EU Policy & Regulatory Advisor - US Law Firm - Brussels

EU Policy & Regulatory Advisor - US Law Firm - Brussels

POLICY ADVISOR

Salary: Competitive and based on experience

Location: Brussels

A leading European public policy practice is seeking a highly experienced Policy Advisor to join their Brussels team, focusing on geopolitics, technology, and defence. This opportunity comes at a pivotal moment of heightened geopolitical risk and disruption, offering you the chance to become a trusted strategic advisor to multinational corporations, governments, and non-profit organisations navigating complex EU and transatlantic policy landscapes.

As a Policy Advisor in Brussels you will play an integral role in shaping the future of public policy across Europe. Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve managing complex mandates for high-profile clients who rely on your expertise to navigate challenging regulatory environments. You will provide strategic advice on geopolitical risks affecting trade policies and national security while also guiding clients through evolving technology regulations such as artificial intelligence governance. By engaging directly with key EU institutions and international bodies you will ensure that client interests are advanced in every discussion. Your thought leadership will be showcased through published works and public speaking engagements that reinforce your reputation as a knowledgeable advisor. You will also contribute to the growth of the practice by identifying new business opportunities and mentoring junior colleagues. Success in this role requires exceptional interpersonal skills combined with deep subject matter knowledge; you will thrive by connecting stakeholders across sectors while maintaining discretion in sensitive situations.

* Lead and manage complex, high-profile policy and regulatory mandates for clients across Europe, ensuring their interests are represented effectively in all relevant forums.

* Provide senior-level intelligence, counsel, and strategic engagement advice on geoeconomic and geopolitical developments including sanctions, export controls, national security matters, trade policy issues, and investment screening processes.

* Advise clients on EU technology and digital policy matters such as artificial intelligence regulation, digital governance frameworks, and cybersecurity strategies.

* Offer strategic guidance on transatlantic security concerns including EU defence policy initiatives, NATO-related matters, and emerging defence technologies.

* Engage directly with senior technical level EU institutional stakeholders (European Commission, European Parliament, Council), national governments, and international organisations to advocate for client positions.

* Identify new business opportunities by pitching for new client mandates and expanding existing workstreams through thoughtful relationship building.

* Represent the firm publicly through thought leadership activities including authoring articles and blog posts, publishing in leading journals, speaking at events, and engaging with international media outlets.

* Serve as a resource for the global public policy practice group by contributing to leadership discussions and supporting the development of junior colleagues through mentoring.

* Maintain excellent judgment and discretion when handling sensitive or high-stakes matters for clients.

* Collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure seamless delivery of client services across multiple jurisdictions.

What you bring:

The ideal Policy Advisor brings extensive experience gained from government service or top-tier consultancy environments where you have developed deep expertise in regulatory affairs. Your proven track record includes successful management of complex mandates involving geoeconomic challenges such as sanctions enforcement or export control compliance. You possess strong interpersonal skills that allow you to build trust among stakeholders ranging from EU officials to private sector leaders. Your understanding of technology policy is complemented by hands-on experience advising on artificial intelligence regulation or cybersecurity strategy. You are comfortable operating independently yet thrive within collaborative networks where knowledge sharing is valued. Your fluency in English ensures clear communication across borders while additional language skills further enhance your effectiveness. A legal qualification adds value but your credibility stems from your ability to deliver results underpinned by sound judgment and sensitivity.

* A minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience in government roles (such as foreign ministries or EU institutions) or within leading law firms, consultancies or in-house policy/regulatory functions.

* An established network across EU institutions (Commission, Parliament, Council), national governments, private sector entities, NGOs, and transatlantic partners that enables effective stakeholder engagement.

* Proven experience in geoeconomics including sanctions regimes, export controls management, national security analysis, trade policy formulation, investment screening procedures.

* Expertise in technology policy covering artificial intelligence regulation frameworks, digital governance best practices, cybersecurity protocols.

* Demonstrated ability to originate client mandates independently while managing complex engagements from inception through completion.

* Excellent judgment coupled with discretion when handling sensitive or high-stakes matters for diverse clients.

* Strong people leadership skills demonstrated through mentoring junior colleagues or leading cross-functional teams.

* Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in additional languages is considered advantageous for broader stakeholder communication.

* Legal background with admission to practice law is highly desirable but not mandatory for this position.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates