Senior Consultant, Sustainability Policy

The Freshfields EU Regulatory & Public Affairs Practice is looking for a senior consultant to serve the existing client base on sustainability issues ranging from large NGOs to multinationals, as well as to actively participate and contribute to firm-wide initiatives on this topic in order to support Freshfields thought leadership on key sustainability issues. We are looking for someone with 5-7 years' experience in EU public affairs and with a strong focus on sustainability issues who would be operational from day 1. Above all, we are looking to hire a team player with a positive mindset, who is motivated to work in a fast moving, high profile and client-oriented environment.

Who we are: Freshfields Regulatory and Public Affairs team

The Freshfields EU Regulatory & Public Affairs Practice is looking for a consultant to join its ranks on a permanent basis with a strong focus on sustainability issues. The Practice is a seamlessly integrated yet autonomous department within the internationally renowned law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, and sits at the intersection between business, politics and law.

The Practice exists to assist existing legal clients better understand the intricacies of the EU decision-making process, navigate the EU regulatory and law-making environment and to devise cross-cutting engagement strategies and campaigns so they can raise their profile in Brussels and make their voice heard towards EU policy and decision-makers.

The EU Regulatory & Public affairs team works in tandem with colleagues on mixed legal and public affairs mandates across the Freshfields' practice groups and across borders. Our team also delivers analysis and information to legal colleagues in order to provide them with the latest information on issues relevant to the Firm's client base. Our Practice focuses primarily on financial services, sustainability, digital, tax, competition and trade issues.

The team is made up of 5 permanent consultants supported by an intern, dedicated project manager and administrative assistant.

Requirements to apply:

- 5 - 7 years' experience working both in private practice and preferably in one of the EU institutions
- Outstanding knowledge of the EU decision-making process, its key stakeholders within the EU institutions, industry and civil society
- Deep understanding of the political dynamics at EU level and the priorities of the European institutions
- Outstanding knowledge and expertise of the sustainability agenda with proven experience in this area. In your previous role/s, you have prepared engagement strategies on the EU's circular economy strategy (Ecodesign, Packaging, Green Claims), supply chain laws (CSDDD, Batteries, Deforestation), chemicals (REACH, PFAS) and/or climate and energy policies (ETS, RED, CBAM)
- Excellent network of contacts inside and outside the EU institutions in at least one of the areas outlined above
- Master's level education or equivalent preferably in a related area for example political sciences, public policy, economics, law or environmental studies
- Excellent command of English and at least one another European language (German would be an asset)

About you:

- Team player with an ability to work independently as well as together with other team members, including more junior colleagues whom you can guide and instruct
- Experience managing client accounts independently
- Client and service-oriented with a proven track record of delivering cutting-edge service to clients/stakeholders with a business-oriented mind (experience in business development is an asset)
- Excellent drafting skills in English with proven experience of the following: short policy updates, in-depth analytical notes, summary of new legislative proposals, etc
- Clear communicator with colleagues but also with clients and third-parties
- Capacity to translate complex policy issues in clear and simple terms for non-policy experts.
- Willingness to learn and ability to work on a broad range of issues at any given time
- Ability to interact confidently and convincingly with clients and senior internal and external stakeholders on behalf of the Firm
- A positive attitude, you are reliable, pro-active and take responsibility for your work

What we offer

We offer a very competitive package with extra-legal benefits including: DKV Hospitalisation and Group insurance, additional annual holidays, meal vouchers and eco-cheques, iPhone and laptop, public transport fully reimbursed