Slow Food is looking for a full-time
Agroecology Policy Officer
for the Slow Food office in Brussels
Job experience: 1-3 years
Job location: Brussels (Rue de l’Industrie 10), occasional travel required.
Start: June 2023
ABOUT
Slow Food is a global grassroots organization that envisions a world in which all people can access and enjoy food that is good for them, good for those who grow it and good for the planet. Slow Food involves over a million activists, chefs, experts, youth, farmers, fishers and academics in over 160 countries.
Slow Food Europe aims at translating the Slow Food network’s grassroots actions into policy advocacy at the European level and to raise awareness about various aspects of food production, agriculture, fisheries, and their effects on biodiversity, animal welfare, human health, and climate change.
JOB PURPOSE SUMMARY
The post-holder will be responsible for advocacy work in relation to the European food and farming policies (in particular, CAP, Animal Welfare, Pesticides and GMOs-related policies), in collaboration with the colleagues in the Brussels Office and in the international headquarters in Italy, as well as with experts from the Slow Food network.
Key responsibilities
- Contribute to the development and implementation of the strategic priorities and work program of Slow Food in Europe and, in particular, to the implementation of a long-term, successful advocacy strategy for a transition towards agroecological food systems in Europe
- Monitor and report on relevant EU policy developments and provide background information to the other team members and Slow Food network as appropriate
- Establish and maintain strategic relationships with relevant stakeholders and partner organizations
- Represent Slow Food in relevant fora (e.g. stakeholder consultation groups, conferences)
- Plan, execute and implement advocacy actions aimed at policymakers and other stakeholders
- Contribute to the organization and realization of public conferences, meetings, and actions in cooperation with other partner organizations
- Contribute to the drafting of policy briefs and position papers on relevant issues and to their dissemination
- Contribute to the efficient organization of the office activities including internal meetings and administrative tasks
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of advocacy work
Skills and Personality
- Relevant academic degree (including agronomic, environmental or political sciences)
- At least 1 year of work experience in policy and advocacy
- Sound grasp of the functioning of EU institutions and a good understanding of how decisions on EU policies are made and how to effectively influence them. Knowledge of European food-related policies (e.g. CAP, Animal Welfare, Pesticides and/or GMOs-related policies) is a strong asset;
- Ability and motivation to advocate for a transition towards more sustainable food systems
- Ability to understand and identify opportunities in the decision-making processes
- Ability to advocate effectively and to communicate in an articulated manner to a wide range of audiences both in writing and orally
- Ability to formulate recommendations, research information, analyze documents and monitor policy processes
- Excellent English language written skills (native speaker or equivalent); language skills in addition to English (esp. Spanish, French, Italian) are a plus
Why work for Slow Food
- A challenging and worthy cause to advocate for in an international, highly stimulating environment: you will help promote good, clean and fair food for all
- Support and co-develop the functioning of a European-wide network
- Work at an international level in a dynamic environment on a wide variety of European topics
- Opportunity of being part of a grassroots worldwide food movement with the possibility to give your ideas and input, ensuring the success of the organization
- Space for personal development
- Friendly and inclusive work environment
WORKING CONDITIONS
Terms of employment
Fixed-term contract (CDD) of 1 year with extension foreseen.
Flexible tele-work will be possible, but regular presence in Brussels is required.
Applicants must – due to legal reasons – hold EU citizenship or valid EU residence permit and a valid Belgian or EU work permit. Applications not meeting these conditions can unfortunately not be considered.
Remuneration package
The gross salary is for a junior position (1-3 years experience), and in line with that of an NGO, on the basis of the full-time job (typically 38 hours per week).
APPLICATION
Please send (in English):
- your CV
- A 1 page document that answers the following questions:
- Why do you want to work for Slow Food?
- Why does the European Union need an agroecological transition?
- What could you contribute with your experience to the work of Slow Food?
by e-mail to [email protected] with the subject “Application: Policy Officer”
Deadline for application: 9 May 18.00
First round of interviews: mid May
Suggested start date: 1 June
Please note that due to limited staff resources and expected numbers of applications, only candidates selected for interview will receive a reply.