Public Affairs Adviser - EU

Cruelty Free International

Brussels, Belgium

Join us at Cruelty Free International in a challenging role, supporting our mission to end animal testing across Europe. As a Public Affairs Consultant working at the heart of European Politics, you will:

Provide expert insights into EU institutions;
Utilise your networks to represent Cruelty Free International in Brussels;
Collaborate closely with our UK-based management team to shape and deliver our political strategy;
Offer real-time intelligence from the ground;
Build connections with key stakeholders to increase our impact.

Your expertise and connections will be crucial in advancing our public affairs strategy and bringing a cruelty-free future closer.

Proposed consultancy details:

Role: Consultancy position – time commitment negotiable
Duration: Initial 12-month contract, with possibility to extend further
Reporting to: Head of Public Affairs – UK & EU
Salary: Negotiable

Objective:

As a highly motivated and experienced Public Affairs Adviser specialising in animal protection, chemicals regulation, and related fields, you will be responsible for supporting the Head of Public Affairs (UK & EU) to advance our objectives to end animal testing across Europe, by leveraging their networks and extensive knowledge of EU affairs.

Your blended knowledge of public affairs and expertise in relationship building with stakeholders in key institutions and agencies across the EU political establishment will significantly advance the organisation’s agenda to end animal testing worldwide.

Objectives

Strategic advice: Support the Head of Public Affairs (UK & EU) to develop political strategy in support of the organisations short, medium, and long-term objectives;
Committee Participation: Attend and monitor relevant EU parliamentary committees, debates, and discussions;
Stakeholder Mapping and Relationship Building: Identify, track, and build relationships with key stakeholders within the European Parliament in support of the organisation’s strategy for change;
Engaging MEPs: Maintain a presence in the European Parliament to distribute briefings, collect responses, and engage with MEPs directly;
Meeting Coordination: Arrange and facilitate a programme of meetings with key stakeholders, including MEPs, their assistants, Commission officials and other relevant parties;
Intelligence Gathering: Serve as the "eyes and ears" of the organisation in Brussels, providing real-time updates and strategic insights on relevant developments;
Event Monitoring: Track and monitor key events, attending some in person and coordinating attendance for others as required;
Regular Updates: Provide frequent updates and reports to the UK-based management team on progress, insights, and any actions taken;
Coordination: Work closely with the UK management team to ensure alignment of activities and strategic objectives;
General support: provide miscellaneous support for the work of the Head of Public Affairs (UK & EU) and other senior colleagues across the organiation in the EU domain as required.

Personal Specification:

Essential

Expertise/Competence/Skills

Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with external stakeholders and audiences;
Capable of working independently with minimal supervision, while being proactive in seeking out opportunities;
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to take instructions, work well within a team, and build relationships with colleagues in different disciplines;
Ability to think strategically and provide insights that advance our organisational objectives;
Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines;
Excellent communication skills, including with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively;
Collaborative approach, and the ability to work on own initiative in a fastpaced environment and manage competing priorities;
Ability to present a professional and positive image of Cruelty Free International and other entities within the wider group of companies;
A positive and flexible approach to work, and the willingness to work occasional unsociable hours and to travel as required, including to international events, as necessary;
Strong networking abilities to engage effectively with MEPs, parliamentary assistants, and other stakeholders.

Qualifications (IT/Academic/Vocational)

Educated to degree level or qualified by the equivalent work experience;
Excellent working knowledge of the MS O365 software package, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Experience

Experience of developing and maintaining relationships with external partners and stakeholders;
Experience of EU Affairs, and an in-depth knowledge of the machinery of EU affairs and politics;
Experience of lobbying within the EU or working for an MEP, with a demonstrable network of contacts in the European Parliament and across EU institutions;
Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to map, track, and build relationships with key stakeholders;
Excellent track record of handling multiple priorities and working to tight deadlines;
Strong understanding of animal protection issues and chemicals regulation within the EU context;
A commitment to and understanding of animal protection issues.

Desirable

Expertise/Competence/Skills

Knowledge of the process of policy-making and an understanding of the key players and drivers that affect change in a global context;
Passion for animal protection and a strong commitment to the cause of ending animal testing across Europe;
Ability to be present in Brussels as needed and adapt to changing priorities.