Policy and Advocacy Officer (Social Policy – Poverty and Social Exclusion)

Caritas Europa (CE) is the network of 49 organisations from 46 European countries. It is one of the seven regions of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 165 Catholic relief, development and social service organisations. Our vision is of a civilisation 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.

With a view to further develop its advocacy work Caritas Europa is seeking to recruit a (m/f):
Policy and Advocacy Officer
(Social Policy – Poverty and Social Exclusion)
(Full time, permanent contract)
Starting October 2013

Objectives:
We are looking for a policy and advocacy officer who

•  contributes to the overarching values, priorities and goals of Caritas in Europe
•  monitors and analyses 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 communication work
•  contributes to the design, implementation and evaluation of Caritas Europa projects

Tasks:
Policy development:

•  To monitor EU policy developments in the areas of child and family poverty, the European Platform against Poverty and Social Exclusion, the Social Investment Package, Europe 2020 and any other relevant policy process that affects poverty and social inclusion
•  Inform and brief the member organisations of European policy developments
•  Participate in the creation and implementation of the Caritas Europa work plans
•  Prepare well-informed advocacy on social policy issues, mainly by collecting input from member organisations

Advocacy:

•  prepare and/or ensure representation of Caritas Europa at relevant events and meetings
•  Carry out efficient internal and external communication on social 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 Horizontal tasks, like organisation of meetings, contribution to projects, networking, reporting etc. are part of the daily work. The main work will be developed in Brussels, but travels to other European countries will be part of the work. The Advocacy Officer, part of the Advocacy Unit, reports to the Head of Unit.
 

Profile:

•  University Degree (bachelor or higher)
•  Postgraduate degree in the field of social policy, EU studies or similar is an asset
•  At least 3 years of relevant working experience, preferably in Caritas organisations and in the field of social policy
•  Work experience in other social NGOs and EU environment is an asset
•  Experience in policy and advocacy in the area of poverty and social affairs at national and European level
•  Experience with Central and Eastern European social policies is an asset
•  Working experience related to and good understanding of the EU Institutions’ decisionmaking and 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
•  Presentation, facilitation and networking skills
•  Ability to work in an international team
•  Computer skills and experience in working with Microsoft Office software

Caritas Europa promotes diversity in the team. Caritas Europa is committed to equal opportunities and will ensure that no applicant is discriminated against through a condition or requirement which cannot be objectively justified.

Our offer:
We 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 one of the key European stakeholders in fighting poverty and social exclusion. The salary range is between 2.600 € and 3.400 € monthly gross salary depending on the demonstrated experience; daily meal vouchers and an additional insurance are part of our offer.

Please submit following documents:
1. Motivation letter (max 1 page)
2. CV (max 2 pages)

By 27 August 2013 24:00 Brussels time to secretary-general@caritas-europa.org mentioning in the subject “CV Advocacy Officer – Poverty and Social Exclusion”.
We thank in advance all candidates who show their interest in this offer. First interviews with shortlisted candidates shall be held in the second week of September 2013.