Policy & Advocacy Manager ONE

ONE is a campaign and advocacy organisation backed by over two and a half million people from around the world who are committed to the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. We hold world leaders to account for the promises made to the poorest, and we press them to support better policies and more effective aid and trade reform. We also work with leaders in Africa to support greater democracy, accountability and transparency so these resources can be effectively deployed. ONE has offices in Abuja, Berlin, Brussels, Johannesburg, London, Paris and Washington DC.

We are looking for a Policy & Advocacy Manager to join our exciting operation in Brussels, and support our policy and advocacy work with a particular focus on the EU Multi Financial Framework (MFF). This role will primarily focus on advocating for ONE’s issues and developing our relationships in key EU countries where ONE does not have an office (EU Presidency countries, and countries whose governments or MEPs are critical in furthering ONE’s priorities). The ideal candidate will be a great team player who is able to handle a varied role, able to develop and maintain relationships, is a self-starter and has a range of experience within EU institutions and in development policy.

Reports to: Brussels Director

Location: Brussels, with occasional international travel.

Principal duties and responsibilities:

• Work with the Brussels Director to set the strategy for high level political engagement around our key issues in strategic European countries where ONE does not have an office, with a particular focus on the MFF;
• Lead on policy and advocacy work for those countries, maintaining high level relationships, developing a wide range of contacts within institutions as well as with key stakeholders;
• Work closely with the rest of the Brussels team to ensure that the policy and advocacy in key countries where ONE does not have an office reinforces our work within Brussels;
• Provide high level support to the Brussels Director on policy issues, with occasional support on advocacy tasks and projects;
• Undertake general research and policy analysis in relation to ONE’s agenda, providing policy input and support to other ONE offices/policy issues as required;
• Work with ONE’s global policy, communications, advocacy and campaigns teams on priority issues and projects as necessary;
• Prepare briefing documents for the Brussels Director and other senior ONE staff or principals;
• Pitch in with administrative tasks as required and be willing to help the operation run smoothly;
• Any other duties as required by the role.

Skills and competence required for the role (candidates should demonstrate how their experience meet these in their application):

• Three to five years relevant experience of working with Brussels institutions, EU Budgets, and policymaking;
• Significant experience of working on issues of development, particularly with relation to Africa and preferably within the EU policymaking process;
• Excellent written English skills, including the ability to synthesize complex policy issues into digestible briefings and communicate to non-specialist audiences;
• Proven ability as a self-starter with a demonstrable ability to work well independently;
• Experience of communicating development issues and complex legislative processes for a range of stakeholders, including lobby targets and members of the public;
• Proven track record in developing and maintaining a range of relationships with lobby targets within a short space of time and achieving advocacy goals;
• Excellent verbal communications skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills and a friendly manner;
• Strong organisational skills and project management experience;
• Proven ability to work in a small team, flexible and adaptable;
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment, with shifting priorities and occasional heavy workloads;
• Fluent English essential; French and other languages highly desirable;
• Previous work experience in developing countries, and particularly Africa, desirable.

To apply: please email bruxelles@one.org with a CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the skills and experience outlined in the job description. Please ensure the job title is shown in the subject line.

Deadline: 9.00am GMT, Monday 16th April 2012

First and second round interviews: End of April/early May 2012

We thank all candidates for their interest, however we are only able to contact those who have been shortlisted. Therefore if you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful at this time.

Only applicants with the existing right to work within the EU will be considered.