Policy Associate, Europe

ACT | The App Association

Brussels, Belgium

The App Association is seeking an entrepreneurial and strategic European policy associate who is curious about and interested in the legal and policy issues affecting the small business software and Internet of Things industry. You will support the association's day-to-day activities in Europe and help drive its advocacy efforts on various policy issues, such as privacy, platform competition, intellectual property, artificial intelligence, and standards. You will be responsible for drafting the App Association’s advocacy materials and policy positions in Europe for related comment and engagement opportunities, supporting general strategy and advocacy activities and representing the App Association in public-facing events and other forums where needed. The role requires a deep understanding of the policy context in the EU, including selected Member States and the United Kingdom, of the key policy issues affecting the digital industry in Europe, and exceptional writing skills in English. You will be part of a dynamic international team across time zones. This position is based in Brussels and works in close coordination with our team based in Belgium, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Responsibilities:

Track, analyse, and anticipate relevant policy and regulatory developments in Europe in the field of digital technology which affects our members’ ability to innovate and grow their businesses;
Identify opportunities for regulatory filings and comment submissions in the EU, Member States, and the UK to contribute to conversations on policies affecting the app ecosystem;
Research and draft regulatory filings, letters, public consultation responses, position papers, blogs and manage the review and submission of written items to government authorities;
Develop documents that explain to our membership how policy issues around security, intellectual property, competition and antitrust, artificial intelligence, privacy, and encryption apply to modern software development;
Support the execution of advocacy initiatives and strategies as the European public policy landscape evolves across a wide range of venues and issues;
Represent the App Association in meetings with government officials across a variety of venues, business coalitions, public events, and panels when needed;
Engage with key policy stakeholders in Brussels, the Member States, and the UK, including trade associations, companies, and civil society;
Support organization of policy-related briefings, meetings, and other events with the support of internal teams;
Understand and educate stakeholders on issues affecting the small businesses innovator community in Europe;
Help to position the App Association as a reliable expert with government, civil society, academia, and other relevant stakeholders on policy issues affecting the app ecosystem.

Qualifications:

2+ years of professional experience in legal, public policy, government affairs, advocacy, or political roles;
Strong research and writing skills, experience in analysing regulation and drafting policy documents;
Familiarity with legislative processes in the EU and the UK and/or experience working with EU or United Kingdom policymakers is a plus;
Strong knowledge and interest in technology policy issues and their interplay with small business innovators;
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact professionally and independently with internal and external stakeholders;
Ability to analyse and think strategically;
Strong English verbal and written communication skills with attention to detail; additional languages are an asset;
Self-starter with the ability to effectively handle multiple tasks;
Willingness to travel to other European countries and the United States as needed;
The ability to live and work in Belgium;
JD or advanced degree or equivalent experience.