Job Title: Project Executive (trainee) – CETA Market Access Programme & China IPR Helpdesk
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Job Description
DEVELOPMENT Solutions (DS) is a European consultancy and serves the international donor and business community in support of sustainable development and investments objectives, primarily in emerging markets. Our work covers a wide range of fields described within four company divisions, (i) Trade and Economy, (ii) Energy and Environment, (iii) Business support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and (iv) Human Capacities. This expertise is built on our strong grounding in project design and management requiring research, policy analysis, capacity building and business, public and government relations expertise. Further information regarding our projects and expertise is available at www.development-solutions.eu.
DS is implementing an EU funded project CETA Market Access Support Program for EU Business, Phase II which will be running from March 2019 to February 2021. The overall objective of this action is to help EU business take full advantage of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between the EU and Canada, notably by providing facilitated access to relevant information and building a structured platform for multifaceted communication and outreach between EU business and stakeholders in Canada.
DS is moreover leading the implementation of the China IPR SME Helpdesk. A major EU funded business support service project for European SMEs, which delivers business-focused and practical advice on IPR protection and enforcement in China. Services available to European SMEs include expert Helplines, online portals, industry or IP specific guides, training workshops and other events. Additional information about the Helpdesks can be found at www.ipr-hub.eu.
We are currently seeking a highly motivated individual to join our Brussels team to support the CETA Project and the China Helpdesk teams with their outreach efforts in Europe (e.g. arranging of training events, development of guides, infographics and podcasts). Prospective candidates will preferably have a Master’s degree in economics, international trade, international relations, political science, environmental sciences and/or law. The candidate should have proven experience in communications, stakeholder engagement and outreach, and event management. Additionally, experience in email marketing services (e.g MailChimp), graphic design and video creation and editing tools is highly desirable. Familiarity with intellectual property and the EU’s trade policy agenda in China would be preferable. In addition, the candidate should have an excellent command of written and oral English while knowledge of French would be considered an asset.
The candidate should also possess the following skills/qualities to perform well in this role:
- Strong research, analytical and technical writing skills;
- Reliability, initiative, thoroughness and attention to detail;
- Strong coordination and organisational skills;
- Excellent communication skills for interactions with project experts and stakeholders;
- Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines;
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); and
- Experience in working podcasts and/or infographics is a plus.
This is a paid traineeship for one year, with the possibility of an extension.
Application information
Interested candidates are encouraged to send an application including cover letter, CV, and one-page writing sample to jim.stoopman@development-solutions.eu and virginia.marantidou@development-solutions.eu. Please indicate clearly whether you are currently available for an interview and your current location. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.