Policy Officer Responsible for Vessel Technical Requirements

Policy Officer Responsible for Vessel Technical Requirements

CCNR - Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine

Strasbourg, France

€ 4,000 - € 5,000 per month gross

Who are we?

The Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR) is an international organisation based in Strasbourg. It has five Member States (Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands and Switzerland). The primary aim of the CCNR is to ensure the safety and the prosperity of navigation on the Rhine. The organisation is at the forefront of innovation, enabling the Rhine fleet to lead the way and tackle today’s challenges, such as digitalisation, greening, automation, adapting to climate change, professional qualifications and the economic position of the sector.

Reaching beyond the Rhine, many of the activities of the CCNR take place in a European setting, notably through the European Committee for drawing up standards in the field of inland navigation (CESNI - www.cesni.eu) whose Secretariat is provided by the CCNR.

Against the backdrop of the rapid transformation of the fleet required to meet the challenges outlined above, the CCNR is expanding its international Secretariat (which comprises around 30 staff) and is recruiting a Policy Officer for vessel technical requirements.

Description of the tasks

Vessels navigating on European inland waterways must comply with the European Standard laying down technical requirements for inland waterway vessels (ES-TRIN)1. This standard aims to ensure a high level of safety, to protect the environment and individuals on board, and to support innovation. It is drawn up and regularly updated by the international CESNI/PT Working group2, comprising experts from the Member States of the CCNR and the European Union, industry and the Secretariat.

The position forms part of this work on standardisation. It is particularly suited to a young professional with a strong technical background who wishes to develop expertise in standards and international affairs. However, this does not rule out applications from more senior candidates, particularly where the applicant has professional experience relevant to the field.

The Policy Officer will be part of the team led by the Chief Engineer, working directly under the Administrator responsible for the area, who oversees strategic direction, policy coordination and the management of sensitive issues. This approach ensures that duties are carried out in a structured yet flexible manner, fostering gradual autonomy as well as a supervised exposure to situations involving political tension or negotiation.

Under the guidance of the Administrator, the Policy Officer will contribute to the work of Working group CESNI/PT and its temporary Working groups, in particular by:

• Writing technical analyses, summary notes and draft standards;
• Working with Member States to clarify complex technical subjects and promote a shared understanding of the challenges and priorities;
• Preparing, organising and providing follow up on international meetings (agendas, working documents, minutes);
• Monitoring technical and regulatory developments in line with technological advances in the sector (safety, the environment, digitalisation, automation).

How can you help us achieve our goals?

In this role, you will work closely with the Administrator, who will support you as you develop your skills and gain an understanding of the key issues. Your main tasks will include:

• Producing, primarily in English, complex technical documents (analyses, summaries, proposals for amendments to standards) intended for an international community of experts;
• Playing an active role in technical meetings of the Working groups (usually held in English) by offering an analytical and structured contribution;
• Contributing to a constructive and cooperative working environment by supporting Member States in the search for technically sound solutions;
• Supporting the development of expertise within the CCNR as well as its ongoing activities, in particular by assisting the Administrator.

What does this role require from you?

Technical skills

• A degree at Engineer, Master’s or equivalent level in a relevant technical field (shipbuilding, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or similar);
• Initial professional experience in a technical or public sector environment is preferred.

Writing skills

• Excellent writing skills (structure, clarity, precise use of terminology, attention to detail);
• Ability to produce high-quality technical and regulatory documents in English;
• Ability to translate complex technical issues into analyses that are understandable to a wide range of readers.

Languages

• Excellent command (native speaker level) of French, German or Dutch; knowledge of another of these three languages is an advantage;
• Excellent command of English.

Nationality

• National of a Member State the CCNR or of the EU.

Do you recognise yourself in this description?

• You have a technical background and are keen to apply it to standardisation and regulatory work in an international context and with a focus on innovation;
• You enjoy analysing, organising and writing, and are motivated to produce accurate, technically sound, high-quality work within set deadlines;
• You are able to work as part of a team in a collaborative and organised manner;
• You are comfortable with constructive criticism of your suggestions and are constantly striving to improve them;
• You enjoy working on innovative projects and are keen to move them forward by seeking consensus across all stakeholders;
• You enjoy working alongside experts from different countries and professional backgrounds in a multicultural environment;
• You are seeking to gradually build up recognised expertise by working with experienced professionals within a leading international organisation.

What the CCNR is offering you

As well as an interesting and multicultural working environment, joining us would mean:

• A 4-year contract, with a probationary period of 6 months. The contract is expected to be renewed and is included in the planned continuation of funding for the project, subject to a positive performance review;
• A monthly salary (tax free) corresponding to grade B4-B5 of the CCNR Secretariat’s Staff Regulations (i.e., between €4,000 and €5,000 gross per month, depending on experience);
• A good health and personal insurance scheme;
• A 38-hour working week, with the option to work remotely 2 days per work, and 30 days annual leave.

Are you interested in this position?

• You are invited to submit your application (CV and cover letter) via the Apply Now button before July 20, 2026 to the Secretariat of the CCNR. It should be sent for the attention of the Human Resources Officer, Caroline Leris, (tel. +33 (0)3 88 52 20 12, [email protected]) who will also be able to answer any questions on the recruitment procedure;
• For more information about the tasks associated with this position, please visit our website www.ccr-zkr.org or contact Raphaël Wisselmann, Chief Engineer, (tel. +33 (0)3 88 52 20 09, [email protected]).

1 https://www.cesni.eu/en/technical-requirements/;
2 “CESNI/PT Working group” stands for “CESNI Working group on technical requirements“.

Don't forget to mention EuroBrussels when applying.

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