MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
The EU/UK Government Affairs Director will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to influence public policy and regulatory matters affecting Canadian Solar Group entities in the European Union and the United Kingdom. This individual will engage with government officials, industry associations, and internal stakeholders to advocate for the company's interests, monitor legislative and regulatory developments.
The position is part of the Policy and Market Development department team and will report to the VP, Policy and Market Development and have a dotted reporting line to the President of EMEA
Key Responsibilities - Policy Advocacy:
- Develop and execute advocacy strategies to influence EU and UK government policies in alignment with the company’s objectives.
- Establish and maintain relationships with key government officials, regulators, and legislators.
- Represent the company in meetings, hearings, and other forums to advocate for favorable policies and regulations.
- Regulatory Affairs:
- Collaborate with the local legal team in monitoring and analyzing the legislative and regulatory developments in the EU and UK that may impact the company by providing background information and timelines on those developments to allow the company to influence and prepare accordingly.
- In coordination with legal and commercial teams, provide strategic guidance to internal stakeholders on regulatory compliance and the implications of proposed legislation.
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with industry groups, trade associations, and other external stakeholders.
- Collaborate with internal departments (e.g., legal, communications, operations) to align government affairs strategies with business objectives.
- Develop and execute communication strategies to effectively convey the company’s positions on key issues in close cooperation with the local team
- Research and Analysis:
- Conduct research on political, economic, and social trends in the EU and UK to inform government affairs strategies.
- Prepare briefing materials, policy papers, and reports for senior management and other stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the commercial team in analyzing the potential impact of legislative and regulatory changes on the company’s operations.
- Event Coordination:
- Organize and participate in events such as legislative days, policy briefings, and networking events.
- Coordinate site visits and meetings for government officials to showcase the company’s operations and initiatives.
COMPETENCIES
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to analyze complex policy issues and develop strategic recommendations.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
LANGUAGES
- Fluency in English and French; any other language will be a plus
LOCATION
- Brussels (Belgium) preferred location
- Munich
Your backpack is filled with
- Master’s degree in political science, public policy, law, or a related field
- Minimum of 15 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or related roles, with a focus on the EU and UK
- Proven network of contacts within government and industry
- In-depth understanding of the legislative and regulatory processes in the European Union and the United Kingdom
- Willingness to travel as needed
WHAT WE OFFER
- The atmosphere: A modern work environment, brimming with positive energy, healthy growth, and diverse teams
- Additional benefits: Attractive salary package, including company benefits such as jobrad, subsidies for childcare and more
- Balance: Hybrid work (working from home/at the office), flexible hours, and 28 days of vacation, as well as days off for special occasions
- Prospects: Individual professional development programs, training, and workshops
- Opportunities to influence the way we work: The freedom to contribute your own ideas and play a key role in shaping the future of our company
- Sustainability: Efforts include our zero waste office program, systematic recycling, bee keeping, planting trees and regular beach clean-ups
- Our rationale: Solar energy as a sustainable energy source, enabling the world to switch to clean, renewable energy
CONTACT
About us
Canadian Solar – Our solar energy products define us as innovators who are helping to shape one of the most fascinating industries in the world. We are proud to be making a vital contribution to fighting climate change and building a more sustainable future for all of us as a result of our work. What is it that helps us do this? An international work environment with plenty of opportunity for collaboration, advancement, diversity, and flat hierarchies. All these factors lay the foundation for a company culture that is both open-minded and appreciative, inspiring and motivating more than 18.500 talented individuals to excel. Become part of the team and help us shape the energy of the future.
