EU Policy and Advocacy Manager (Temporary)

Job Title: EU Policy and Advocacy Manager (Temporary)

Department: Advocacy and Communications

Duty Station: Brussels, Belgium

Line Manager: Global Head of Policy and Communications

Position Type: Temporary employment, initially 9 months, with possibility for extension to 12 months; Full-time.

Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is a dynamic, international non-governmental organisation. We work with people affected by violent conflicts to enhance their security and dignity through Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP). We work to reduce violence, protect civilians in countries affected by violent conflict and its aftermath, and help transform the world’s response to conflict situations.

OVERVIEW

NP is seeking an experienced EU Policy and Advocacy Manager to provide temporary coverage during a period of staff absence.

Based in Brussels, the position will ensure continuity in NP’s strategic engagement with European Union (EU) institutions, member states, and relevant civil society networks.

The EU Policy and Advocacy Manager will lead and coordinate the implementation of NP’s EU advocacy strategy, maintain and strengthen strategic relationships, and advance policy discussions on unarmed civilian protection, violence prevention and peacebuilding.

The position will also support NP country programmes in their engagement with EU stakeholders and contribute to broader global advocacy initiatives as required.

JOB PURPOSE

The overall objective of this temporary position is to maintain and strengthen NP’s engagement and policy influencing in EU and related policy and advocacy spaces.

The postholder will be responsible for coordinating NP’s EU advocacy processes and relationships. including bilateral engagement with EU member states, related organisations, and with core EU institutions.

The role will also involve participation in policy networks and thematic discussions related to peace and civilian protection, alongside providing strategic guidance and coordination to NP country programmes engaging with EU institutions in Brussels and other European capitals.

The position does not carry direct staff management responsibilities but requires a high degree of independence, strategic judgement and coordination across NP’s global teams.

COMMITMENT TO NP PRINCIPLES

All staff are expected to embody and actively work towards NP’s core principles in all aspects of their work:

1. Nonviolence in our approach, language, and actions.
2. Direct Action when engaging meaningfully with mandate goals.
3. Radical Connection through fostering safe, respectful, and inclusive relationships with communities, partners, and colleagues.
4. Process-oriented by abiding by NP’s values, policies, and the Global Employee Handbook.
5. Independence by maintaining integrity in judgment and conduct.
6. Non-partisanship by acting without bias or partisan influence.
7. Redemption and Healing by contributing to environments where accountability and growth are possible.
8. Pluriversality by embracing and protecting the diversity of all people NP works with and for.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy, representation and policy influencing

• Lead and coordinate the Implementation of NP’s EU advocacy strategy, with a focus on raising the visibility of nonviolent approaches to civilian protection, violence prevention, and the experiences of civilians affected by violent contexts.
• Represent NP in engagements with EU institutions, member states, and relevant policy and advocacy platforms.
• Monitor developments in EU policies and priorities, identify opportunities for NP’s engagement and recommend strategic responses.
• Coordinate and facilitate engagement between NP Staff, partners and EU stakeholders in Brussels.
• Provide strategic advice and guidance to NP country programmes engaging with EU institutions and representations outside Brussels.
• Ensure continuity and coherence in NP’s EU advocacy priorities and engagement during the temporary assignment.

Networking and partnerships

• Maintain and strengthen NP’s relationships and EU-related networks, including with EU staff, member states, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for strategic collaboration and joint advocacy with like-minded organisations.
• Work closely with NP staff to ensure that the EU policy and advocacy work is well integrated into the relevant team and organisational strategies and plans.
• Facilitate information sharing and coordination across NP teams on EU policy development, opportunities and engagement.

Learning and impact

• Contribute to the learning and development of NP by sharing insights from interactions with EU stakeholders to inform practice and programmes.
• Contribute to the broader learning agenda of NP through participation in relevant learning and reflection events.
• Support the documentation of key advocacy developments, engagements and outcomes.

Other

• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of NP’s mission, values, country programmes and thematic policy priorities to represent NP effectively.
• Identify potential resource mobilization and partnership opportunities emerging through EU engagement and share relevant information with the programme development colleagues.
• Contribute to other global policy and advocacy initiatives as required and agreed with the line manager.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

• At least 8-10 years of relevant experience working on protection and/or peacebuilding policy and practice, preferably with existing experience advocating toward the European Union.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with EU institutions, member states or European policy and advocacy networks, preferably on peacebuilding, civilian protection or related issues.
• Experience working with or supporting local partners and country programs in conflict-affected contexts.
• Experience developing or coordinating policy advocacy initiatives and maintaining strategic stakeholder relationships.

Education

Minimum master’s degree in political science, international relations, peacebuilding, humanitarian studies or a related field is required.

Language

Fluency in spoken English and French.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong understanding of policy influencing processes and relevant EU institutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex policy issues to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to respond to policy developments and advocacy opportunities.
• Excellent organizational, coordination and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement and manage multiple priorities with limited supervision.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across diverse, multicultural and geographically dispersed teams.

APPLICATION PROCESS

NP recognises that applicants may use AI tools when preparing CVs and cover letters. We ask candidates to use these tools responsibly and to ensure their application remains truthful, specific, and reflective of their own experience and motivation. Applications are reviewed by members of our team, not only automated systems, and we value clear, authentic applications that help us understand the candidate behind the documents.

• Candidates meeting the above requirements are requested to submit a CV (max. 2 pages) and cover letter (max. 1 page) through our website for consideration. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• This position is open to candidates with a legal right to work in Belgium.
• The closing date for applications is Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026.
• Candidates may be selected before the closing date; apply early!
• As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a written assignment before participating in an interview.

SPECIAL NOTICE

Nonviolent Peaceforce is an equal opportunity employer committed to a fair, transparent and accessible recruitment process. All qualified applicants are considered solely on merit, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Nonviolent Peaceforce is committed to safeguarding the welfare of our employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, partner communities, and all stakeholders. All staff and volunteers are expected to uphold this commitment through our Code of Conduct, complete the appropriate safeguarding training, and work in accordance with our safeguarding policies. Employment offers are subject to satisfactory references and screening checks, which may include criminal records and terrorism-finance checks. NP participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and may request information from previous employers regarding findings of, or ongoing investigations into, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment. By applying, candidates acknowledge and accept these recruitment procedures.

NO FEE WAIVER

We never request payment at any stage of the recruitment process and only communicate through official corporate accounts and platforms. Any request for payment is likely fraudulent. Please verify vacancies through our official website.

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