Overview:
Social Platform is looking for a social justice-driven, strategic and engaging Head of Policy and
Advocacy to join its Secretariat in Brussels. This is an exciting development opportunity for an
experienced professional who wants to play an active role in the fight for social justice in Europe.
The role includes harnessing the collective expertise and influence of Social Platform members,
leading the advocacy activities of the Secretariat and developing and managing relationships with
external stakeholders.
The post holder will oversee their own policy and advocacy portfolio, as well as coordinate and
supervise the work of Senior Policy Officers within the team. The Head of Advocacy will report to,
and, when required, deputise for the Secretary General of Social Platform. The Head of Policy and
Advocacy will also be expected to work closely with the Communications and Campaigns Officer, to
support the delivery of consistent, clear and change-making messages to external stakeholders.
Reporting to: Secretary General
Main responsibilities:
Political strategy
- Lead on the development and implementation of the organisation’s advocacy strategy to
contribute to the successful delivery of Social Platform’s organisational objectives. - Work directly with the Secretariat and Social Platform’s membership to build a strong policy
and advocacy community on social rights. - Work with the Secretary General in supporting and contributing to the governance
structures of Social Platform and to the network’s strategic plans and annual work
programmes - Work closely with the Communication and Campaigns Officer on targeted outreach
strategies, impactful policy messaging and the development of advocacy campaigns.
Team management
- Line-manage and coordinate the work of Social Platform’s Policy and Advocacy Team, with
a focus on providing mentorship and support. - Deputise for the Secretary General as required
External representation
- Lead on key partnerships that support Social Platform’s advocacy aims and develop strong
relationships with relevant stakeholders across the EU institutions - Represent Social Platform externally and contribute to co-ordinating attendance of Social
Platform representatives at external-facing events
Fundraising
- Contribute to the delivery of the fundraising strategy developing projects, liaising with
funders and partners and developing new partnerships
Knowledge and experience
- At least 7 years of work experience in European policy and advocacy
- Proven experience in advocacy and policy at European and Member State level
- Educational background in economics, social policy, political science or a related field; or,
proven equivalent practical experience - Proven knowledge of EU social policy
- Expertise on EU policy-making processes and on monitoring, analysing and responding to
identified opportunities for strategic engagement with EU institutions - Demonstrable experience of speaking at and contributing to public events
- Experience of working with or within a membership-based organisation
- Experience in managing staff and projects
- Experience in developing project applications and fundraising
- High degree of attention to detail, commitment to quality and ability to prioritise tasks
Skills/ abilities
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Politically astute, with track record of successful advocacy outcomes
- Excellent planning and co-ordination skills; flexible attitude ready to adjust priorities as
required - Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and compelling manner to a wide range of
audiences and proven record of effective messaging - Willing to travel in Europe for representation opportunities
- Demonstrated networking skills
- Excellent written and spoken English, additional European language is an advantage
- Adheres to Social Platform’s values and approach grounded in the human rights framework
- Legal right to work in the EU
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
- Play an influential role in a Platform that is actively working to achieve positive social change
- Full time permanent position (37.5 hours per week), conditions are according to Belgian
legislation, including the legal ability to live and work in Belgium.
Monthly gross salary in the range of €4,225- €4,871 according to experience in line with Social
Platform Salary Scale. - Preferred starting date: asap
- Holiday allowance and 13th month pay
- Structural teleworking and flexibility
- Pension scheme, hospitalisation insurance, representation allowance, working from home
allowance, transport allowance and lunch vouchers - Social Platform is an equal opportunities employer. Applications are welcomed from
candidates irrespective of background, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status,
disability or sexual orientation. Social Platform strives to pursue family-friendly employment
practices. The office is accessible for wheelchairs users.
HOW TO APPLY?
Please send your CV and the application form in English by 1st October 2024 at 09:00 AM CET
Brussels, addressed to recruitment@socialplatform.org. CVs should not be more than 2 pages in
length.
Please do not send any additional documentation such as references, certificates etc.
We urge all the candidates to please read the job description carefully to ensure they meet the
profile before applying. Due to large number of applications, we regret that only shortlisted
candidates will be contacted.
Your data is treated with confidentiality and the application will be deleted within 6 months after a
candidate has been recruited.
