EU Public Affairs Specialist

Role Overview

The EU Public Affairs Specialist will oversee engagement across EU institutions and a range of policy areas relevant to Swift. This role reports to the Global Head of Public Affairs and works closely with Legal and Compliance. The specialist will gain exposure to Swift’s governance, technology and commercial activities.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and identify political, legislative and regulatory developments relevant to Swift in close cooperation with local colleagues and, as needed, Regulatory Affairs.
• Provide an ‘Early Warning’ on issues that may affect our business to ensure Swift is aware, in advance, of political and policy trends.
• Gather insights into Government policy and direction on topics relating to Swift’s business, including payments and securities related policy, data, technology, cloud computing, cyber security, financial crime compliance, anti‑money laundering, foreign policy issues of relevance, legislative and regulatory reporting.
• Lead Swift’s proactive government and regulatory stakeholder engagement in Brussels, working closely with the business team and our global experts.
• Identify and engage political commentators, academia and trade associations.
• Promote a better awareness and understanding of the company’s operations, to represent and protect its interests and educate policy makers on the benefits of Swift to the global financial system.
• Identify opportunities across the political and academic sphere to demonstrate Swift’s expertise and experience.
• Liaise and manage locally‑based consultants.

Qualifications

• University degree in political science, communications, legal or any related subject.
• 6+ years’ experience in public policy, government or in‑house/agency public affairs and government relations with a financial services or technology background.
• Financial services or technology experience gained in network, platform, marketplace or transaction‑based businesses is encouraged.
• Political savvy, discretion and networking experience.
• Detailed understanding of regulatory and legislative processes and geopolitical developments.
• Proven ability to analyze, prioritize and summarize issues and to perform advocacy activities.
• Ability to develop a good understanding of Swift’s corporate, operational and commercial strategy and priorities.
• Effective and efficient information analysis, management and delivery.
• Experience working in a diverse, multi‑cultural environment and across geographies and teams.
• Comfort with high levels of ambiguity and the skills to prioritize within a rapidly changing environment.
• Executive presence – excellent internal and external interpersonal and networking skills including at senior management level.
• Communicates strategy and key messages with clarity, consistency and confidence.