Policy and Advocacy officer in the field of Asylum and Migration Caritas Europa

Vacancy: Caritas Europa is seeking to recruit a (m/f) Policy and Advocacy Officer (Migration and Asylum)
Full time, temporary replacement contract of 7 months
Starting: February 2013
Ending: August 2013
Expiration date for applications: 19 November 2012
 

Objectives
We are looking for a policy and advocacy officer who

• contributes to the overarching values, priorities and goals of Caritas in Europe
• monitors European policy developments and their impact on poverty in Europe,
• prepares briefings for member organisations (MOs),
• advocates for European 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:Policy development:Policy development:Policy development:Policy development:Policy development:

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

Advocacy: Advocacy: Advocacy: Advocacy:

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

Public campaigning:

• Contribute to the concept, elaboration and implementation of Europe-wide public Caritas Europa campaigns

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, parto of the Advocacy Unity, reports to the Head of Unit.

Profile

• University law degree
• Additional Postgraduate degree in the field of international relations, migration policy, EU studies, or similar is an asset
• At least 3 years of relevant working experience, part of which in an NGO, 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.
• Work permit for Belgium

Our offer
A challenging experience in Brussels with the possibility to influence European policy and the development of the European Caritas network, working in an international team and in an organisation that is one of the key European stakeholders in fighting poverty, EU Asylum and Migration policies
Please submit your motivation letter and CV by 19 November 2012 8:00 AM Brussels time 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 November 2012.
 

About Caritas Europa

Caritas Europa (CE) is the network of 49 organisations from 45 European countries. It is one of the seven regions of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 163 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.

For more information, please contact:
Peter Verhaeghe
Head of Advocacy and Policy Unit
Pverhaeghe@caritas-europa.org
+32 2 235 03 96