Campaigner, Accountable Finance FoEE

Friends of the Earth Europe

Brussels, Belgium

Position for Campaigner on ’Accountable Finance' at Friends of the Earth Europe,
Deadline: May 4th 2012

Friends of the Earth Europe (FoEE) is looking for a campaigner for our project on accountability of the financial sector, starting as soon as possible, preferably by June 1st 2011, and based in the FoEE office in Brussels.

Friends of the Earth Europe campaigns for sustainable and just societies and for the protection of the environment. It unites 30 national organisations with thousands of local groups and is part of the world’s largest grassroots environmental network, Friends of the Earth International. Please see www.foeeurope.org for more information.

The campaigner will lead one of four campaigns in the Economic Justice program. The campaign on ‘accountable finance’ aims for a socially and environmentally sound financial sector though strict regulation at the EU level and change of conduct of banks and investors. The main focus of our current activities is to counter food speculation and investments in land grabbing, through pressure on investors and banks and through advocating European legislative measures.

The campaign involves FoEE member groups and it works closely with key NGO allies in different EU member states.

For this position we are looking for a highly organised, experienced, energetic and motivated individual. The campaigner will report to and be task managed by the coordinator of the Economic Justice team.

Key responsibilities are to:

• Develop FoEEs policies, expertise and strategies on accountable finance, with focus on food speculation and the finance of land grabbing;
• Identify if and how FoEE can contribute to activities and strategies in other areas of financial regulation;
• Develop and implement the FoEE ‘accountable finance’ campaign activities;
• Coordinate our activities and strategies with key allies;
• Carry out planning, budgeting, fundraising, internal communications and reporting;
• Represent FoEE externally;
• Maintain an overview of the key relevant issues, research, critical events and policy developments;
• Report to and advise the coordinator of the Economic Justice team on the campaign;
• Contribute to the development of strategy and tactics of the Economic Justice program.

Some of the main activities are:

• Expose the involvement of banks and investors in food speculation and land grabbing;
• Develop strategies and tools to convince banks and investors to limit their involvement in food speculation and land grabbing;
• Create support for our proposals among EU decision makers through advocacy meetings, letter writing, information exchange;
• Submit complaints and/or legal cases to relevant bodies;
• Mobilise public pressure to convince the EU institutions to act;
• Create and develop alliances with other relevant stakeholders.

Skills required / qualifications:

• Minimum of two years’ experience in working with an NGO at EU or international level, including advocacy work and corporate campaigning;
• Experience in managing campaigns including the various responsibilities involved (such as fundraising, research, budget management, lobbying);
• Experience in project management including proven ability to effectively adjust plans to rapidly changing circumstances.
• Good understanding of the financial sector and financial regulation, particularly on (food) commodity markets regulation;
• Experience in dealing with stakeholders from different backgrounds: decision makers, MEPs, NGOs, lobbyists, researchers, campaigners, media, etc.;
• Commitment to environmental issues;
• Complete fluency in English (written and spoken) with proficiency in at least one other EU language;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills - able to articulate clear messages to a variety of different audiences;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• Flexible - able to attend occasional evening/weekend meetings and undertake regular international travel.

Additional information

Salary between Euro 2.700 and 3.150 gross, depending on experience, plus benefits (13th month, luncheon vouchers, pension scheme and hospitalisation insurance). Conditions are according to Belgian legislation including the legal ability to live and work in Belgium. We offer a full time position, starting with a 1 year contract, to be extended in case of good performance and availability of funding.

FoEE offers a highly motivating working environment in an international NGO and office located in an environmentally friendly NGO building.

Friends of the Earth Europe campaigns for sustainable and just societies and for the protection of the environment. It unites 30 national organisations with thousands of local groups and is part of the world’s largest grassroots environmental network, Friends of the Earth International. Please see www.foeeurope.org for more information.

For more information, please contact Paul de Clerck, coordinator of the Economic Justice team: 32-494380959.

Please send your electronic letter, including your CV, latest May 4 to: jobs@foeeurope.org.

Only candidates who will be invited for interviews will be notified. Interviews are scheduled around mid-May.