be a bonus.
We have a formal hybrid working policy in place, and the EU Policy team meets in the Brussels office on a weekly basis. As this role involves a lot of meetings with Brussels based stakeholders, there is an expectation that you live in Belgium and that you are able to attend the office or meetings at least once a week
What we will do for you
We are a fast-paced organisation that has grown substantially over the past few years. We recognise that our people work hard to advocate for responsible investment and drive meaningful engagement with those who have the power to create a brighter future. Every day they bring their expertise, passion and persistence to build a world where the financial system serves our people and planet. We want to ensure we provide the right environment for our colleagues to thrive and we are committed to improving our employee offer where possible.
WHAT WE OFFER:
Other information
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
ShareAction values and respects all differences in people (seen and unseen) and welcomes applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries. We are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities and we are working hard to provide an environment where all can bring their authentic selves to work. We know that some people won’t apply for a role unless they meet all the requirements listed in the job description. If this is the case for you, but you think you would excel in this role, we want to hear from you.
Our hiring process is anonymised, we won’t ask for a cover letter and we don’t look at CVs until the interview stage. We do this so that we reduce the opportunity for unconscious biases to affect our decision making and so we prioritise skills and expertise over how well you can write a CV.
We also actively encourage incoming staff to consider flexible working arrangements; recognising that a better work-life balance can improve employee motivation, performance and reduce stress. Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you need. We can’t promise to give you exactly what you want, but we do promise not to judge you for asking.
Please note that using Artificial Intelligence to answer the application questions is not recommended, and it could negatively impact your chances of success in the application process. While AI can help streamline the writing process, these tools will not accurately reflect your skills, knowledge or experience. It is crucial that you personalise your application by articulating these in your unique voice. If you choose to use AI or other tools to assist in writing your application, we ask you to declare this clearly in your submission.
ShareAction is an independent charity and an expert on responsible investment. We work to build a world where the financial system serves our planet and its people. We set ambitious standards for how financial institutions, through their investment decisions, can protect our planet and its people and campaign for this approach to become the norm. We convene shareholders to collectively push companies to tackle climate crisis, protect nature, improve workers’ rights and shape healthier societies. In the UK and EU, we advocate for financial regulation that has society’s best interests at its core.
Our vision is for a world where the financial system serves our planet and its people. Our mission is to define the highest standards for responsible investment and to drive change until these standards are adopted worldwide.
OUR VALUES:
Courageous
We’re not afraid to do what needs to be done or say what needs to be said. We use our evidence-based research to push for bold solutions and to hold those with power to account.
Persistent
We stick at things until we get results. With the powerful institutions we’re taking on, that counts for a lot. As the context changes, so do we, while staying focused on our vision of a world where responsible investment is the norm.
Independent
We are independent from the sector we seek to influence, and our opinion is grounded in rigorous, expert research. This is key to our effectiveness and credibility when engaging with financial, corporate and political stakeholders.
Respect
We respect others' perspectives and seek to engage in constructive debate. We consider our audience’s situation in every interaction and in our workplace, respect fosters the collaborative approach that drives our impact.
Inclusive
We want everyone to be able to help shape a finance system that protects people and planet. We offer a range of ways to take action and support people with lived experience of the issues we work on to push for change. We know that an investment system that is diverse and inclusive at all levels will enable better decision making that meets the needs of people everywhere.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Head of EU Policy is responsible for setting ShareAction’s agenda within the EU policy space - balancing work to proactively shape the policy debate whilst reacting to opportunities that arise. The Head of EU Policy leads a team to influence the way regulation can drive a more sustainable financial sector. They work closely with ShareAction colleagues focused on research, engagement and networks in order to amplify our impact. The Head of EU Policy has responsibility for raising the profile and impact of ShareAction’s EU policy work and supporting colleagues doing the same in the UK.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Overall responsibility for the development and implementation of ShareAction’s strategy for policy influencing in the EU;
- Works independently and with the Director of Policy and the CEO to identify and respond to opportunities in the policy space;
- Oversees and undertakes the day-to-day work of EU policy advocacy including: stakeholder management, advocacy, and outreach to policymakers (e.g. through consultation responses, briefings, position papers, and interactions with regulators and policymakers);
- Provides work-plans, support, and development opportunities for staff within policy team;
- Works with colleagues to amplify the impact of ShareAction’s EU policy work by connecting it to our wider work (e.g. through industry and saver outreach and engagement);
- Develops long-term strategic relationships with external stakeholders in the policy space, including EU institutions, civil society and industry bodies;
- Represents ShareAction in respect of EU policy work at a high level in meetings, at events and in the media;
- Keeps up-to-date with developments in the EU and UK and policy space and sustainable finance more broadly;
- Takes a leading role in fundraising for EU policy work and builds good relationships with current and prospective funders;
- Ensures risks are identified, monitored, and minimised within area of EU policy work;
- Responsible for budget in relation to EU policy work;
- Works with colleagues in Finance, Operations and the People team on Brussels office related recruitment/HR, financial and other admin matters;
- Contributes to organisation wide processes, such as Business planning and the Strategy review process.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Essential
- A passion for ShareAction’s mission to build a world where the financial system serves the needs of our people and planet;
- Strong team-working aptitude. Experience of building, managing and leading a high performing team based on mutual trust, respect and inclusion. The ability to contribute to a range of teams and networks confidently, understanding and respecting the priorities of other colleagues and stakeholders;
- Experience of influencing EU policy on sustainability, finance or related topics;
- Knowledge of the global financial system, as well as of the responsible investment challenges facing the industry;
- Exceptional relationship-building skills; the ability to understand a range of priorities and perspectives and negotiate solutions. Both internally and externally, the ability to influence with respect and diplomacy;
- A strong strategic thinker with the ability to make valuable connections and translate strategy into effective plans;
- Ability to build out and deliver effective work plans that identify, engage, recruit and influence diverse stakeholder groups;
- Excellent communication skills, fluent in both written and spoken English;
- Project management skills with proven capacity to undertake varied tasks simultaneously to tight deadlines;
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel and Powerpoint.
