Public Affairs Manager
Contract type : Fixed-term contract
Level of qualifications required : Graduate degree or equivalent
Fonction : Support functions
Corps d'accueil : Ingénieur d'Etudes / Ingénieur de Recherche (IE/IR)
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 centers.
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
- Policy Positioning & Advocacy
- 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
- Restauration subventionnée
- Transports publics remboursés partiellement
- Congés: 7 semaines de congés annuels + 10 jours de RTT (base temps plein) + possibilité d'autorisations d'absence exceptionnelle (ex : enfants malades, déménagement)
- Possibilité de télétravail et aménagement du temps de travail
- Équipements professionnels à disposition (visioconférence, prêts de matériels informatiques, etc.)
- Prestations sociales, culturelles et sportives (Association de gestion des œuvres sociales d'Inria)
- Accès à la formation professionnelle
Remuneration
Depending on qualifications and professional experience
General Information
- Town/city : Centre Inria de Paris
- Inria Center : Siège
- Starting date : 2026-10-01
- Duration of contract : 3 years
- Deadline to apply : 2026-09-01
Warning : you must enter your e-mail address in order to save your application to Inria. Applications must be submitted online on the Inria website. Processing of applications sent from other channels is not guaranteed.
Instruction to apply
CV with references and cover letter
Defence Security :
This position is likely to be situated in a restricted area (ZRR), as defined in Decree No. 2011-1425 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.
Contacts
- Inria Team : DGD-APP (DGD-APP)
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Recruiter :
Viallet Raphaelle / raphaelle.viallet@inria.fr
About Inria
Inria, the French national institute for research in digital science and technology, supports the French government in national research and innovation strategies in the digital field, acting as Digital Programs Agency. Inria leads over 300 research and innovation projects with its 3,500 scientists, engineers, and support staff, in partnership with universities and the digital ecosystem (businesses, entrepreneurs, and public stakeholders). Together, we explore strategic fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum computing, cloud technologies, digital transformation in healthcare, digital twins, and digital technologies for defence. We develop practical solutions such as software, tech startups, partnerships with national companies, and cutting-edge training programmes. Our goal is to drive scientific, technological, and industrial excellence to ensure France’s digital sovereignty.