Sponsored
CE
On-site

Policy and Advocacy Officer (Socio-Economic Policy)

Caritas Europa

Posted

25 July 2026

Application deadline

20 August 2026

Start date

As soon as possible

Location

Brussels, Belgium

Years of experience

2-5 years

Language

English / European languages (an asset)

Organisation type

NGOs and Nonprofits

Thematic Area

Social Policy

Role

Policy and Advocacy

Job type

Full-time job

Right to work requirements

Not specified

Salary

€3,541.00 for two years' experience, €3,814.00 for five years' experience, €4,211.00 for ten years' experience

About Caritas Europa

Caritas Europa is a Catholic network of 49 member organisations in 46 European countries, working with people of all faiths to end poverty and promote the dignity of all. As one of seven regions of Caritas Internationalis, a global confederation with over 160 national members, Caritas is the second largest humanitarian organisation in the world, present in communities and committed to fighting injustices that lead to poverty and exclusion.

About the role

The Policy and Advocacy Officer will support the implementation of Caritas Europa's Strategic Framework 2021-2028, focusing on socio-economic policy, recognition of non-profit social services, and inclusion and integration. Reporting to the Policy and Advocacy Director, the post holder will contribute to influencing social and economic policies to eradicate poverty and end social exclusion across Europe.

Your 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.

Key requirements

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 membershipbased 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.

Additional information

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.

How to apply

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. 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.

Share this post:
#policy#advocacy#brussels#social-policy#eu
Apply for this role
This will take you to the organisation's official website, where this vacancy was sourced by Square41.Square41 does not process applications — we simply help you find opportunities.

If Square41 helped you find this job, mention us when you apply, help us grow so more job seekers can find theirs.

Advertise