Policy Manager: Finance, Innovation and Competitiveness

About EVU

Are you passionate about food system transformation? Are you interested in plant-based policy solutions in this transformation?

EVU is the umbrella organisation representing 48 NGOs in 30 European countries advocating for increased production and consumption of plant-based foods. We are active in European policy networks of CSOs as well as formal and informal forums with food&agriculture stakeholders. The EVU is a member of the European Alliance for Plant-based Foods (EAPF) and the European Food Forum (EFF). 

About the role

We are looking for an ambitious, proactive and dynamic Policy Manager to develop our advocacy  and outreach into finance, innovation and competitiveness policies.  The tasks for this role span from political advocacy towards EU institutions to engagement with financial and industry stakeholders as well as supporting EVU members at a national level. More concretely you will:

• Be responsible for our advocacy work towards EU policymakers and institutions in the fields of Finance, Innovation and Competitiveness;
• Engage EU and Member-States public investment funds in  protein and plant-based diversification;
• Contribute to developing our advocacy strategy in these fields by identifying and pursuing policy and impact levers, legislative and non-legislative;
• Develop policy briefs, guides and recommendations;
• Represent EVU and deliver presentations to policymakers and stakeholders in meetings and events;
• Collaborate with and support EVU members’ advocacy efforts at the EU and national levels;
• Collaborate and build relationships with relevant stakeholders such as other NGOs, farmers organisations, industry and financial stakeholders, public investment funds and others;
• Travelling to EU Member-States on missions to meet and coordinate with colleagues, members and stakeholders;

You are

• An extremely motivated, morally ambitious and mission aligned professional;
• You have a Degree in Public Relations/International Studies/Politics/Law/ Public Affairs/Economics or other relevant for the position (candidates from other areas are encouraged to apply according to experience)
• We would like to see at least 5 years of experience in the field of finance, investments and innovation, relevant consulting fields or businesses management and/or experience engaging with EU policies and Institutions on these topics. An intersection of these experiences would be ideal;

• Extremely strong social and interpersonal skills;
• Understanding of EU policy institutions, processes and agendas, particularly regarding policies on fiscal matters, investment, innovation and competitiveness;
• Understanding of plant-based policy needs and discussions around competitiveness, investment policies, fiscal incentives and value chain development;
• Ability to multi-task and develop simultaneous workstreams;
• You are proactive and independent but a team player with a growth mindset;
• The person would ideally be based in or close to Brussels to attend weekly meetings and occasional events;
• You are available to travel (mostly in Europe) 3-5 times a year;
• Commitment to EVUs goals and vision;

Benefits of working with us

• A full-time 2 year contract with the possibility of extension (pending funding);
• A flexible working arrangement with possibility of a 4 day work week or compressed week as well as long periods of remote working (around summer and holidays);
• No mandatory office days, but co-working space available in Brussels/European Quarter (you’re expected to attend meetings and events in Brussels on a weekly /semi-weekly basis);
• Salary: 3,800-4,000€ gross per month, according to experience  +13th month and double holiday pay according to Belgian law (13,92 salaries per year);
• Meal vouchers per work day according to Belgian law (around 10€ per worked day);
• Home office and phone allowance of 150€ a month;
• Yearly public transportation pass within Brussels;
• Option to choose between 38h-40h working hours a week (with extra holidays). Possibility of  a 4 day work week is negotiable;
• 20 days of holiday per year (+ 12 extra days if you chose the 40h a week option as per belgian law);
• And the amazing opportunity to become part of a great team and work with us on making the EU more competitive, sustainable, animal and environment-friendly!

About the team

You’ll be joining a small but dynamic team including direct colleagues and EVU members. Although you’re expected to be proactive and independent, you’ll be reporting to and working with EVU’s Senior Policy Manager and Policy Manager – and also be in contact with EVUs Secretary-General and President.

Please send your CV and cover letter to rafael.pinto@euroveg.eu. Your letter should detail the following:

• Why you are interested in applying for this post
• How your skills/knowledge/experience meet the requirements of the person specification
• Availability to start

Deadline for applications: 8th of May

Starting date: as soon as possible