Public Affairs Manager

Level of qualifications required : Graduate degree or equivalent

Fonction : Support functions

Level of experience : More than 12 years

About the research centre or Inria department

Established in 2022 to mobilize the Institute’s expertise in support of public policies, the Deputy General Directorate for Public Policy Support (DGD-APP) is tasked with initiating and overseeing pilot projects and partnerships with public stakeholders. Its mission includes reporting to Inria’s public stakeholders on assigned tasks, fostering dialogue with public authorities at all levels to inform public decision-making, and coordinating responses to institutions and authorities that solicit, evaluate, or audit the Institute.

The DGD-APP operates in close collaboration with Inria’s other Deputy General Directorates (for Science, Innovation, Site Policies, and Administration) as well as the Programs Agency, leveraging the expertise of all functional directorates and Inria’s research centres.

Assignment

We are seeking a Public Affairs Manager to define and execute EGIDE’s engagement strategy across European and national institutional ecosystems.

This role sits at the intersection of defense policy, industrial strategy, and innovation, and is critical to positioning EGIDE as a key stakeholder in the future of European defense capabilities.

You will work closely with founders, engineering, and business teams to align public affairs efforts with company strategy, supporting growth, partnerships, and institutional integration.

This role carries a recurring operational tempo: one evening event per week in the Paris region, one trip per month of at least two nights (France or Europe), and two to three major international trade shows per year (e.g. Eurosatory, Milipol, DSEI, Dubai Airshow), requiring full-week availability on those occasions.

Main activities

What You’ll Do

• Institutional Engagement & Strategy
• Strategic Communication
• Defense Compliance & Regulatory Affairs
• Develop and execute EGIDE’s public affairs and institutional relations strategy
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders (ministries, EU institutions, defense agencies)
• Monitor and anticipate regulatory, geopolitical, and policy developments impacting the defense sector
• Shape EGIDE’s positions on European defense, procurement, and industrial policy
• Contribute to consultations, white papers, and strategic policy discussions
• Represent EGIDE in industry associations, working groups, and public forums
• Support the development of high-level messaging for institutional audiences
• Prepare briefings, talking points, and executive materials for founders
• Ensure consistency between corporate strategy, communications, and policy positioning
• Ensure alignment with national and European defense regulations and export control frameworks
• Monitor compliance requirements related to defense procurement and sensitive technologies
• Support internal processes related to classification, security clearances, and regulatory obligations
• Liaise with legal and regulatory bodies to ensure full compliance across operations

Skills

You Are a Fit If You Have:

• Master’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in public affairs, government relations, or defense policy
• Strong understanding of European defense ecosystems and institutions
• Proven ability to engage with senior stakeholders in public and private sectors
• Excellent writing and communication skills (French & English required)

Nice to have:

• Experience in the defense, aerospace, or dual-use technology sectors
• Familiarity with EU funding mechanisms (EDF, EDA, etc.)
• Background in a start-up or high-growth environment
• Knowledge of export control frameworks

Benefits package

Remuneration

Depending on qualifications and professional experience

Defence Security :

This position is likely to be situated in a restricted area (ZRR), as defined in Decree No. relating to the protection of national scientific and technical potential (PPST).Authorisation to enter an area is granted by the director of the unit, following a favourable Ministerial decision, as defined in the decree of 3 July 2012 relating to the PPST. An unfavourable Ministerial decision in respect of a position situated in a ZRR would result in the cancellation of the appointment.

Recruitment Policy :

As part of its diversity policy, all Inria positions are accessible to people with disabilities.

Inria is the French national research institute dedicated to digital science and technology. It employs 2,600 people. Its 200 agile project teams, generally run jointly with academic partners, include more than 3,500 scientists and engineers working to meet the challenges of digital technology, often at the interface with other disciplines. The Institute also employs numerous talents in over forty different professions. 900 research support staff contribute to the preparation and development of scientific and entrepreneurial projects that have a worldwide impact.