We are looking for a senior policy officer to develop, implement and coordinate institutional engagement strategy and policy efforts at an EU level with regard to alternatives to animal use in testing and research. This position will be based at Humane Society International/Europe’s office in Brussels.
Humane Society International/Europe is a leading force for animal protection in the European Union, with active campaigns to protect wildlife and end trophy hunting, reduce and replace animal use in scientific research and product testing, and reduce the number of animals suffering for food, skins and fur.
Key responsibilities
- To work with HSI Europe and Research & Toxicology leadership to develop and implement strategies to advance EU-level legislative, regulatory, research funding, and other policy measures aimed at replacing or reducing animal use in testing and research, and strengthening human health, environmental protection, and innovation agendas. Also helping international programme staff to understand and navigate EU processes.
- Build relationships with European policymakers (Commission, Parliament, and Member State permanent representatives) and EU agency staff, influencing their understanding of animal-free approaches, and policy reforms proposed by HSI.
- Build relationships and coalitions with European corporate and other relevant stakeholders, negotiating policy alignment and coordinating joint advocacy. Support the work of the Animal-Free Safety Assessment (AFSA) Collaboration, as needed.
- Monitor EU institutional workplans, procedure files, stakeholder comments, and other information sources, and identify potential opportunities or threats.
- Analyse proposed and pending legislation to determine whether it is favourable to programme objectives, and develop amendment proposals.
- Develop political briefings, press releases, advertorials, action alerts, and other policy-level, non-technical communications, such as social media content, in close cooperation with programme staff.
- Represent HSI in meetings with European Union institutions, external committees, and as a public/media spokesperson on institutional matters relating to alternatives to animal use.
- Organise political briefings, high-level meetings, webinars and other EU-level forums for engagement, education, dialogue, and policy alignment.
The Senior Strategist Institutional Policy – research and toxicology will report to and be managed by HSI/Europe’s senior director of public affairs.
Essential requirements
- Commitment to animal protection issues and the ability to professionally advocate for HSI science-policy positions.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field, or equivalent work experience.
- A minimum of five years of lobbying experience and a demonstrable understanding of the workings of EU institutions and political processes.
- Ability to work and multitask in a fast-paced environment with frequent internal and external political deadlines; self-motivated and proactive.
- Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as the ability to handle complex situations and demonstrate sound judgment and problem-solving.
- Strong organisational and project management skills, including the ability to prioritise responsibilities and motivate external partners meet deadlines.
- Superior communications (oral and written) and interpersonal skills, including the ability to quickly absorb, analyse and communicate complex subject matter to a variety of audiences.
- Clear ability to build/foster relationships with diverse stakeholder groups, demonstrating high standards of tact, diplomacy and discretion.
- Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team (a large proportion of which will be based elsewhere around the globe).
- Technical proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams, Planner, etc.).
- Professional fluency in English and at least one other European language.
- The ability to work long hours should a crisis situation arise and willingness to travel, as needed.
We offer:
A salary between EUR 59,000 and ends at EUR 91,500 (full-time; Scale 11) gross per month*, depending on experience as per HSI/Europe’s salary policy.
Humane Society International is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in every aspect of our work and at all levels of our organisation. We welcome qualified applicants of any age, race, national origin, religion or belief, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetics, family or parental status or disability.
To apply:
Please send your letter of motivation (maximum 2 pages) and curriculum vitae before midnight January 13th 2023 to info@hsieurope.org. If not an EU citizen, please also confirm that you have a legal right to work full-time in Belgium.
Interviews are scheduled for the week of 23rd January 2023. Please note that only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. Thank you for your understanding.
* Before 2023 Belgian indexation
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