About EVU

Are you passionate about food system transformation? Are you interested in plant-based policy solutions in this transformation? Then join us at the  European Vegetarian Union (EVU)!

We are a small, but dedicated team advocating for plant-based foods as a vital part of the transition towards more sustainable and healthy food systems in the EU, giving a voice to the growing number of Europeans choosing more plant-based products.

EVU is the umbrella organisation of vegan and vegetarian associations and societies throughout Europe, with 46 Members in 29 countries. We are active in European policy networks of NGOs, the food industry, other umbrella organisations such as the European Alliance for Plant-based Foods (EAPF), and campaigns advocating to increase the production and consumption of plant-based foods and other alternatives to animal products. This is done through improving the level playing field for plant-based and alternative foods, increasing policy incentives for these sectors, improving consumer information related to plant-based and alternative proteins, supporting sustainability initiatives, as well as removing barriers that impede the availability and affordability of plant-based and alternative products to animal foods.

About the role

We are looking for a dynamic Policy Officer that will be able to push the plant-based movement forward in Europe.  The tasks for this role span from political advocacy towards EU institutions to supporting EVU members at a national level and project management. More concretely you will:

• Develop policy briefs, guides and recommendations on agri-food policy and impacts of plant-based diets for farmers, health, environment and economy; 
• Provide evidence to guide policymakers’ decisions and arrange meetings with relevant political stakeholders;
• Deliver presentations to policymakers and at events;
• Collaborate with and support EVU members’ advocacy efforts at the EU and national levels;
• Collaborate and build relationships with other relevant stakeholders such as other NGOs, farmers and producer associations ;
• Manage a policy project with guidance from the EVU leadership;

Key responsibilities:

• Manage your advocacy project and campaign aimed at increasing political support for production and consumption of plant-based food, at the EU and National levels;
• Ensure coordinated campaigning and support to EVU members within the scope of your project;
• Overseeing EU policy developments and research, reviewing European institutions’ (e.g. Commission, Parliament and Council) priorities, identifying and communicating emerging issues and proposing solutions;
• Working with and arranging meetings with key political and non-political stakeholders, mainly at EU level;

• Establishing and maintaining effective collaborative relationships with external stakeholders and identifying opportunities and strategies to improve engagement with policymakers, environmental and other aligned organisations;
• Representing the EVU at external events;
• Delivering  briefings and written guides to achieve public policy change on food, agriculture and health policies;
• Travelling to EU Member-States on missions to meet and coordinate with colleagues, members and policy stakeholders.

Person specification

• Degree in Public Relations/International Studies/Politics/Law/ Public Affairs or other relevant for the position (candidates from other areas are encouraged to apply according to experience and skills)
• Excellent written, verbal communication and diplomacy skills in English as well as strong research skills;
• Strong social and interpersonal skills;
• Previous experience in areas such as project management, advocacy and stakeholder engagement are valued;
• EU Advocacy experience is valued;
• Understanding of EU policy institutions, processes and agendas, particularly regarding food and agriculture policies;
• Understanding of plant-based policy needs and discussions;
• The person would ideally be based in or close to Brussels;
• Commitment to EVUs goals;

Benefits of working with us

• A full-time 1 year contract from the moment you start,  with the possibility of extending for another year (pending funding). 
• Working 4 days a week is negotiable;
• Salary: 3,100 – 3,300 gross per month, according to experience  +13th month and double holiday pay according to Belgian law;
• Meal vouchers per work day according to Belgian law;
• Home office and phone allowance of 150 euros a month;
• Yearly public transportation pass within Brussels;
• Flexible working from home and abroad scheme, plus an available co-working space in Brussels;
• Option to choose between 38h-40h working hours a week (with extra holidays)
• 20 days of holiday per year (+ 12 extra days if you chose the 40h a week option);
• And the amazing opportunity to become part of a great team and work with us on making the EU more sustainable, animal and environment-friendly!

About the team:
You’ll be joining a small but dynamic team working closely with the Senior Policy Manager of the EVU and the General-Secretary. You’ll also have daily contact with teams from EVU members.

Please send your CV and cover letter to rafael.pinto@euroveg.eu, Your letter should detail the following:

• Why you are interested in applying for this post
• How your skills/knowledge/experience meet the requirements of the person specification

Deadline for applications: 4th March

Starting date: As soon as possible

Who gets your data?

By applying for this position, you agree that your data will be shared with EVU staff and the EVU board.

How long will my data be stored?

If an employment contract is concluded between you and EVU, your application documents will be included in the personnel file in EVUs system and stored for at least the duration of the employment relationship and any subsequent storage obligations.