Policy and Campaign Officer

Civil Society Europe is looking for a

Policy and Campaign Officer

Are you committed to safeguarding civic rights and space in the next EU long term budget (MFF)? Are you ready to work to enhance the role of civil society organisations in EU governance? Do you believe in building cooperation among the diversity and plurality of the civil society sector? Can you translate complex information into clear messages? Are you eager to work on a campaign on the added value of EU Civil Society? If so, we invite you to apply for the role of Policy and Campaign Officer at Civil Society Europe (CSE)!

CSE is the coordination of civil society organisations (CSOs) at the European (EU) level. Our members include 26 platforms and networks, some of the most representative organisations in their respective fields, encompassing civic participation, education, social rights, environment and animal rights, culture, transparency, international cooperation, volunteering, local democracy, youth, health and patients' rights, anti-racism, migration, and disability rights. Through our membership network, CSE reaches millions of individuals engaged with or supported by CSOs throughout the EU.

Since our establishment in 2016, we have carved out a unique space where CSOs collaborate to strengthen the role of civil society at the EU level. Today, we are increasingly recognised as the point of reference for EU institutions on civil dialogue and civic space.

Job Vacancy Policy and Campaign Officer

• Reports to: Director

• Working time: Full-time – 38 hours/week

• Duration: 12 months, with the possibility of extension

• Contract type: Fixed term employee contract under Belgian Law

• Location: CSE office in Brussels and home-working arrangements for 2 days/week.

• Remuneration: € 2600-2800 gross per month according to experience

• Benefits: Public transport costs in Brussels, Luncheon Vouchers & Office allowance

Responsibilities & main tasks

The Policy and Campaign Officer will be part of the CSE Team and will contribute to the success of our policy and campaign work. The tasks will encompass:

• Monitor policy and regulatory developments at EU and national level related to funding and civil society

• In coordination with CSE’s Policy and Project Officer:

  • Contribute to the development of CSE’s cross-national civil society mobilisation for the MFF

  • Assist in the preparation of meetings of the Working Group on Funding in coordination with CSE’s Policy and Project Officer

• In coordination with the Communication and Outreach Officer:

  • Contribute to the development of a common civil society campaign on the role of civil society at EU level,

  • Contribute to the organisation of CSE’s ten-year anniversary activities

• Contribute to the coordination of CSE’s State of Democracy biannual report drafting, as a continuation of CSE’s Civil Society State of the Union

• Draft policy papers and briefings

• Develop easy to understand material, briefings, and infographics

• Contribute to the dissemination of reports and activities

• Facilitate and participate in meetings with EU decision makers and stakeholders

• Organise public (online and in person) meetings and events

• Contribute to the work of the team, including some administrative tasks

Profile of the ideal candidate

Essential qualifications and experience:

• A post-secondary degree in a relevant field and/or relevant work experience (including internships and volunteering);

• At least 2 years experience in an equivalent position;

• Fluency in written and spoken English (close to mother tongue level);

• Excellent writing and communication skills, adaptable to different audiences;

• Ability to research, analyse and summarise (complex) information in a concise and clear way;

• Good digital literacy;

• Knowledge of EU policies including funding programmes for civil society;

• Strong organisational and time management skills;

• Able to work independently and as part of a small but busy team on a common endeavour;

• Excellent networking, intercultural and interpersonal skills;

• Committed to the values of the organisation.

Desired qualifications and experience:

• Previous experience in a non-governmental organisation environment and knowledge of advocacy work is an asset;

• Experience in campaigning and communication;

• Understanding of the functioning of European institutions;

• Fluency in another EU language.

Recruitment Policy

Anti-discrimination

All appointments should be made in a transparent way and comply with all relevant employment regulations. No job applicant or employee should receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, colour, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origins, gender, gender identity, marital status, caring responsibilities, sexual orientation, disability or chronic illness.

Please note that a valid EU working permit is required.

Interested in the job?

Please send your application to contact@civilsocietyeurope.eu by 2 January at 23:59. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview on 13 January.

The application should include:

• a Europass CV

• a letter of motivation

• a PowerPoint presentation of maximum 5 slides outlining why funding for civil society is important in the next MFF as it was presented to a policy maker.

We are planning to interview successful candidates as we receive applications, so do not hesitate to send your letter of motivation, CV and presentation as soon as possible. Only complete applications will be considered.

Timeline

• Deadline for applications: Friday 2 January 2026 before 23:59

• Interview: 13 January 2026

• Start date: As soon as possible and by mid February 2026

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.