Advocacy Officer for Seed Policy

ARCHE NOAH - The Seed Savers in Central Europe

Brussels, Belgium

Part time: depending on individual profile, 25-35 hours
Start: Earliest in October 2014
Application deadline: 24 August 2014

ARCHE NOAH is an Austria and Brussels based seed savers organisation. For almost 25 years, ARCHE NOAH and its 11.000 members have been preserving and cultivating endangered vegetable, fruit and grain diversity. Active advocacy work plays a crucial role for achieving these goals. We stand up for a policy that promotes biodiversity, ensures healthy and tasty food and protects the rights of small-scale farmers. Learn more atwww.arche-noah.at. 

We are looking for an exceptional candidate to manage our Brussels office. You will be responsible for developing and implementing successful advocacy strategies towards the European institutions. Your role will be to maintain strategic relationships with the European legislators as well as different stakeholders and successfully advocate for more sustainable European seed legislation.

Essentials

With a degree in a relevant subject, you will have at least 2 years working experience, preferably in fields like food sovereignty, agro-ecology or nature conservation. An in depth understanding of the functioning of the EU institutions is essential. You are a truly dedicated person striving for a true change in agricultural policy in Europe. 

But most importantly, you have a proven ability to develop and sustain strategic relationships with key partners, very strong communication skills and the ability to reach out to various stakeholders including European institutions, civil society organisations and public authorities. Strong writing skills, coupled with strong analytical skills, are essential requirements for this position.

Desired requirements

The ability to analyse European legislation is an asset. 

The policy team’s working language is English. Fluency in eastern European languages and French or Spanish is an asset. German is not mandatory.

You will enjoy cooperating with a highly motivated team and contributing to the development of a more sustainable European seed legislation – thus to a more sustainable agriculture. 

We look forward to your application!

Contact: Iga Niznik, ARCHE NOAH Advocacy, application@arche-noah.at 

Only electronic applications will be accepted. 

Your application must include:

• a letter of motivation;
• your CV;
• three reference contacts;
• your salary expectations (net monthly salary).

Evaluations from earlier employers are desired. You may attach any other documents you might consider relevant.