Policy Manager

Are you passionate about driving policy changes to support sustainable and circular bioeconomy?

RSB - Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials Association is looking for a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our team as a Policy Manager. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to make a significant impact in an organisation focused on sustainability and industry transformation.

As the Policy Manager at RSB, you will work closely with the Outreach & Engagement Director to develop and implement a policy approach to support the goals and objectives of RSB in key regions and sectors related to sustainable bioeconomy. RSB’s policy engagement aims to capacitate policy-makers in key geographies and sectors with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability impacts and assurance mechanisms. You will be responsible for analysing, monitoring, and targeting areas of activity for relevant policies at the international, regional, and national levels.

Key responsibilities include:

• Support the formulation of a robust and achievable policy approach which aligns with RSB's strategic objectives in the realm of sustainable bioeconomy transformation across key sectors like aviation, shipping, and materials.
• Develop and maintain a database or other tool for monitoring and understanding of global, regional, and national policies in strategic regions and sectors, such as aviation, shipping, and biomaterials.
• Monitor policy developments and trends. Analyse the impact of policies on RSB's work and provide regular reports and updates to the RSB Leadership Team and other team members. Develop strategies which connect policy developments in relevant fields with RSB's strategic initiatives.
• Devise strategies to promote the integration of robust sustainability criteria and assurance mechanisms into relevant strategic regulations and policies.
• Support and/or manage RSB member platforms with policy content.
• Establish and maintain relationships with relevant stakeholders, such as governments, NGOs, industry associations, and research institutions. Collaborate with these stakeholders to encourage the adoption of sustainable policies and practices.
• Represent RSB in policy forums, conferences, and meetings to capacitate key stakeholders with understanding of sustainability and assurance topics. Prepare and deliver presentations on policy-related topics.
• Disseminate policy developments to RSB's membership via webinars, platforms and other communications.

Requirements

Required - Education, experience, and qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in policy development and advocacy, preferably in the sustainability or bioeconomy sector
• Master's Degree in a relevant field, such as environmental policy, public policy, or sustainable development
• Strong knowledge of international and national policy frameworks related to sustainability, climate change, and circular economy. Experience engaging with EU policy frameworks is a requirement, with knowledge of market-based policy instruments developed by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and ICAO being a major plus.
• Good understanding of relevant technical areas, such as renewable energies, biomass, sustainability criteria, GHG assessments, and assurance
• Proven experience in conducting policy research, analysis, and development of policy positions
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex policy issues to diverse stakeholders
• Experience in building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and industry associations

Required - Personal attributes

• Passionate about sustainability and driving positive change
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic and multicultural team environment
• Willingness to travel as required

Desired

• Experience engaging with policymakers and advocating for policy change
• Familiarity with international sustainability standards and certification systems
• Knowledge of the bioeconomy and sustainable biomaterials

Benefits

Join a small, dedicated, and multicultural team of professionals committed to building a brighter future for people and planet.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Excellent holiday provision with 30 days annual paid leave
• Annual salary adjustments for cost-of-living increases
• Flexible working hours
• Remote work in home-office with periodic in-person team meetings
• Professional development opportunities

Important Information

• Location: Home office-based, for candidates already currently located in the UK, Germany, or Spain and in possession of work permit (no relocation or visa sponsorship available)
• Travel: Regularly required for meetings and stakeholder engagement.
• Position type: Full-time
• Start Date: Q2 2024
• Application Deadline: 20 March 2024