Humane Society International – Europe

EU Policy Adviser, Research and Toxicology

Full-time

Humane Society International – Europe

Brussels, Belgium

We are looking for an EU Policy Adviser in the field of research and toxicology. The focus of this new position will be on advocating for alternatives to animal testing in the EU. This new position requires a candidate with a passion for EU political advocacy, demonstrable experience of working with the EU institutions and a keen interest in science policy.

What You’ll Do

1. Work with HSI/Europe and Research & Toxicology leadership to develop 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. Implements these strategies and helps international programme staff to understand and navigate EU processes;
2. Build relationships with European policymakers (Commission, MEPs and their political staff, and Member State permanent representatives) and EU agency staff, influencing their understanding of animal-free approaches, and policy reforms proposed by HSI;
3. Monitor EU institutional workplans, procedure files, stakeholder comments, and other information sources, and alert appropriate HSI staff of potential opportunities or threats;
4. Analyse proposed and pending legislation to determine whether it is favourable to programme objectives, and develop amendment proposals in close cooperation with HSI staff;
5. Develop political briefings, press releases, advertorials, action alerts, and other policy-level, non-technical communications in close cooperation with program staff. Coordinate with HSI media relations and digital teams and local PR firms to draft and review press releases, social media content, and other outreach materials and respond to comments;
6. 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;
7. Represent HSI in meetings with European Union institutions, external committees, and as a public/media spokesperson on institutional matters;
8. Organise political briefings, high-level meetings, events, webinars and other EU-level forums for engagement, education, dialogue, and policy alignment.

Your profile

1. A degree in political science, European law or similar;
2. Demonstrable knowledge and experience of EU public affairs (at least 5 years), including in-depth knowledge of EU policymaking and influencing political processes;
3. Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with decision-makers at the highest level;
4. An interest in science and ability to comprehend and interpret relevant scientific concepts. Experience with working on research and toxicology issues would be a definite plus;
5. A strategic thinker with strong project and organisational skills;
6. Capability of working with an international team and external partners to achieve the programme objectives;
7. Professional fluency in English and at least one other European language;
8. Proficient in MS-365 cloud-based packages: Word/Powerpoint/Excel;
9. Willingness to travel internationally as and when required;
10. Great affinity to animal protection issues and the ability to professionally advocate for HSI’s science-policy positions.

Our offer includes

• The opportunity to truly contribute to advancing animal welfare globally;
• An animal-friendly workplace with a dynamic and stimulating working environment;
• A one-year full-time contract with a view to a permanent contract after the first year;
• A salary in the EUR 11 scale (range between from 59,000 to 91,500 euros per annum);
• Creative freedom and scheduled time for individual learning goals.

Start date: as soon as possible

To apply, please answer all questions and attach your CV and motivation letter.
Click here and follow the instructions carefully to apply.

Please note that we will only contact candidates who we would like to invite for an interview.

HSI works towards a world filled with respect, empathy and understanding for animals and believes in the same values for people: we strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply as we welcome everyone who wants to support our mission. Please contact info@hsieurope.org if you require assistance applying for this position.