Junior Policy Officer

Food & Water Europe is currently seeking a Junior Policy Officer for its Brussels office interested in fighting for safe food, clean water, and healthy oceans. The position is a two-year contract with possible extension.

The Policy Officer will work with the Director of European Affairs to develop and implement legislative, field organizing, and media strategies and campaigns in support of Food & Water Europe policy goals. The Policy Officer represents FWE and works as a leader in local coalitions to broaden support for FWE’s policy goals.  This is a contract position, and will be based in Brussels, Belgium.

While this position will work on all Food & Water Europe issues in Europe, a significant portion of the position will be dedicated to working on pan-European campaigns to ban hydraulic fracturing (fracking).

Background

Food & Water Europe is a project of Food & Water Watch, a non-profit consumer organization based in Washington, D.C., that is fully independent (we receive no government or corporate funding). We empower people to take action and transform the public consciousness about what we eat and drink. Food & Water Europe monitors the practices of multinational corporations that impact our food and water. We work with grassroots organizations around the world to create a genuinely economically and environmentally viable future. Through research, public and policymaker education, media and lobbying, we advocate policies that guarantee safe, wholesome food produced in a humane and sustainable manner and public, rather than private, control of water resources, including oceans, rivers and groundwater. Across the globe, our food systems are increasingly interconnected. We’re expanding our work in the EU to reflect the need for us all to take responsibility for the way our food is produced and consumed.

Specific Responsibilities

• Build a strong base of organizations and individuals in support of our campaigns.
• Advise management of issues particular to assigned region that can improve Food & Water Europe effectiveness.
• Coordinate and develop coalitions on campaign issues and implement grassroots organizing and public education campaigns.
• Work with team to develop strategic campaign plans including long- and short-term goals, strategies and tactics.
• Maintain familiarity with a diverse set of issues and research products, and respond to information requests from activists, coalition members, and media.
• Develop education materials such as factsheets, action alerts, web site content and newsletter articles on various campaign issues. Maintain activist database and email lists to effectively communicate to members and supporters.
• Travel to target areas to motivate local organizations and individuals through public speaking, media appearances, strategic planning and training, and meetings with European and local governments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: University degree or equivalent experience required.
• Experience: At least 1-2 years of experience in grassroots/field organizing and/or advocacy on public policy issues.
• Knowledge: Organizing, advocacy and legislative strategy techniques; familiarity with EU institutions, policies and legislative process; knowledge of consumer and environmental issues, and of working with the media. Knowledge of food or water issues a plus.
• Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong interpersonal and planning skills; excellent organizational skills. Knowledge of online activism and email listserves a plus.
• Capabilities: Ability to think creatively and quickly to respond to legislative developments and to take advantage of breaking news; demonstrated leadership capability; ability to work well with a wide variety of people and to coordinate diverse tasks; ability to present technical concepts to a mass audience; can-do attitude and commitment to public interest work; works well under pressure, can handle multiple tasks at once, and adapts to changing situations on a daily basis. High level of independent judgement.
• Conditions: Strong interest in and commitment to promoting the goals of Food & Water Europe. Long hours possible, some travel possible.  Applicant must be legally eligible to work in Belgium.
• Language: Excellent written and spoken English is a requirement and at least another EU language (preferably French or German).

How to Apply

Please send CV, cover letter, and writing sample to jobs@fweurope.org, referencing “EU Affairs Junior Policy Officer” in the subject. Position open until filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Food & Water Europe strives for a diverse work environment and encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and differently-abled people to apply.