At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic public affairs initiatives and shape political engagement for top companies.
- Company: Join a leading strategic communications consultancy in the heart of Paris.
- Benefits: Collaborative environment, career growth, and the chance to influence policy debates.
- Other info: Mentor junior consultants and drive business development in a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public policy while developing your professional network.
- Qualifications: Experience in public affairs and strong understanding of the French political landscape.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly motivated Associate Director to join a growing Public Affairs & Public Policy practice in Paris. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in expanding the French offer and to shape the political engagement strategies of leading companies and organisations.
Our client is a leading strategic communications consultancy with a strong European presence, delivering integrated services across public affairs, government relations, corporate communications, and reputation management. Their Paris office sits at the heart of French and EU decision-making, supporting clients in shaping policy, managing regulatory risk, and building stakeholder trust.
Working closely with senior leadership, you will be responsible for delivering strategic advice to clients, managing high-level political and institutional relationships, and driving business development initiatives. The ideal candidate will bring a solid understanding of the French political and policymaking environment, strong consultancy or in-house experience, and a well-established network of institutional contacts.
As Public Affairs Associate Director, you will be expected to:
- Provide senior-level strategic counsel to clients on matters related to public affairs, public policy, and government relations
- Lead the development and execution of influence strategies targeting key stakeholders across the French political and regulatory landscape
- Build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, government officials, regulators, and industry associations at national and regional levels
- Identify and drive new business opportunities, preparing and presenting proposals and pitch materials to prospective clients
- Manage client teams effectively, overseeing deliverables, quality control, budgeting and timelines
- Mentor, support and develop junior consultants to ensure team performance and progression
- Contribute to the strategic development and commercial growth of the Paris office and wider European public affairs practice
Key Skills and Experience Required
- Extensive experience in public affairs, public policy, or government relations – either in consultancy, a political institution, trade body, or in-house public affairs team
- Deep understanding of the French political landscape, legislative processes, and regulatory environment
- Strong commercial awareness, with a track record of converting new business opportunities into long-term client partnerships
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate complex policy issues into actionable advice
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in French and English
- Comfortable leading meetings with senior stakeholders and providing high-level counsel in sensitive or high-pressure situations
- Team-oriented, supportive leader, capable of motivating and developing colleagues
You will join a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment in the heart of Paris, where your work will directly influence policy debates and regulatory outcomes. From the outset, you will be entrusted with client leadership, strategic planning, and new business development.
If you have the relevant experience and this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please get in touch with our team, including a copy of your CV, as soon as possible via the form below.
Hanson Search is a leading talent advisory and executive search consultancy with consultants based across the UAE, UK, USA, and Europe. We specialise in business-critical roles that drive revenue, reputation, and risk, with dedicated teams in Communications, Government Relations, Financial Communications, Public Affairs, Marketing, Digital Marketing, Sustainability, Investor Relations and C-Suite recruitment.
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. You can access our Diversity and Inclusion Policy here.
Public Affairs, Public Policy & Government Relations Associate Director, Paris employer: Hanson Search
Join a leading strategic communications consultancy in the vibrant heart of Paris, where you will have the opportunity to shape influential public policy strategies for top-tier clients. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth and mentorship, ensuring that you are supported in your career development while making a meaningful impact on policy debates and regulatory outcomes. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, we offer a dynamic environment that values innovative thinking and strategic insight.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Affairs, Public Policy & Government Relations Associate Director, Paris
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Hanson Search, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Hanson Search and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs, Public Policy & Government Relations Associate Director, Paris
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Hanson Search and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hanson Search
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Hanson Search, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Hanson Search.
