Consultant Political Officer - Aquatics

Eurogroup for Animals; Brussel; Sur place; EUR 60 000 - 90 000; Temps partiel

Résumé du poste

Eurogroup for Animals is seeking a Political Officer – Aquatics in Brussels to lead targeted advocacy preventing the industrialisation of cephalopod and other aquatic invertebrate farming, while promoting higher welfare in existing aquaculture. You will translate scientific and legal evidence into political strategies and work with EU institutions and member organisations to drive policy change.

Working with the Political Team and Food Systems Hub, you will develop positions on CFP, EMFAF, and

Qualifications

• Experience in EU-level lobbying and public affairs.
• Strong understanding of EU policymaking processes and institutions.
• Excellent drafting skills for policy briefings and advocacy materials.
• Fluency in English with ability to communicate complex issues clearly.

Responsabilités

• Lead development and delivery of political strategy to influence EU and national policy.
• Coordinate advocacy with Member Organisations and external partners.
• Draft parliamentary questions, policy briefs, and speaking points.
• Build strategic relationships with policymakers and coalitions across EU.
• Translate scientific and technical evidence into persuasive political messaging.
• Work with Communications to create advocacy materials and campaigns.
• Represent Eurogroup for Animals at EU meetings and events.
• Collaborate with projects to expand aquatics advocacy scope.
• Support coordination of advocacy across member organisations.

Connaissances

EU public policy

EU lobbying

Stakeholder engagement

Policy drafting

Advocacy strategy

Relationship building

Translate science to messaging

English fluency

Project coordination

Organisational skills

Formation

EU policy or political science background

Description du poste

Lead targeted advocacy to prevent the industrialization of aquatic invertebrate farming and raise welfare standards in existing EU aquaculture. By translating technical evidence into persuasive political strategies, you will directly influence key EU institutions while uniting member organizations for coordinated action.

Eurogroup for Animals is the pan-European animal protection organisation which unites the voices of more than 100 member organisations. We work to improve the welfare of as many animals as possible by leading and delivering coordinated advocacy and campaigns at European level. Eurogroup for Animals uses its knowledge and expertise to challenge EU decision makers and bring about positive change. By uniting our member organisations and working together we magnify national activities to get our message across at European level.

Eurogroup for Animals’ farm animal programme aims at reducing suffering of animals on farms by advocating for transformational change of our farming systems, shifting toward sustainable food production and consumption with higher animal welfare and more plant-based food.

Purpose of the role

As Political Officer – Aquatics, you will lead Eurogroup for Animals' political advocacy for our Pods Project, which aims to prevent the industrialisation of cephalopod and other aquatic invertebrate farming across Europe, while also advocating for higher welfare in existing aquaculture systems. Sitting within the Political Team and coordinating closely with the Food Systems Transformation Hub, you will develop and implement political strategies to influence EU and national policymaking, build political support for preventative action, and coordinate advocacy with Member Organisations and external partners. Through this work, you will contribute to driving the transition towards a more sustainable, compassionate and resilient food system in the European Union.

Working in close collaboration with the Food Systems Project Manager and the Aquatics Project Officer, you will translate scientific, legal and technical evidence into political strategies and advocacy, ensuring that aquatic invertebrate welfare is embedded within key EU policy and funding frameworks alongside other aquatic animals. You will also work closely with Eurogroup for Animals' Political and Communications teams to maximise political influence, strengthen public affairs activities and deliver coordinated advocacy and campaigning. Together, you will drive delivery of the Pods Project, expanding its focus beyond cephalopod farming to prevent the emergence of new intensive farming systems for other aquatic invertebrates and strengthen Eurogroup for Animals' leadership on emerging aquaculture policy.

Primary responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of the political strategy to prevent the industrialisation of cephalopod and other aquatic invertebrate farming across Europe, while also advocating for higher welfare in existing aquaculture systems, in line with Eurogroup for Animals' Aquatics Strategy, Food Systems Transformation priorities and wider organisational strategy.
• Support the development and delivery of advocacy and lobbying activities targeting the European Commission, European Parliament, Member States and other key stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relevant strategic relationships with policymakers, Permanent Representations, coalition partners, Member Organisations and other relevant stakeholders, with guidance and support from colleagues.
• Support coordination of political advocacy across Member Organisations, including national initiatives and facilitating coordinated action in priority countries.
• Draft Parliamentary Questions (EPQs), consultation responses, policy briefings, political recommendations, speaking points and other advocacy materials.
• Identify opportunities to advance preventative legislation, parliamentary initiatives, Council actions and political commitments at both EU and national level.
• Contribute to political advocacy on relevant EU policy files and initiatives, including the Transport proposal, Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), Vision 2040 for Aquaculture, European Commission consultations, Advisory Council (AAC) recommendations, EURCAW-Aqua recommendations, and other relevant food systems, aquaculture and animal welfare initiatives.
• In close collaboration with the Food Systems Project Manager and Aquatics Project Officer, help translate scientific, legal and technical evidence into political strategies, policy positions and advocacy materials.
• Work closely with the Communications team to develop advocacy materials, campaigns and public affairs activities that build political momentum and public support for the project.
• Represent Eurogroup for Animals at meetings with EU institutions, conferences, stakeholder forums and other external events.

Person specification

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Relevant academic background and/or demonstrated expertise in EU public policy, political science, environmental policy, marine policy, animal welfare or related fields.
• Experience in EU-level lobbying, public affairs and policy-making, particularly within EU institutions.
• Strong understanding of EU policymaking processes and institutions.
• Experience implementing advocacy or public affairs strategies.
• Confidence engaging with policymakers on complex legislative and political issues.
• Excellent drafting skills, with experience preparing policy briefings, consultation responses, political recommendations and advocacy materials.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Experience coordinating advocacy across coalitions, networks or membership organisations.
• Ability to translate complex scientific or technical information into persuasive political messaging.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results.
• Fluency in English.

Desirable Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on fisheries, aquaculture, marine policy, food systems or animal welfare policy.
• Understanding of EU funding instruments and legislative processes relating to aquaculture or environmental policy.
• Experience engaging with Member State governments and Permanent Representations.
• Experience working within a membership organisation or European NGO network.

The values that we at Eurogroup for Animals adhere to are:collaboration; entrepreneurship; impact and a focus on member organisations .

Practicalities

This position is a 60% consultant contract initially for 16 months (with possible extension - subject to renewal of funding) based in Brussels. We are looking for somebody to start as soon as possible. Competitive remuneration offered.

This position is Brussels based or within commuting distance by train, with the expectation of being in Brussels two weeks per month.