Oceana is looking for a policy advisor passionate about ocean conservation to work for the sustainable fisheries campaign in Europe. The position is based in Oceana’s Brussels office in Belgium, although travel will be occasionally required in Europe.
Under the supervision of the Campaign Director, the Senior Policy Advisor will ensure Oceana´s sustainable fisheries campaign is aligned to Oceana’s strategy for conservation of the marine environment in Europe. The Senior Policy Advisor will contribute to designing and implementing advocacy campaigns on fisheries management, delivering results. This last will require conducting advocacy work in the EU institutions and EU Member States liaising with policymakers and key stakeholders.
Eligible candidates should have experience in political advocacy and communications, as well as being strategic and proactive. The Senior Policy Advisor is expected to work with a high degree of autonomy and collaborate cross-functionally with other teams within the organization.
Main Responsibilities:
- Drive the reflective thinking and strategic planning necessary to achieve campaign goals.
- Be responsible for the development and implementation of strategies and tactics for the assigned campaign in collaboration with other campaign staff.
- Conduct thoughtful research around specific policy issues, draft position papers, and reports, and collaborate in the preparation of communication products and actions.
- Engage with decision-makers and stakeholders and actively participate in key policy events to defend and advance Oceana campaign goals.
- Facilitate strategic and impactful meetings, conferences, etc., to affect change, strengthen relationships, create influence, and advance policy on a European scale.
- Represent Oceana in meetings with EU representatives, decision-makers, other non-profit organizations, stakeholders, media, donors, and the public as may be necessary.
- Liaise with media and act as Oceana spokesperson for the assigned campaign and other relevant Oceana´s campaigns.
- Draft campaign proposals for public or private donors in coordination with the Development team.
- Report periodically on campaign progress for both internal and external purposes.
- Collaborate with other team members across the organization on projects that help execute Oceana’s goals and objectives.
Education and work experience:
- Degree in policy, EU affairs, marine science, environmental conservation, or a related field.
- At least 5 years of related professional experience in policy, lobby, and advocacy.
- Working knowledge of fisheries policies with the ability to analyze proposals, provide science-based recommendations, and communicate with decision-makers.
Skills and knowledge:
- Familiarity with main EU fisheries and environmental regulations and policies, as well as with the EU institutions and decision-making process.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Integrity and the ability to work with confidential information with discretion.
- Prioritizing skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, projects, and timelines.
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff and other organizations.
- Possess oral and written communication skills in languages: fluent English is a must; fluency in other European languages is an advantage.
