European Youth Forum is looking for a Policy Officer on Democracy and Youth Participation

We are recruiting a Policy Officer based in Brussels. The successful candidate will work in the Policy and Advocacy Department, reporting to the Policy and Advocacy Manager.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Policy Officer will work on policy & advocacy in the fields of youth participation and youth organisations, including the EU-Youth Dialogue, funding for youth organisations, Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes and other aspects of youth policy in relation to the European Union and Council of Europe. As the priorities and working areas of the Youth Forum are defined by its Member Organisations and Board, these may be subject to change.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be the main point of contact and expert on the EU-Youth Dialogue and youth participation structures within the European Youth Forum.

• Coordinate the European Youth Forum’s role within the EU-Youth Dialogue, including assuming the function of Secretariat of the European Steering Group of the Dialogue, preparing European Steering Group Meetings, liaising with the European Commission, Council of the EU, National Working Groups and National Youth Councils to ensure the smooth functioning of the Dialogue, supporting the preparation of the EU Youth Conferences. This includes project-management related tasks.

• Support the work of the Senior Policy Officer on the European Youth Forum’s advocacy around EU Youth Programmes - namely the Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps.

• Build strategic partnerships with relevant external institutional stakeholders, including the Erasmus+ Coalition, and civil society, as well as the European Youth Forum membership.

• Collaborate with Member Organisations; coordinate and chair working groups in the policy field (online or in-person)

• Represent the Forum externally, at meetings with institutional stakeholders, consultation groups, conferences.

• Ensure ongoing and regular coordination with the European Youth Forum Board for areas under your portfolio.

• Contribute to the development of the annual plan of the European Youth Forum and ensure that the objectives of the Annual Plan related to the portfolio are met within the agreed timeframe.

• Oversee execution of the budget allocated to the working area.

• Provide support to other colleagues and departments of the European Youth Forum as appropriate and necessary.

PROFILE OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• 2-4 years of previous work experience in EU or international affairs, youth sector or civil society sector.

• A higher education degree in social science, humanities, law, political science, international relations, EU affairs, communications, or other relevant field. However, candidates without a higher education degree but with substantial professional experience in relevant areas are also encouraged to apply.

• Strong knowledge of EU institutions and European policy-making processes; experience of working with European and national institutions is an asset. In particular, familiarity with participation processes is an advantage.

• Proven experience in influencing policy processes and creating advocacy materials.

• Strong oral and written English is required.

• Willingness to occasionally travel abroad, and to work on weekends and evenings when required.

• Experience with coordinating networks/coalitions of members and partners is an asset.

• Volunteering and other forms of previous or current engagement in youth organisations is an asset.

PERSONAL SKILLS

• A quick learner and self-starter with strong ability to develop knowledge on new concepts and adapt to new processes.

• Capacity to work independently and within a small team

• Ability to set personal objectives and think strategically.

• Good organisational skills, time management skills and capacity to balance multiple processes at once.

• An effective communicator

• Excellent analytical and writing skills

• Ability to meet tight deadlines

• Computer literacy, with good working knowledge of word processing, email and online applications.

TERMS OF THE CONTRACT

• The contract is open-ended and full time (35 hours per week). The starting date is as soon as possible.

• The gross monthly salary according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement currently applied at the European Youth Forum) is €2,865 to €2,980 depending on experience.

• Benefits include:

  • 5 extra-legal holiday days (pro-rata basis)

  • Hospitalisation insurance

  • Eco-cheques and culture cheques (pro-rata basis)

  • STIB Annual subscription

  • A relocation package (subject to budget restrictions)

• Candidates for this position should be willing to travel and work flexible hours including if required occasional weekends. Overtime may be recuperated as time off in lieu, whilst weekend and evening overtime is also compensated.

• This position being based in Brussels candidates should be willing to relocate or live in the surrounding area.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE & TIMELINE

Prepare ONE PDF document with:

• Your updated CV

• Cover letter, explaining your motivation

To submit your application for this vacancy, please proceed below:

• Click on "Apply" and fill in your personal details and then upload the document.

After clicking "Apply," you will not be able to modify your application. Please ensure you have all necessary documents prepared before proceeding, and avoid closing the window during the application process.

The application deadline is the 1st of December 23:59 (CET).

Interviews for this vacancy will be held in the first half of December 2024 and the successful candidate will be expected to start as soon as possible.

Due to the high number of applications usually received for European Youth Forum vacancies, only candidates short-listed for interviews will be contacted. If you do not receive a response within 3 weeks of the application deadline, please assume that your application was not successful. We sincerely appreciate your interest in this position and the time you put into applying. All candidates are kindly requested to refrain from any phone inquiries.

RECRUITMENT POLICY

Anti-discrimination: All appointments should be made in a transparent way and comply with all relevant employment regulations. No job applicant or employee should receive less favourable treatment on the ground of race, colour, nationality, religion, ethnic or national origins, gender, gender identity, marital status, caring responsibilities, sexual orientation, disability or chronic illness. Volunteering: Any relevant volunteering experience is considered equal to any other professional experience.