Policy Officer

The core goals of ARCHE NOAH are the preservation and development of cultivated plant diversity in its own collections, the operation of a public garden, and the sale of seeds, young plants and specialist literature. ARCHE NOAH offers courses and seminars on cultivated plant diversity, and advocates for biodiversity as well as the transformation of our agricultural and food systems. Our organisation is well-connected internationally. The non-profit association is funded through membership fees, donations, and grant projects.

In the Seed Policy Team we work to establish political and legal frameworks within the European Union and Austria that safeguard and promote the long-term preservation and sustainable use of cultivated plant diversity. Our current focus is the revision of EU seed legislation, and work against patents on seeds. Cooperation with both the expert practitioners within the association and with other seed initiatives and farming organisations from across Europe is central to our success. To strengthen our dedicated team, the following position will be available starting in March 2025:

 

ARCHE NOAH Policy Officer in Brussels

 Part-time position, likely limited until the end of 2026

Location: Brussels and Vienna, with a flexible remote working policy

 

Your responsibilities will include the following tasks:

• You represent ARCHE NOAH in Brussels.
• You represent our political demands to EU policy-makers and other stakeholders in Brussels, as well as in public, for example at events or press conferences.
• In close cooperation with the rest of the Seed Policy Team based in Vienna, you develop effective advocacy strategies, particularly regarding the ongoing reform of EU seed legislation and efforts to oppose patents on seeds.
• You maintain dialogue with other NGOs in Brussels, such as through the “EU Food Policy Coalition,” and with seed initiatives from across Europe.

What you bring:

• You are passionate about shaping a better future, and love the diversity of our cultivated plants. You either have knowledge of agricultural and food policy topics or are willing to acquire this knowledge quickly.
• You have at least one to two years of professional experience in an NGO, an advocacy organisation, and/or in political work.
• You possess a solid understanding of political decision-making processes within the EU and know how to influence them.
• You are willing to engage (also independently) in discussions with politicians and officials to advocate for important issues. You present yourself confidently and eloquently.
• You communicate effectively, clearly, and in a way that is targeted to your audience.
• You are not afraid to dive into technical or legal details.
• You can work independently and manage your time efficiently. Although you will work closely with the rest of the Seed Policy Team in Vienna, you will be ARCHE NOAH’s sole representative in Brussels.
• You are fluent in English and have good German skills. Additional European languages, particularly French, are an advantage but not required.
• You are willing to travel several times a year — mainly to Vienna/Schiltern (but not exclusively).
• You hold a university degree in a relevant field, such as law, political science, agricultural science, or an equivalent qualification with relevant professional experience.

What we can offer:

• Meaningful work as part of a small, dedicated, and experienced team for a cause worth supporting, in an organisation that has already achieved numerous successes for cultivated plant diversity both in practice and in politics.
• Engagement with a Europe-wide movement of inspiring and motivated civil society and farming organisations that protect and promote the diversity of our cultivated plants.
• A temporary part-time position (25 hours per week) for an expected duration of 22 months, with the potential for extension.
• Flexible working hours and a shared office space with employees from other NGOs. Flexible working hours and remote working policy.
• A gross monthly salary of at least €3,270 (14 payments annually, based on 38.5 hours per week)

Interested?

If so, we look forward to receiving your compelling application!

Please send it as soon as possible, via email, to: bewerbung@arche-noah.at

 

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