Senior Public Policy Officer – Special Projects

Stichting AAP; Almere; On-site; EUR 47,407 - 60,509; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexibility in working days and hours

Opportunity to make a significant impact on animal welfare

Initial one-year contract with extension possibilities

Job summary

Stichting AAP is seeking a Senior Public Policy Officer to lead special projects focused on animal welfare. This role involves monitoring policy developments, managing stakeholder relationships, and providing technical advice to the EU. The position offers flexibility, an inspiring work environment, and a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Experience with animal welfare policies in a European context is a strong asset.
• Proven experience with complex research projects.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English; other EU languages are an asset.

Responsibilities

• Monitor policy developments in Europe and develop AAP’s policy positions.
• Manage relationships with political stakeholders and NGOs.
• Project manage the development of a scientifically-based tool for regulating exotic animal ownership.

Skills

Lobby and public affairs strategies

Project management

Networking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor degree or equivalent (HBO+)

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Senior Public Policy Officer – Special Projects

Join to apply for the Senior Public Policy Officer – Special Projects role at Stichting AAP

AAP (Animal Advocacy and Protection) is a European animal welfare organization dedicated to the welfare of exotic animals. We do this by caring for animals in need at our locations in the Netherlands and Spain and advocating for better legislation and regulations throughout Europe. As AAP evolves and becomes a leading voice on animal welfare of exotic animals, we are proactively developing tools and sustainable solutions which will make it easier for decision makers to implement and enforce regulations, and are taking an innovative approach to determining the next important issues that need to be addressed, within AAP’s scope and sphere of influence.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Public Policy Officer to lead our Special Projects work for 36 - 40 hours per week.

What will you do?

1. Monitor policy developments in Europe and internationally, identify new and emerging policy drivers, develop and continually evolve AAP’s policy positions and provide evidence-based policy positions that AAP may advocate for externally to the Head of Public Policy and the Management Team.
2. Put in place and manage a system to capture and document programmatic knowledge, best practices and lessons learned, and ensure that knowledge is shared across the Public Policy team.
3. Initiate, foster and maintain relationships with political stakeholders and NGOs in Member States and other European countries (excluding NL, Spain, Germany where there are already Policy Officers) to acquire an in-depth understanding of political and legislative environments as it relates to AAPs areas of focus (priority being private ownership of exotic animals), and implement structures that position AAP as a trusted “go-to” sustainable solutions partner.
4. Immediately take over the management of an ongoing project to develop a scientifically-based tool which can be used by the EU, Member States and other European countries to regulate private ownership of exotic animals. This project is scheduled to be completed by December 2025.
5. Provide technical advice to the EU, Member States and other European countries on how to use the scientifically-based tool.
6. Project manage other special projects as identified and agreed with the Head of Public Policy.
7. Report to the Head of Public Policy, as Senior Public Policy Officer – Special Projects.

What does AAP offer?

• An inspiring and mission-driven employer based in the green heart of Almere.
• A position with social relevance in an international working environment.
• A professional working environment that encourages and supports dedication, accessibility and vigorousness.
• An opportunity to make an important contribution to the future of exotic animals and thereby improve their welfare.
• Given the nature of this role, we offer an initial one-year contract that can be extended maximum two times, for a total duration of maximum 36 months.
• Flexibility in working days and working hours with the possibility to work from home for part of your working week.
• Depending on relevant work experience, the gross monthly salary ranges between € 4248 and € 5422 gross per month (scale XI, and based on 40 hours per week). This excludes 8% holiday allowance.

Who are we looking for?

• You have an affinity with AAP's animal welfare mission and vision. Experience with animal welfare policies in a European context is a strong asset.
• You work and think at EFQ-6 level or higher, which is equivalent to HBO+ or bachelor degree level.
• Willing and able to travel in Europe and internationally as required.
• You are digitally savvy with proficiency in MS Office.
• You have proven experience with lobby and public affairs strategies to influence change and political processes, in the NGO sector.
• Knowledge of and experience in managing complex research (animal welfare-related) projects.
• Experience in creating policy materials for a variety of audiences.
• You are skilled in project management fundamentals and methodology.
• Able to persuade external parties to make key decisions by using a range of information and persuasive techniques.
• Able to manage your own workload and prioritize effectively.
• You have demonstrated strong problem-solving, networking and cooperation skills and experience in working in international and diverse environments.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English. Other EU languages particularly Dutch, German, Spanish and French, are an asset.

For more information or to apply directly, please contact Devrol Dupigny, Head of Public Policy, at 036 5238787. Send your application letter and CV before 31 May 2025.

Only applicants with the right to work within the EU will be considered.

More About AAP

AAP operates rescue and rehabilitation facilities in Almere (NL) and Villena (Spain). We rescue animals from illegal trade, circuses, or private owners, helping them recover mentally and physically. When rehabilitated, we find suitable placements for them with outplacement partners like sanctuaries or zoos.

In Almere, we have about 100 employees and over 200 volunteers. Our location is spacious, modern, and located in the green heart of Almere, with our office and animal facilities on the same grounds. In Villena, we have 24 employees and 16 volunteers, with similar facilities.

Visit our website www.aap.eu and follow us on social media!

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Public Relations

Industries

• Non-profit Organizations