Government Affairs Manager , Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Brussels, Belgium

Overview 

Reporting into the Head of Government Affairs for Europe, Middle East and Africa, you will be required to support the company’s business objectives in Europe and will be part of the EMEA government affairs team. 

Job Description 

As Government Affairs Manager, you will be responsible for the advocacy activity of the company vis-à-vis European institutions. Based in Brussels, you will have to develop and expand the network of contacts for the company among the regulatory community in Brussels and in Member States. You will represent the company’s position on the main legislative initiatives with EU policy makers and regulators and you will provide analysis of and insight into proposed legislation that affects the company business in Europe. 

Responsibilities

• To provide direct support to the bank’s Head of Government Affairs;
• Policy and legislative analysis and assistance in the development of advocacy and influencing plans where appropriate;
• Political/policy information and intelligence gathering in Brussels on a real-time basis;
• Contact building and networking with key officials and politicians in the EU institutions (Commission, Parliament etc.), Member State Permanent Representations, trade association etc.;
• Working to help drive the company’s agenda via relevant industry associations;
• Advocacy support for the company on key business issues, including preparing and attending meetings where appropriate with the European Commission, European Parliament etc.;
• Responding to ad hoc requests from the company’s businesses in Europe and overseas on EU policy and regulatory issues and reporting on political, policy and regulatory issues and developments in a timely and professional manner;
• Travel likely to consist mainly of periodic visits to the company’s EMEA HQ in London.

Requirements

• Solid grasp of EU institutional and decision-making process;
• Financial Services sector experience, with a working knowledge of the key public policy issues which impact the sector;
• Experience of working in Brussels is essential. Experience of EU Member State governments also an advantage. You will most likely have experience of working in the EU institutions, government relations/public affairs consultancy, or in a government relations/external affairs function in a financial services organisation or an industry association;
• Candidates who have a legal, economic or management consulting background, but who also have strong government relations and lobbying experience, may also be considered;
• Good team player with strong interpersonal skills, but also someone able to take the initiative and operate in Brussels effectively without constant supervision;
• Ability to multi-task and prioritise multiple issues, and process and summarise complex information orally and in writing in a way which maximises advocacy effectiveness;
• Fluency in English and at least two other European languages is essential;
• Educated to degree level;
• Financial Services and public policy experience in the Brussels environment is essential;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to work with colleagues at all levels;
• Good organisational skills, with strong attention to detail;
• Competent in a range of programmes, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.

To apply, please click here.

About us 

Bank of America is one of the world's largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers,  small- and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing,  asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. Bank of America  Merrill Lynch is a long-established participant in EMEA with a presence since 1922. With offices in 20  countries, the company offers an integrated and comprehensive set of products and services across  Global Corporate & Investment Banking, Global Markets and Wealth Management, serving the needs of individual, corporate, institutional and government clients, combining the best of local knowledge and global expertise.