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Institutional Lobbyist European Patent Office

Institutional Lobbyist for our Brussels Bureau, EPO Brussels (Belgium)

The mission of the EPO's Brussels Bureau is to co-ordinate and enhance relations between the EPO and the European institutions, in support of the EPO's overall mission and core business and in order to strengthen European stakeholders' understanding of the EPO's role as one of the world's leading patent granting authorities.

Under the supervision of the EPO Vice-President in charge of Legal and International Affairs, the Brussels Bureau's brief includes developing relationships with key players at the European institutions (European Commission officials, members of the European Parliament, European Council Working Group representatives) and European stakeholders from business and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and – equally importantly – serving as the EPO's eyes and ears in Brussels.

Main duties

Conveying the EPO's intellectual-property views and interests to opinion leaders, including EU Council and Commission representatives and MEPs

Maintaining and enhancing the EPO's network of contacts with the European institutions and relevant NGOs

Producing studies, analyses and proposals on the European institutions' activities which affect the European Patent Organisation

Liaising with other EPO departments in their dealings with the European institutions.

This will involve, inter alia

  • making the EPO's political views known to opinion leaders
  • maintaining day-to-day contacts with the network
  • taking part in and reporting on meetings (formal and informal), conferences and other EU events
  • briefing EPO headquarters on developments likely to affect the work of the Organisation
  • reporting and advising on European policy and political initiatives affecting the EPO
  • preparing conferences and other events in co-operation with other EPO departments
  • interacting with the different EPO directorates-general
  • deputising for the head of department in his absence.

Candidate profile

  • Excellent practical knowledge of the structure and political functions of major European organisations, e.g. the EU institutions
  • Years of proven lobbying experience in Brussels
  • Ability to work autonomously
  • An existing, reliable and workable network of contacts
  • Good political knowledge of patent issues and the EPO
  • Highly developed communication skills (also with the press) and the ability to represent the EPO effectively at various levels
  • Ability to get complex issues across clearly and comprehensibly
  • Highly reactive, and able to report quickly
  • Excellent knowledge of English; the ability to understand French and German would be an asset.

Minimum requirements

Diploma of completed studies at university level or – in exceptional cases – equivalent professional knowledge. Excellent knowledge of one of the EPO's official languages and ability to understand the other two.

Selection procedure

The successful candidate will be selected on the basis of qualifications, supplemented as appropriate by interviews and/or tests. It is intended to hold the interviews in calendar week 41 of 2011.

Please apply online, using the online application form, reference number EUR/5142

Closing date: 19.09.2011

As the second largest European organisation, the European Patent Office offers a competitive salary, excellent social benefits and varied work in a modern international environment.

www.epo.org/vacancies