Public Affairs Manager Lisboa

Public Affairs Manager
Lisboa
Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal

The role of the Public Affairs Manager is to position ESNA - Europe Startup Nations Alliance - as a trusted partner in shaping
- friendly policies across Europe. The individual in this position will track national political agendas, build and maintain relationships with government stakeholders, and facilitate
- level engagements between ESNA leadership and government officials. The Public Affairs Manager will ensure that ESNA remains informed, connected, and influential in policymaking. The job holder reports directly to the Head of Communications & Public Affairs.

Key Responsibilities

Stakeholders mapping and engagement

• Maintain
  -
  - date government officials and stakeholder contact list to support ESNA’s public affairs activities.
• Provide administrative support for communications related to stakeholder engagements (meeting requests, event invitations,
  - up).
• Build and maintain relationships with key representatives from ministries of economy, digitalisation (or their equivalents) in EU member states.
• Organise and coordinate monthly meetings between ESNA leadership and government stakeholders to advance
  - friendly policies.

Policy Monitoring

• Monitor political developments across EU member states, impacting the innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic agenda.
• Prepare concise briefing notes, stakeholder summaries, and updates to inform ESNA leadership of relevant changes and opportunities.

Event Coordination

• Assist in organising
  - level events, focusing on securing the participation of key government officials from EU member states.
• Coordinate logistics and support before, during and after the events, ensuring smooth interaction between government representatives and ESNA leadership.
• Support preparing briefing materials, talking points, and Q&A for event leadership engagements.

Reporting

• Maintain records of public affairs activities, tracking engagement outcomes and completing
  - up actions.
• Support implementing an annual public affairs engagement plan, ensuring consistent outreach to relevant ministries and stakeholders.
• Assist in preparing reports and presentations on public affairs activities for internal and external audiences.

Support and Representation

• Provide administrative and operational support to the Head of Communication and Public Affairs as needed.
• Represent ESNA at selected meetings and events, acting as a professional and informed liaison for the organisation.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure public affairs messaging is consistent with ESNA’s broader communication strategy.

General Requirements

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with fluency in English (additional European languages are an asset).
• Excellent organisational and
  - tasking skills to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Demonstrated tact, diplomacy, and cultural sensitivity to navigate relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• A
  - oriented and conscientious approach to work.

Key Success Factors

• Minimum 5 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of EU and national policymaking processes, particularly in innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic policy.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with senior government officials and policymakers.
• Experience working in international and/or
  - stakeholder contexts; familiarity with startup/innovation ecosystems and public policy is a plus.
• Practical, proactive, and
  - oriented, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.
• Willingness to travel across Europe as needed.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

Industries

• Non-profit Organizations