The aim of the role of Senior Trade and Animal Welfare Programme Officer is to ensure EU trade policy does not hinder progress for animals, and even drives higher welfare in the EU and globally (this would also cover trade aspects of EU Animal Welfare (AW) legislation, AW in sustainability-related legislation, WTO work). The Senior Trade Animal Welfare Programme Officer should have a good experience on EU trade affairs, a strategic and analytical mindset and a great passion for animal protection.
Eurogroup for Animals has worked on the impact of the EU’s trading relations on animal welfare worldwide for over a decade. In 2019 we were able to reinforce our work with additional project funding, growing it to a team of three full-time positions. The position of Senior Trade Programme Officer has become vacant owing to internal staff movement. From 2023 the three members of the Trade Programme Team will operate as a self-managing team, falling under the Political Affairs Manager.
The Senior Trade Programme Officer is responsible, with the other two members of the team, for the substance of the Trade and Animal Welfare Programme that forms part of the Political Affairs Team. S/he builds on existing policy work and develops it further to engage with EU trade decision- and policy makers and EU trade negotiators to effectively argue for the cause of animal welfare. The Senior Trade Programme Officer also streamlines international trade issues within Eurogroup for Animals’s overall advocacy portfolio.
Advocacy
- Monitor international and EU trade policy developments as well as WTO affairs which relate to animal welfare, animal life and health and/or environmental protection.
- Follow relevant trade policy processes, develop and deliver strategies to influence them in close cooperation with the members of the Trade and Animal Welfare Working Group.
- Together with colleagues represent Eurogroup for Animals on trade issues within the EU institutions and other relevant stakeholder organisations and events.
- Organise effective trade and animal welfare events with the fellow members of the Programme.
- Together with colleagues run the Trade and Animal Welfare Working Group and create publications and briefings for the relevant target audiences.
Essential skills and qualifications
- Good knowledge of and experience in lobbying on trade policy
- At least 5-6 years’ professional experience, preferably in an International Trade policy making environment
- Advocacy acumen with track record of success, ideally with EU institutions
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of political processes at EU and international levels
- Positive team player and service oriented
- Strong diplomatic, tactical and interpersonal skills
- Proactive, structured and accountable working style
- Ability to pioneer new thinking, connect dots and persuade
- Professional approach, high standards of delivery
- Proven project/programme management skills
- Strong conceptual and analytical skills
- Ability to think strategically and creatively
- A sound commitment towards Eurogroup for Animals’ goals, mission and role
- Fluent in English
Desirable skills and qualifications
- Knowledge of at least one other European language.
- Knowledge of the animal welfare sector.
- Knowledge of CRM systems (e.g. Salesforce)
- Ability to use project management tools.
Employment Contract
38 hours per week, unlimited employment contract under Belgian law. Contract subject to funding renewal. Competitive remuneration and benefits package offered. A valid EU working permit is required. Candidates should be based in or close to Brussels. Partial home working may be negotiated.
How to apply
To apply for the post, please contact Aurélie Cassart at jobs@eurogroupfornanimals.org with:
- A letter of application stating the skills and approach that you would bring to this post, including your salary expectations, two references and how you heard about this position
- Your CV in English (PDF format)
Application deadline: 30 September 2023
Only successful candidates will be contacted.
