Senior Policy & Advocacy Officer
Role: Senior Policy & Advocacy Officer
Location: Based at FEBA’s head office in Brussels
Contract period: Full-time CDD (1 year) with the possibility to extend to full-time CDI
Reporting to: Head of Network Development & Policy Department
Stipend: €42,000–54,000 pa excluding benefits (depending on experience)
Starting date: As soon as possible
Summary
The European Food Banks Federation (FEBA) is dedicated to supporting Food Banks across 30 European countries in their mission to alleviate hunger and reduce food waste. As a leading NGO in Belgium and Europe, FEBA strives to create sustainable partnerships and mobilise resources that empower FEBA Members to deliver impactful results.
In the European Union, poverty, food insecurity, and economic inequality continue to threaten the well-being of millions. Over 95 million people, more than one in five Europeans, were living on the brink of poverty or facing material and social deprivation in 2021. Among them, 37 million citizens cannot afford a quality meal every other day, a situation worsened by persistently high food prices. This reality is compounded by deep-rooted economic inequality: adults aged 25–59 who experienced financial hardship during childhood face a 20% risk of poverty, significantly higher than the 12.4% risk for those from more privileged backgrounds (Eurostat, 2024).
Simultaneously, the EU wastes an astonishing 59.2 million tonnes of food each year, equal to 132 kg per person, with a financial impact of €132 billion annually. These figures reflect a paradox: widespread hunger coexists with overwhelming food waste, and both are symptoms of a system that urgently needs rethinking.
As a Senior Policy Officer, you have the opportunity to play a key role in driving systemic change, shaping policies that reduce food waste, tackle food insecurity, and promote greater social equity across Europe. This role is not just a job; it’s a mission. Your work will contribute to building a more just, sustainable, and resilient food system, and ensuring that no one in Europe is left behind. If you’re passionate about policy, equity, and impact, this is your moment to make a real difference.
What we offer
- A hybrid work model – up to two days of remote work per week.
- The opportunity to join a dynamic and international team.
- An opportunity for professional growth and learning in a non-profit setting.
Key Responsibilities
- Setting up a FEBA Policy & Advocacy Strategy with the Head of Policy and Network Development and executing and monitoring its implementation, identifying strengths and weaknesses;
- Identify, monitor, analyse, and evaluate legislative, regulatory and policy developments at the EU, national and international levels, directly or indirectly affecting FEBA and our members;
- Carry out policy analysis to identify opportunities to advance advocacy at the EU, national and international levels on relevant topics for FEBA;
- Coordinate with the FEBA staff and members, in particular the EU Working Group, to develop impactful and timely policy documents (briefings, position papers, reports, recommendations, etc.) on international, national and EU-related topics;
- Prepare reports and documents about international, national and EU-related topics; possible collaboration with GFN on policy related topics at the international level;
- Contribute to the capacity building of members on EU topics maintaining and growing the relationship between FEBA and its EU Working Group, in particular, planning and organising meetings as well as ensuring their participation in policy and advocacy work; inquiring about the needs of the members in terms of policy and strengthening their national lobbying and advocacy work;
- Contribute to building relationships with key EU institutions and international organisations and strategic stakeholders, attending external meetings, collecting intelligence, and building alliances relevant to the different policy areas;
- Strengthening FEBAs network both with EU institutions and relevant stakeholders in the food industry, donor organisations and NGO’s represented in Brussels towards the EU;
- Manage the editorial calendar and publications regarding EU-related topics on FEBA communication channels and social media accounts, as well as monitor the channels and accounts of our members/partners;
- Exchange information with our members in order to foster and develop the internal network of FEBA;
- Support the general activity of the organisation.
Profile
- University degree or relevant academic background in International Relations, Political Science, European Studies, Law, Environmental Studies, Social Policy, or related fields;
- Fluency in English (written and spoken). Knowledge of other EU languages (French, German, or others) is an asset;
- At least 5 years of experience in EU advocacy related to food systems or social policies, food waste prevention, and EU policymaking;
- Good understanding of EU institutions, policy-making processes, and stakeholder engagement;
- Ability to build harmonious and productive relationships internally and externally;
- Excellent communication, research, analytical, and writing skills;
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively in a multicultural environment;
- Committed to promoting the mission of the organisation;
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with website management, social media, or graphic design tools is a plus;
- Familiarity with the work of Food Banks, food aid organisations or charities would be an asset.
Additional Requirements
- Candidates must be entitled to work in Belgium and ideally should be based in Brussels.
- Willingness to occasionally travel abroad.
Diversity and inclusion at FEBA
At FEBA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique talents and perspectives. We believe that research plays a critical role in informing evidence-based policy-making and driving positive social change. If you are passionate about conducting research that makes a difference and want to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to ending hunger in Europe, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to send their CV (up to 2 pages) and cover letter (1 page) in PDF format to recruitment@eurofoodbank.org, with the subject line ‘Senior Policy & Advocacy Officer Application’.
The application deadline is 5 May 2025.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
