Campaigns Assistant, Youth Ambassador Programme - Italy

ONE

Brussels, Belgium

(Fixed Term Contract, until November 2014)

ONE is a campaign and advocacy organization backed by over three and a half million people from around the world and every walk of life 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 put in place policies to promote and support development. We also work with leaders in Africa to support greater democracy, accountability and transparency. ONE operates from Berlin, Brussels, Johannesburg, London, Paris and Washington DC. 

We are looking for a Campaigns Assistant to support our campaigning, policy and advocacy, efforts around our new Youth Ambassadors (YA) initiative that will recruit around 20 activists in Italy to campaign against extreme poverty locally, nationally and online in the run up to the European elections. The YA Programme will aim to influence the new Members of the European Parliament, with the aim of getting over half of the new intake of MEPs on the record in support of ONE’s aims. The Campaigns Assistant will develop the Programme in Italy and will be responsible for recruiting and training the Youth Ambassadors, and launching and running the programme. This role will also provide general support with ONE’s policy, advocacy and campaigning work across Europe.

The ideal candidate will be a great team player who is sympathetic to ONE’s issues and is able to handle a varied and fast paced role. Familiarity and understanding of EU processes, and international development and interest or experience in Africa are strongly preferred. 

Reports To: International Advocacy Director, with a dotted line to Youth Ambassador Project Manager

Location: Brussels, with regular travel to Italy and other international travel as required

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Train our Ambassadors to write and meet local MP and candidates for the European elections and be the main point of contact for our volunteers in Italy, organizing and delivering local events/presentations;
• Recruiting new members;
• Campaigning in the European Parliament, meeting with influential decision-makers;
• Run the YA Programme in the context of the European Elections work and our increased engagement in Italy for 2014;
• With the support of YA project manager and International Advocacy Director, draw up and execute the campaign plan for Italy and help manage the budget;
• Outreach to partners in Italy and establish and maintain contact with political, campaigns and media contacts where appropriate, and in close collaboration with the International Advocacy Director;
• Assist the Policy and Advocacy Manager with policy and advocacy work, with a particular focus on ONE’s engagement on European Elections;
• Monitor the public and political debate on European matters and provide the team with regular updates and guidance for further activities;
• Support ONE Brussels’s efforts, including relevant campaigns and events, particularly with a view to leverage EU dynamics;
• Prepare blog posts for the ONE website;
• Act as a bridge with other ONE offices working on EU processes/EU Elections to provide the EU perspective and ensure efficient communication, early alerts and coordinated work;
• Provide project support to team members including preparing meeting agendas, drafting meeting materials, and leading on follow up action items from each meeting;
• Provide logistical support for the execution of ONE Brussels’s strategy as required;
• Any other duties as required by the role.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills and strong quantitative skills;
• Proven ability to synthesise complex documents with an eye for key points and relevance to ONE’s issues;
• Proactive, a doer capable of driving projects in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and occasional heavy workloads;
• Well-organized and able to deal confidently with all types of inquiries. Proven ability to multi-task. Ability to work to tight deadlines and produce research briefings with sometimes very short notice;
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment;
• Flexible, resourceful and innovative;
• A commitment to ONE’s aims;
• Familiarity and understanding of the EU processes;
• Familiarity and understanding of the Italian political system and international development and interest or experience in Africa strongly preferred;
• Relevant academic qualifications;
• Proficiency in English, Italian and another European language, both verbal and written, is essential to the role.

Application deadline: Friday 14th March 2014
Interviews: March/April 2014 

To Apply: Please visit jobs.one.org to submit your CV and cover letter. 

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 in Brussels will be considered.