Policy and Advocacy Director

Policy and Advocacy Director

Caritas Europa

Brussels, Belgium

In order to support Caritas Europa’s policy and advocacy work, the secretariat based in Brussels is offering a full-time permanent position to lead the work of the Policy and Advocacy Unit.

Mission

The post holder should provide strategic leadership and ensure the optimal implementation and development of Caritas Europa’s strategic objectives relating to inclusive and just policies, by overseeing advocacy, mainly in the fields of social policy and human mobility.

The post holder is also responsible for ensuring that the overall Caritas Europa advocacy work is coherent and in line with the approved advocacy strategy.

The post holder should ensure that Caritas Europa has a strong, well-researched and grassroots-based approach, rooted in Catholic Social Teachings, that is effectively used in advocacy and communication strategies to bring about long-term change for people experiencing poverty and for people in situations of exclusion.

Key tasks

1. To provide strategic leadership for the just policies work of Caritas Europa;
2. To lead the coordination of advocacy on cross-cutting files;
3. To lead and manage the Policy and Advocacy Unit and provide strategic direction and guidance to the Unit;
4. To support the work of the Just Policies Committee;
5. To ensure cohesion between the Caritas Europa secretariat and the national Caritas organisations in Europe;
6. To represent the organisation within the mandate given by the Secretary General;
7. To participate in the Senior Management Team;
8. On request of, or in agreement with, the Secretary General, contribute to and participate in any activity of the Caritas Europa secretariat.

Profile

• At least 7 years of professional experience acquired in positions relevant to the responsibilities of this position;
• University degree in European affairs, international relations or equivalent experience;
• Proven successful experience and knowledge of advocacy methodology, techniques and tools and their link to communication and awareness raising for successful and strategic advocacy;
• Knowledge (or deep understanding/keen interest/experience) of human rights and/or social policies related topics;
• Excellent leadership and management skills;
• Excellent inter-personal and networking skills;
• Strong diplomacy, representation, public speaking, facilitation and networking skills;
• Fluent oral and written English communication skills; good knowledge of other languages, in particular French/German is a strong asset;
• Thorough knowledge of the relevant EU legislative framework, the EU institutions and their functioning is required;
• Thorough knowledge about and experience of working with the Council of Europe is a strong asset;
• Strategic thinking skills, ability to analyse policy developments and draft and review policy positions/recommendations;
• Understanding of an ”accompanying attitude” and able to implement it towards member organisations;
• Understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, on which Caritas’ work is firmly rooted;
• Experience with Caritas and/or other Church and/or civil society organisations is a strong asset;
• Results-oriented: possesses flexibility and shows initiative and proactivity;
• Ability to work and create a supportive and empathetic working environment within an international team; possess intercultural competence and sensitivity;
• Computer skills and experience working with Microsoft Office software.

Offer and conditions

We offer a full-time permanent contract in line with our salary scheme (depending on experience) and with extra-legal benefits (hospitalisation and pension insurance, lunch vouchers, contribution to public transport).

The main place of work is Brussels. Regular teleworking is possible. The work also entails regular travel to other countries, mainly within Europe. The Policy and Advocacy Director reports directly to the Secretary General of Caritas Europa.

Caritas Europa is committed to diversity, equal opportunities and non-discrimination.

Starting date: ASAP

Application

Please submit a motivation letter (max. one page) and CV by 3 June 2024 to secretary-general@caritas.eu, mentioning in the subject “Policy and Advocacy Director”.

We thank all candidates in advance who show interest in this offer. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, around 12 June. The first round of interviews is planned for the week of 17 June. A second round of interviews will be carried out shortly after. Prospective candidates will be asked to carry out a written assignment in English as part of the selection procedure.

Caritas Europa is committed to safeguarding people from exploitation and abuse in its work and has specific policies on this commitment which outline the expected behaviour and the responsibility of all staff. We follow safe recruitment practices according to our safeguarding policies.

Any candidate offered a position within Caritas Europa will be expected to sign the Code of Conduct as an appendix to their contract and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with its provisions.