Executive, Trade Policy - Brussels

JOB DETAILS

The Executive will be working in the EU and International team of the Policy, Lobbying and Global Affairs Division, which represents members’ interests to government and other key policy influencers. The division provides immediate access to advice and information on public policy that affects business and employers.  
The Executive will be based in Ibec Brussels office and will be required to travel as needed to perform the role and support the work of the team.  

The Trade Policy Executive supports Ibec’s policy monitoring, political engagement, and policy influence strategies across global legislative and regulatory bodies. The role supports the work of the EU and International Policy Strategic Business Unit (SBU) in ensuring that Irish business interests are strongly defended and advanced within EU trade frameworks, and international policy forums such as the WTO.

The Executive will work closely with the Head of EU and International Policy and the Senior Trade Policy Executive to translate complex global trade developments, with an emphasis on tariffs and economic security, into actionable insights and strategic analysis to support members, internal policy desks, and sector associations.

The closing date for applications will be 12pm on 10th September

ABOUT THE ROLE

Policy monitoring and development 

• Monitor latest developments in trade and international affairs to assess business implications. 
• Contribute to research and policy analysis on EU trade policy and international relations with a focus on Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), North America (USA, Canada), Central (Mexico) and South America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile etc), Australasia (Australia and New Zealand) and Asia (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Vietnam etc), 
• Monitor developments at World Trade Organisation (WTO), OECD and other international fora to assess implications for Irish business.  
• Coordinate relevant views, information and data for Ibec responses on trade policy and international affairs, with a focus on above regions, reflecting the input received from members.  
• Prepare Ibec presentations and briefing documents for conferences and meetings on trade policy and supply chains. 
• Assist in drafting of Ibec submissions on trade and investment issues to the relevant Government departments, Irish Permanent Representation and EU institutions.  
• Support Ibec input to the Government Customs Consultative Committee (CCC).   
• Contribute to representation of Irish business interests to Government and other key stakeholders relevant to the development of trade policy and international affairs agenda. 
• Work with unit and other Ibec colleagues to promote greater awareness of the trade policy and international affairs and to solve trade and customs issues.  

 
Stakeholder engagement and lobbying

• Support the development of contacts with officials in national government, including the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, etc to better understand and influence trade policy and international affairs.   
• Support the development of contacts on trade policy and international affairs with the Embassies established in Dublin, including EU, UK, USA and others.   
• Support the development of contacts on trade policy and international affairs with officials in Irish embassies based in capitals of the region / counties covered by the role.  
• Support the development of contacts with relevant committees of the Oireachtas on trade and international affairs. 
• Contribute to engagement with and participate in working groups of BUSINESSEUROPE and European Services Forum (ESF) relevant to the role.   
• Support Ibec engagement on trade policy with Business at the OECD (BIAC).  
• Support Ibec contact with think tanks on trade policy and international affairs e.g. IIEA 
• Support deepening of relations with other business organisations to advance Ibec strategic objective to lead for Irish business on policy issues at international level.  

 
Member services  

• Contribute to the work of Ibec’s EU and International Affairs Committee, keeping members up to date and informed.  
• Contribute to Ibec updates and publications e.g. Europe and Global Focus . 
• Contribute to delivering an integrated organisational approach on trade and international affairs by gathering information from and providing input / briefings to sector associations and groups. 
• Continuously exploit new technology-based opportunities to consult on and disseminate Ibec’s position on trade and international affairs. 

 
NOTE: This list is not exhaustive but serves to reflect the nature of the duties included in the role. Given the nature of the organisation and the need to respond to members’ needs on an ongoing basis, the role is subject to change over time. 

ABOUT YOU

Qualifications

• Primary degree in International Trade, Economics, Law, International Relations, or a related discipline.

Knowledge

• Understanding of the trade policy and international affairs environment and role of government agencies in policy making and regulation 

Experience

• Experience in policy research, analysis, development, and delivery within an in-house team, business association, or public affairs environment.

International Travel and Role Location 

• The role will be based in Ibec’s Brussels offices. The successful candidate will be required to be available to meet regular business commitments in Dublin as well as to travel internationally within Europe. 

Competencies and Behaviours

• Policy Advocacy & Influence: Demonstrated potential to advocate corporate perspectives and trade positions cogently, persuasively, and succinctly.
• Analytical Capability: Ability to review, interpret, and synthesise complex technical trade texts and present them to members in a clear, summary form.
• Writing & Communication: Strong report writing, presentation, and public speaking skills; ability to develop engaging messaging across digital and traditional platforms.
• Organisational Skills: Ability to multitask, coordinate cross-functional inputs, and work under pressure.

Why us?

Ibec Core Competencies
 
 Bias towards action

• Collaborative – work together as ‘one Ibec’.
• Dynamic – approach initiatives with careful planning, energy, drive, and resilience.
• Decisive – make clear, well-informed decisions.

Member and Customer Focus

• Agile and Adaptive – embrace change and be adaptive to members’ needs and in ambitious situations.
• Creative and Innovative – not afraid of dynamic thinking in finding solutions.
• Curious and Critical Thinking – open minded and proactive in gathering data in developing opinions.

Drive and Personal Leadership

• Ambitious – driven and can take responsible risks.
• Accountable – committed to highest standards and takes ownership of actions.
• Continuous Improvement – proactive on personal and professional development

Ibec is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for potential and existing employees with a disability. Should you wish to request a reasonable accommodation please email dearbhla.rice@ibec.ie 

About us

Working in Ibec

Join Ibec and further your career.

Working in Ibec means you are part of an overall effort to deliver on a vision for Ireland to be a balanced, growing and prosperous society. We look to the workplace of the future with the changing needs of our members as well as our workforce to create a dynamic and exciting working environment.
We hire people from many backgrounds who are highly knowledgeable, engaging, professional and, most importantly, passionate about business.