Head of Policy and Advocacy

Position description

Social Platform is looking for a social justice-driven, strategic and engaging Head of Policy and Advocacy to join its Secretariat in Brussels. This is an exciting development opportunity for an experienced professional who wants to play an active role in the fight for social justice in Europe. The role includes harnessing the collective expertise and influence of Social Platform members, leading the advocacy activities of the Secretariat and developing and managing relationships with external stakeholders.

The post holder will oversee their own policy and advocacy portfolio, as well as coordinate and supervise the work of Senior Policy Officers within the team. The Head of Advocacy will report to, and, when required, deputise for the Secretary General of Social Platform. The Head of Policy and Advocacy will also be expected to work closely with the Communications and Campaigns Officer, to support the delivery of consistent, clear and change-making messages to external stakeholders.

Reporting to: Secretary General

Main responsibilities:

Political strategy

• Lead on the development and implementation of the organisation’s advocacy strategy to contribute to the successful delivery of Social Platform’s organisational objectives;
• Work directly with the Secretariat and Social Platform’s membership to build a strong policy and advocacy community on social rights;
• Work with the Secretary General in supporting and contributing to the governance structures of Social Platform and to the network’s strategic plans and annual work programmes;
• Work closely with the Communication and Campaigns Officer on targeted outreach strategies, impactful policy messaging and the development of advocacy campaigns.

Team management

• Line-manage and coordinate the work of Social Platform’s Policy and Advocacy Team, with a focus on providing mentorship and support;
• Deputise for the Secretary General as required;

External representation

• Lead on key partnerships that support Social Platform’s advocacy aims and develop strong relationships with relevant stakeholders across the EU institutions;
• Represent Social Platform externally and contribute to co-ordinating attendance of Social Platform representatives at external-facing events.

Fundraising

• Contribute to the delivery of the fundraising strategy developing projects, liaising with funders and partners and developing new partnerships.

Qualifications

Knowledge and experience

• At least 7 years of work experience in European policy and advocacy;
• Proven experience in advocacy and policy at European and Member State level;
• Educational background in economics, social policy, political science or a related field; or, proven equivalent practical experience;
• Proven knowledge of EU social policy;
• Expertise on EU policy-making processes and on monitoring, analysing and responding to identified opportunities for strategic engagement with EU institutions;
• Demonstrable experience of speaking at and contributing to public events;
• Experience of working with or within a membership-based organisation;
• Experience in managing staff and projects;
• Experience in developing project applications and fundraising;
• High degree of attention to detail, commitment to quality and ability to prioritise tasks.

Skills/abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Politically astute, with track record of successful advocacy outcomes;
• Excellent planning and co-ordination skills; flexible attitude ready to adjust priorities as required;
• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and compelling manner to a wide range of audiences and proven record of effective messaging;
• Willing to travel in Europe for representation opportunities;
• Demonstrated networking skills;
• Excellent written and spoken English, additional European language is an advantage;
• Adheres to Social Platform’s values and approach grounded in the human rights framework;
• Legal right to work in the EU.

Application instructions

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