Policy and Advocacy Officer (Socio-Economic Policy)

The Caritas Europa Secretariat based in Brussels is offering a full-time permanent position to support the work of the Policy and Advocacy Unit.

Caritas Europa is a Catholic network of 49 member organisations in 46 European countries, working with people of all faiths to end poverty and to promote the dignity of all. We are one of the seven regions of Caritas Internationalis, a global confederation with over 160 national members and the second largest humanitarian organisation in the world.

Caritas is present in the heart of communities and ready to act when a need arises. We have a heartfelt commitment to fighting the injustices which lead to poverty and the exclusion of people in the most marginalised and vulnerable situations. We believe that people and the environment, not profits, should be at the heart of all policies.

Mission

The post holder contributes to implement the Caritas Europa (CE) Strategic Framework 2021-2028, its annual work plans, and its Policy and Advocacy Strategy. S/he focuses on the priorities identified of Caritas Europa’s work on social and economic policy, recognition of non-profit social services and inclusion and integration. Under the supervision of the Policy and Advocacy Director, s/he contributes to the effective implementation of Strategic Orientations 3 (“Inclusive and just policies”), and is particularly responsible for ensuring optimal results in implementing the outcomes that contribute to: Strategic Objective 3.1: The Caritas Europa network influences social and economic policies to eradicate poverty, end social exclusion and revamp Europe’s socio-economic system, ensuring greater equality, participation and just outcomes. Strategic Objective 3.2: The Caritas Europa network influences migration, asylum and integration policies in order to promote respect of human rights, human dignity and the integral human development of people and their families on the move.

Key tasks & responsibilities

• Implement the policy and advocacy priorities set out in the Strategic Framework and unit work plan, including policy monitoring, analysis, position development, advocacy meetings, communication, networking, and support for capacity strengthening of member organisations.

• Monitor developments at EU and Council of Europe level, contribute to consultations and policy processes where relevant, and help update the Unit’s policy positions and advocacy outputs.

• Contribute to the design and delivery of advocacy and communication strategies, including public events, articles, social media content, and other actions that increase visibility for Caritas Europa’s key messages.

• Support working groups, task forces, communities of practice, and reference networks by mobilising member organisations and helping strengthen the link between European and national advocacy.

• Contribute to internal coherence within the Policy and Advocacy Unit and the wider Caritas Europa team through active information sharing, reporting, consultation, and participation in meetings and internal processes.

• Represent the organisation externally, within the mandate of the Policy and Advocacy Director, including participation in events, joint advocacy actions, and media engagement when required.

Profile

Technical and sectoral knowledge

• BA or MA in a relevant field (social policy, economics, law, public affairs, European studies, human rights) or equivalent professional experience.

• Strong knowledge of EU and Council of Europe institutions, decision-making processes, and policy cycles.

• Policy monitoring and analysis skills, including tracking legislation, consultations, and political developments.

• Solid knowledge of advocacy methodologies, tools, and their link to communication and awareness-raising for effective and strategic advocacy.

• Negotiation skills, including the ability to dialogue, build consensus, and influence policymakers in support of organisational priorities and recommendations.

• Project and event management experience, including the ability to plan, coordinate, and follow up on activities, manage timelines, logistics and priorities, and ensure the timely delivery of outputs and objectives.

• In-depth understanding of social, economic, and human rights policies relevant to the portfolio (poverty eradication, social justice, employment, inclusion, integration, etc.).

• Familiarity with Catholic Social Teaching (CST).

Communication, partnership development and representation

• Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional European languages are an asset.

• Facilitation and communication skills: strong moderation, facilitation and public speaking abilities.

• Excellent writing skills: briefing notes, policy and position papers, with the ability to translate member feedback into clear advocacy priorities and outputs.

• Strong networking and stakeholder engagement skills, including maintaining relationships with members organisations, institutional actors, donors, and civil society partners.

• Experience working in international and multicultural environments, especially in international membership- based organisations.

Personal qualities and work ethics

• Strong work ethic, integrity, and commitment to the organisation’s mission and values.

• Loyalty to the organisation and respect for confidentiality.

• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.

• Proactive, organised, resourceful and results-oriented; able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Creative, initiative-taking and open to innovation.

• Flexible, with willingness to travel regularly and work occasional flexible hours.

• Good IT skills, particularly Microsoft 365 and online collaboration tools.

Offer and conditions

We offer a full-time permanent Belgian employment contract in line with our salary scheme (starting from €3,541.00 for two years, €3,814.00 for five years and €4,211.00 for ten years of similar experience, and following the grid of the Centre Interdiocésain asbl) and with extra-legal benefits (“13th and 14th month”, hospitalisation and pension insurance, lunch vouchers, contribution to public transport, flexible work arrangements in line with our employment regulations and extra-legal holidays). Staff members are required to be based in Belgium. The work also entails regular travel to other countries, mainly within Europe. The Policy and Advocacy Officer reports directly to the Policy and Advocacy Director. Caritas Europa is committed to diversity, equal opportunities, and non-discrimination. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities.

Starting date: as soon as possible

Application: Please apply via www.caritas.eu/policy-and-advocacy-officer/ by 20 August 2026, 23:59 CEST.

Please refrain from sending a picture in your application.

Please note that out of respect we do not use AI to screen and process applications. Similarly, we expect all applicants to be authentic and refrain from using AI at all steps of the application process.

We thank all candidates in advance for their interest in this opportunity. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted towards the end of August. The first round of interviews will most likely be held in early September, followed shortly thereafter by a second round. Prospective candidates will also be asked to complete a written assignment in English as part of the selection process.

Caritas Europa is committed to safeguarding people from exploitation and abuse in its work and has specific policies on this commitment which outlines the expected behaviour and the responsibility of all staff. We follow safe recruitment practices according to our safeguarding policies. Any candidate offered a position within Caritas Europa will be expected to sign the Code of Conduct as an appendix to their contract and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with its provisions.