Technical Director - Brussels, Belgium

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IBMA Technical Director - Vacancy

The International Biocontrol Manufacturers’ Association is a global Association with a European focus, representing the biocontrol industry, whose members produce innovative bioprotection products based on microorganisms, semiochemicals, macroorganisms and natural substances. IBMA has more than 250 members who drive bioprotection innovation worldwide, 85% of which are SMEs.  In Europe, there are 165 members in 17 European Member States.

IBMA was established in 1995 and works with other biocontrol Associations and Bioprotection Global, the Federation of Biocontrol Associations, to build the position of bioprotection in regenerative agriculture. This is an increasingly important aspect of IBMA in the climate neutral policies of the coming decade and IBMA has an increasing role with intergovernmental organisations worldwide within this context of agricultural transition.

IBMA promotes the industry by showing that biocontrol is effective and profitable for the farmer, supports biodiversity and is a key enabler of regenerative agriculture. IBMA advocates for proportionate regulation to accelerate market access for bioprotection.

The Association is an AISBL (Association Internationale Sans But Lucratif) incorporated in Brussels where it has a small office.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Role:                                                                                                        Technical Director

Purpose:

To represent IBMA and to promote the interests of the biocontrol industry by providing high level technical input and perspectives to discussions with external agencies and within IBMA. To work with the Executive Director and Secretariat, the Professional Groups and to manage and co-ordinate regulatory affairs and develop and agree technical positions, that are endorsed by the Board and Executive Committee and to advocate these positions outside IBMA.

Accountabilities:

• Represent IBMA in discussions with external groups such as policy makers, legislative bodies and intergovernmental organisations worldwide and where appropriate support the Executive Director in such discussions.
• Provide insight into the legislative agenda and priorities in EU COM and advise the Executive Director on relevant legislative priorities.
• Prepare technical and regulatory positions as required ensuring member engagement, co-ordinating member inputs and resolving member differences to distil a clear position fitting with IBMA strategic objectives.
• Build and maintain good working relationships with key regulatory stakeholders in EU COM, OECD, FAO, non-EU authorities and any other relevant organisations as agreed in discussion with the Executive Director.
• Lead the activities of the IBMA Professional Groups providing technical and regulatory input to facilitate decision making.
• Establish, manage and lead where necessary technical ad hoc or working groups, as required and agreed.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Established Brussels network including EP, EU COM, NGOs, relevant trade associations and other stakeholders
• Ability to network effectively and diplomatically in a multi-cultural environment
• Good level of technical and regulatory experience of biocontrol technology
• Excellent understanding of agriculture, sustainability issues and policies across Europe and ideally globally
• Degree and ideally doctorate in biological or agricultural sciences
• Extensive experience in biocontrol industry or related field (e.g. agriculture, crop protection)
• Good teamworking and consultative leadership approach
• English and at least one other main European language

Reporting

• The Technical Director reports to the Executive Director

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