Desirable
- Experience of managing budgets;
- Experience of fundraising;
- Experience of / aptitude for public speaking and media engagement;
- Understanding of investment challenges facing charitable foundations/trusts or higher education institutional endowments;
- Experience of working with Salesforce and SharePoint;
- Basic knowledge of data protection regulations/GDPR.
REQUIREMENTS:
What you’ll bring to the team
We want to hear from you if you’re excited by the opportunity to lead a team to influence EU regulation to drive a more sustainable financial sector.
We think this role would suit someone who has a background in EU advocacy, with a strong experience in people management, comfort with programme and budget management, and who enjoys building and leveraging stakeholder relationships. Sustainability expertise is desirable; and experience working with the financial sector would also be a bonus.
We have a formal hybrid working policy in place, and the EU Policy team meets in the Brussels office on a weekly basis. As this role involves a lot of meetings with Brussels based stakeholders, there is an expectation that you live in Belgium and that you are able to attend the office or meetings at least once a week
What we will do for you
We are a fast-paced organisation that has grown substantially over the past few years. We recognise that our people work hard to advocate for responsible investment and drive meaningful engagement with those who have the power to create a brighter future. Every day they bring their expertise, passion and persistence to build a world where the financial system serves our people and planet. We want to ensure we provide the right environment for our colleagues to thrive and we are committed to improving our employee offer where possible.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Commitment to flexible working; over 60% of our employees have some sort of flexible working arrangement in place;
- Hybrid working: We are committed to supporting our staff to work in a way that suits their lifestyle and meets the requirements of their role;
- Internal promotion and development opportunities; we offer a range of ways to improve your skills and focus on what you love, including promotion, secondment, or sideways development opportunities. For some levels of roles, we also offer direct progression;
- Unionised work environment; our staff have the opportunity to join the union. We regularly consult and negotiate with our employees on workplace matters ranging from working conditions to pay;
- Regular in-person meetings; including all-staff away days and retreats (in the United Kingdom), and directorate strategy days to create connected teams;
- End of year premium - 13 month salary payment and 0.92 month holiday allowance;
- Lunch vouchers for every full day worked;
- 100% reimbursement of all public transports via monthly STIB/MIVB card (this covers the commute to work but not beyond);
- Bike allowance: An additional allowance is paid for every day you cycle into the office;
- Up to 20 legal days holiday (depending on your previous year of employment), plus 5 extra-legal holidays per year, plus 2 Green Travel Days, as well as 4 days off between Christmas and New Year when ShareAction is closed;
- Working from home allowance per month;
- Internet connection at home allowance per month;
- Flu vaccination costs reimbursed;
- Group Pension Insurance;
- Group Health Insurance;
- Enhanced sickness and family friendly pay policies;
- Access to Mental Health First Aiders.
Other information
- Contract type: 12 month fixed term;
- Who it reports to: Director of Policy;
- Salary: € 88,800 - € 96,000 (We normally offer a starting salary at the start of the range);
- Deadline for applications: Monday 28 April at 9:00 a.m. UK time;
- Interview dates: First round online on 2nd May, Second round online on 7th May.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
ShareAction values and respects all differences in people (seen and unseen) and welcomes applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries. We are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities and we are working hard to provide an environment where all can bring their authentic selves to work. We know that some people won’t apply for a role unless they meet all the requirements listed in the job description. If this is the case for you, but you think you would excel in this role, we want to hear from you.
Our hiring process is anonymised, we won’t ask for a cover letter and we don’t look at CVs until the interview stage. We do this so that we reduce the opportunity for unconscious biases to affect our decision making and so we prioritise skills and expertise over how well you can write a CV.
We also actively encourage incoming staff to consider flexible working arrangements; recognising that a better work-life balance can improve employee motivation, performance and reduce stress. Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you need. We can’t promise to give you exactly what you want, but we do promise not to judge you for asking.
Please note that using Artificial Intelligence to answer the application questions is not recommended, and it could negatively impact your chances of success in the application process. While AI can help streamline the writing process, these tools will not accurately reflect your skills, knowledge or experience. It is crucial that you personalise your application by articulating these in your unique voice. If you choose to use AI or other tools to assist in writing your application, we ask you to declare this clearly in your submission.
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