Policy Officer

Policy Officer (Employment Affairs) 

International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)

An excellent opportunity for a high-calibre candidate who wants to help shape the future of the global shipping industry (graduates are welcome to apply).

Job Title: Policy Officer (Employment Affairs)

Salary: £30,000 - £40,000 plus benefits (commensurate with qualifications and experience)

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Location: Walsingham House, 35 Seething Lane, London, EC3N 4AH

Closing Date: 13 January 2025

Industry: Shipping Industry, Global Trade Association 

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the global trade association for the maritime transport sector, which moves about 90% of world trade. ICS works closely with its membership of national shipowners' associations (in Asia, Europe and the Americas) whose member shipping companies operate over 80% of the world's merchant tonnage. Established in 1921, ICS is concerned with all technical, legal, employment affairs and policy issues that may affect international shipping. ICS represents shipowners at the various intergovernmental regulatory bodies that impact on shipping, including but not limited to, the UN’s International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

In order to represent the interests of shipowners and operators at bodies such as ILO and IMO, specialist committees, sub-committees and panels, administered by the ICS Secretariat, determine most of the detailed evolution of the ICS policy positions. The ICS Labour Affairs Committee (LAC) holds an advisory role towards the ICS Board of Directors, providing a consultative forum where ICS members discuss and establish global industry policies and positions, on issues impacting the employment of seafarers (including industrial relations), from the perspective of shipowner employers.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES & JOB FUNCTIONS:

Reporting to the Head of the ICS Labour Affairs Department, the successful candidate will provide support to administer the ICS Labour Affairs Committee (LAC), relevant Sub-Committees, as well as the ICS Diversity and Inclusion (DE&I) Panel. They will also represent ICS at external meetings, including at the ILO, the IMO and other fora, as may be necessary. As a Policy Officer they will be required to take responsibility within ICS for issues or topics as assigned, but with emphasis on seafarers issues, including employment policy and industrial relations matters, on behalf of shipowner employers globally. The focus of the post is to assist the Labour Affairs Department as needed. This may include conducting research, preparation of documents, presentations, facilitation of meetings, contributing to the development of relevant ICS publications, as well as general assistance and support on other issues and projects in which ICS may be engaged (e.g., Maritime Just Transition Task Force). When needed, the successful candidate will also collaborate with other ICS staff.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

No previous shipping industry experience is required (although this would be advantageous), but the successful candidate will need to demonstrate that they are self-motivated, willing to learn and committed, with a keen interest in international affairs. Although not a requirement, a distinct advantage would include: (1) demonstrated knowledge of matters related to employment of seafarers, through either education, qualification or practical experience. (2) Knowledge, understanding or familiarity with the shipping industry, including issues that impact the seafarer employment landscape, such as ILO’s Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) and other international frameworks impacting the employment of seafarers, such as those developed by ILO and/or IMO (e.g., IMO’s International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)). (3) Involvement and experience in working with intergovernmental organisations such as ILO and IMO; (4) working and negotiating with unions; (5) involvement in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) policies.

BENEFITS:

The International Chamber of Shipping offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package.

TO APPLY:

Please see attached job description. To apply, please send a CV & single page cover letter using the Apply Button below.

Please state where you saw the vacancy advertised and explain why you believe you are suitable for the role, including any required notice period by your current employer, if applicable.

Unfortunately, this post is not available through visa sponsorship. To be considered, candidates must already have the right to work in the UK.