Chief Executive Officer

Federation of European Risk Management Associations

About the Organisation

Founded in 1974 and based in Brussels, the Federation of European Risk Management Associations (FERMA) is the leading advocate for the risk management profession in Europe. Representing 23 associations from 22 countries, FERMA connects a thriving network of over 5,600 risk professionals from diverse industries. Effective risk management means anticipating potential challenges and swiftly mitigating their impact. Risk managers are strategic coordinators, educators, and communicators who unify risk efforts across an organisation.

Their expertise spans risk assessment, risk mapping, and insurance strategies, with a direct line to senior leadership and boards. Risk managers typically come from different professional backgrounds, such as finance, engineering, law, or insurance. Today, an increasing number are starting their careers with dedicated training to become professional risk managers.

About the role

The CEO is responsible for the day-to-day management of FERMA, in accordance with the decisions of the Board. The CEO shall be a strong people manager who develops focus, consistency, and membership engagement. The Chief Executive Officer leads the Federation, liaises with and responds to National Risk Management Associations, represents the Federation externally, and conducts the day-to-day management.

Responsibilities

The CEO will:

• Accountable to the FERMA Board and works closely with the President.
• Ensure that FERMA remains fit for purpose and financially sustainable.
• Possesses good advocacy antennae and a commitment to FERMA’s core mission
• Act as the main external face of the Federation externally, liaising with the EU Institutions and other European and international stakeholders.
• Facilitate relationships with and between the member associations.
• The CEO reports to the Board and makes suggestions to the Board. The CEO participates in
• Executive Committee meetings, Board meetings, and General Assemblies with no voting rights.

Leadership:

• Communicate clear direction and strategic focus through development/review of mission statement, values, objectives, and strategy.
• Work with the Board and the members to set and implement the overall strategy for FERMA. This includes facilitating discussion and decisions on organizational development, policy, and governance
• Coordinate the actions of the association and the work of the staff
• Support staff and members and promote a culture of involvement, improvement, and accountability.
• Manage change and allocate resources towards the longer-term development of the federation, while recruiting, developing, and managing talented staff.
• Inspire a performance-driven culture of transparency, accountability, and commitment to FERMA and its mission.

Membership:

• Engage with National Risk Management Associations, acting as a representative and advocate for the Federation within these groups.
• Assess achievement against set objectives and ensure the Federation’s responsibility to its members, including reporting on its expenditure and activities.
• Maintain current membership, attract new members, and collaborate with the Board to expand the Federation, particularly by developing new revenue streams.
• Support Board members in executing their individual tasks

External Representation & Advocacy:

• Manage advocacy activities, including the development and execution of policy and advocacy plans.
• Develop and drive the EU advocacy strategy for FERMA, aligning with the needs of national associations (NAs).
• Act as the advocate for the profession’s interests with policymakers and third parties.
• Oversee the creation of position papers, briefings, and other relevant materials for the risk management community and external stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key EU stakeholders (European Commission, European Parliament, ECB, EIOPA, etc.) and major stakeholder associations to maximize public policy influence.
• Facilitate committees and advocacy projects to ensure the work program reaches its goals.
• Promote the Federation’s values and position papers with relevant policymakers, positioning FERMA as a thought leader.
• Communicate FERMA’s views at conferences, hearings, media interviews, and press conferences.
• Liaise with representatives of other European institutions, update the Board of Directors on relevant EU developments, and inform members about the impact on the profession.
• Participate in IFRIMA (International Federation of Risk and
• Insurance Management Associations) as appropriate.

Management:

• Assume overall management of the Federation’s permanent secretariat (current team of 6 staff + external consultants in charge of Financial, IT & HR matters).
• Be in charge of the organization of the events of the Federation, including the bi-annual Forum (3000 delegates) and Seminar (300 delegates).
• Work with the President to review strategy and lobbying policy, and organize the Annual General Assembly and Board meetings.
• Monitor regulatory affairs in the risk and insurance management field. Prepare the federation’s budget with the support of the Treasurer and monitor it during the year.
• Support the Secretary General with the legal & administrative tasks

Skills, Competencies, & Experience

Requirements:

• Strategic and operational management capabilities in a dynamic and evolving environment.
• Strong negotiation and commercial skills, particularly given organizing annual conferences in European countries.
• Ability to manage and steer financial and human resources in a national/European context.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Results-oriented and proactive attitude, willing to engage with different stakeholders, and with a hands-on approach to getting things done.
• Ability to work effectively with a high-profile board.

Advantageous:

• Experience from managing a European network or federation
• Excellent people management and interpersonal skills
• Strong experience in lobbying with European Institutions
• Knowledge of risk management and insurance.

Working locations

• Remotely working in Brussels, Belgium

How to apply

• Please send your CV and 1-page motivation letter to Dober Partners (Team) Mark Dober ([email protected]) or Natalia Kurop ([email protected])

Interviews

• Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in person in Brussels around mid-June by the Selection Committee. The final interview will take place in Brussels on 25th June.

Return to listing