Senior Press Officer EIB

The EIB, the European Union’s bank, is seeking to recruit for its Strategy and Corporate Centre (SCC) – Corporate Responsibility and Communication Department (COM) – Press Office Division (PRESS) a:

Senior Press Officer
The position will be initially located in Brussels.

The Senior Press Officer will carry out communication activities for the attention of various external audiences and mainly the Brussels-based media, EU institutions and International Financing Institutions (IFIs) in Brussels, in line with the communication strategy and action plan as well as the EIB transparency policy, in order to increase awareness and understanding of the EIB activities, and to protect and enhance the EIB’s identity and reputation.

S/he will operate in the context of incoming media questions on normal but also complex and sensitive issues and also will proactively communicate the Bank’s messages to the media.

Accountabilities
The Senior Press Officer will report directly to the Director of Corporate Responsibility and Communication and work in close cooperation with the Head of Division/Press Office.

• Proactively contribute to the planning of and implement media and related communication activities especially in Brussels in cooperation with the Head of Division/Press Office and other relevant EIB press officers and in line with the Bank’s communication strategy, ensuring quality of content and style; convey and promote the Bank’s policy objectives and activities
• Respond to inquiries on EIB activities and ensure the quality of information in content and style, orally and in writing
• Proactively reach out, develop and consolidate contacts with Brussels-based media from the 27 Members States, respond to their request for information and proactively seek out areas and occasions for promoting the EIB externally
• Implement media initiatives/events (e.g. interviews, media briefings) in cooperation with the press office
• Originate, prepare and write press releases, news stories and reports on EIB activities for publication and/or presentation
• Prepare background and briefing information for media events like the annual news conference and other communication activities of the members of the management committee
• Prepare and/or deliver presentations on the Bank’s activities to visitor groups and other audiences
• Liaise closely with counterparts in EU institutions and Brussels-based IFIs (e.g. monitor Commission press briefings etc.)
• Stay abreast of current events, activities and trends with potential impact on the Bank and provide full communication guidance for the Bank
• Keep up-to date with current issues and public opinions
• Maintain awareness of developments in the Bank’s activities

Qualifications

• University degree, with studies preferably oriented towards Economics, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or Political Sciences
• At least 8 years of professional experience in journalism, corporate communication or related fields
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of the media market especially in Brussels
• Excellent understanding of the EU institutional and political framework
• High level awareness on current economic and political decisions relevant to the EIB
• Very good knowledge of financial markets and the banking sector
• Excellent ability to communicate clearly and effectively – both verbally and in writing - with external and internal stakeholders
• Fluent in English and/or French and a solid understanding of the other language; additional EU languages are a plus

Competencies

• Political awareness
• Ability to work in a team
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Strong sense of initiative
• Systemic thinking
• Judgement & Decision making
• Self-reliance
• Strong communication and diplomatic skills

Deadline for applications: 4th March 2012

For more details and to apply, please go to www.eib.org/jobs selecting Job ID 4043

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