Political Adviser Food Policy

Eurogroup for Animals is the Brussels based European umbrella advocacy organisation, representing 70 national and international members across Europe and beyond. Together we provide a voice for the billions of animals kept in laboratories, farms and homes or living in the wild. Our vision is to build a Europe that truly cares for animals where the well-being of animals is assured and where they experience a good life.

The purpose of Eurogroup for Animals is to drive positive change for animals by convening its members around common goals, and coordinating EU wide action to jointly influence EU law and policy making. Our advocacy work consists of dedicated programmes and a growing portfolio of projects and campaigns.

Purpose of the role

Given the significant challenges in terms of climate and biodiversity, the EU is increasingly rethinking its agricultural and food policies. The EU Green Deal and Farm-to-Fork strategy are clear exponents of this new trend. At the same time we are witnessing a surge of food innovation at corporate level and a clear change of consumer preferences. 

Eurogroup for Animals farmed animal programme aims at significantly reducing animal protein production and consumption. We do this by enhancing the uptake of plant-based diets and cultivated meat in tandem with driving systemic change in animal farming. 

This new exciting role aims at driving this food policy paradigm shift whilst working hand in hand with our member organisations, other NGOs and industry partners. You will be executing and helping shape Eurogroup for Animals food policy strategy and work on key files such as the new Sustainable Food Framework Law, Sustainable Food Procurement, EU Code of conduct for responsible business and marketing practice and the implementation and renewal of the Common Agricultural Policy. 

Key responsibilities

• In implementing the overarching farmed animal strategy, develop, draft and implement tailored advocacy strategies.
• Further establish and expand the food policy network in the European Commission, European Parliament and the Council and build alliances around our advocacy objectives.
• Cultivate and empower a community of members on food policy and support them in establishing a network at national institutional and political level.
• Provide institutional stakeholders with scientific advice and tailored policy solutions, whilst engineering and exploiting innovative opportunities to further our goals wherever possible.
• Assess and reinforce relationships with alliances in the area of food policy.
• Monitor and identify opportunities with regard to policy and political developments in food, agricultural and environmental policies. Provide policy briefings, reports and tailored lobby tools. 
• Ensure close working relationships between the farmed animals team and the political and engagement team.

OTHER TASKS

Person specification

• Well-organised and focused on concrete results and campaign deliverables;
• In-depth knowledge of EU policy making and influencing processes, ideally in the area of food or agricultural policy;
• Analytical skills;
• Strategic and forward thinking;
• Flexible and pragmatic;
• Service oriented towards members and other stakeholders;
• Computer literate;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Strong written English;
• Demonstrable advocacy skills and knowledge;
• Good ability to work as team member and independently;
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment;
• Positive, approachable and adaptable;
• Compassionate and respectful to people and animals.

Position in the organisation

The political adviser reports to the Programme Leader Farmed Animals and is part of the farmed animals team. She/he works very closely with our political advisers and liaises with other colleagues responsible for areas such as membership engagement and finance as well as the senior management team. The political adviser develops a network of suitable external stakeholders e.g. EU institutions, Member Organisations, NGOs, consultants, etc.
 

NB: The job description is not exhaustive and you may be asked to carry out additional tasks which are appropriate to your experience, as required by your line manager. 

Employment Contract

38 hours per week, unlimited employment contract under Belgian law. Competitive remuneration and benefits package offered.
 

How to apply

To apply for the post, please send a letter of application stating the skills and approach that you would bring to this post along with your CV in English (Word format) by email to Louise Hilditch hr@eurogroupforanimals.org. Please include your salary expectations in your cover email and not in your motivation letter or CV.