Advocacy Officer (International Cooperation)

Caritas Europa (CE) is the network of 47 organisations from 44 European countries. It is one of the seven regions of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 170 Catholic relief, development and social service organisations. Our vision is of a civilization of love and justice where every human person can flourish and live in peace and dignity as part of one human family. Caritas Europa has a heartfelt commitment to analyse and fight poverty and social exclusion; and to promote true integral human development, social justice and sustainable social systems in Europe and throughout the world. Caritas Europa advocates for, and with, people in need in order to transform society into a more just and inclusive civilisation. Caritas Europa recognises the need for mutual learning and innovation in all we do.

With a view to further develop its work on communication Caritas Europa is seeking to recruit a (m/f):

Advocacy Officer (International Cooperation)

(full time, unlimited contract)

Starting mid September 2011.

Objectives:

We are looking for a policy and advocacy officer who

• monitors EU policy developments and their impact on poverty in Europe and in the world,
• prepares briefings for member organisations (MOs),
• advocates for EU action in the fight against poverty and consults with experts in the network,
• facilitates one of the Caritas Europa Advocacy Working Groups,
• contributes to the Caritas Europa training events and
• contributes to the Caritas Europa Newsletter.

Tasks:

Policy development:

• Monitor EU policy developments
• Inform and brief the member organisations of EU policy developments
• Participate in the creation and implementation of the annual work plans
• Prepare well-informed advocacy on development and humanitarian aid issues, also by collecting input from member organisations

Advocacy:

• Represent or ensure representation of Caritas Europa at relevant events and meetings
• Carry out efficient internal and external communication on international cooperation policy issues: Draft press releases, website and extranet updates on development issues, in cooperation with the Communications Unit

Capacity building:

• Prepare and participate in capacity-building events for MOs in the field of advocacy

The main work will be developed in Brussels, but travels to other countries will be part of the work. The Advocacy Officer, part of the Advocacy Unit, reports to the Advocacy Unit coordinator.

Profile:

• University Degree (bachelor or higher), preferably in economic sciences
• Postgraduate degree in the field of economics, international relations, international development, EU studies, or similar is an asset
• At least 3 years of relevant working experience, part of which in an NGO, preferably in the Global South, or EU environment.
• Working experience related to and good understanding of the EU Institutions, decision-making, development policies, European networks
• Excellent English speaking and writing skills. Good command of French and/or German, as well as other European languages is an asset.
• Understanding of and commitment to the principles of the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church, in which Caritas’ work is firmly rooted.
• Experience in Church organisations is an asset.
• Skills in presentation, facilitation and networking.
• Ability to work in an international team.
• Computer skills and experience in working with Microsoft Office software.

Our offer:

A challenging experience in Brussels with the possibility to influence European policy and the development of the European Caritas network, working in a multicultural team and in an organisation that is one of the key European stakeholders in development issues.

Please apply by 24 August 2011 12:00 Brussels time in submitting your motivation letter and CV to secretary-general@caritas-europa.org mentioning in the subject “CV Advocacy Officer”.

We thank in advance all candidates who show their interest in this offer. First interviews shall be held around the last week of August.

Caritas Europa, a.i.s.b.l.

Rue De Pascale, 4, 1040 Brussels - Belgium

Tel: +32 (0)2 280 02 80

Email: secretary-general@caritas-europa.org

Website: http://www.caritas-europa.org