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Junior Policy Officer

EPLO - European Peacebuilding Liaison Office - 04 December 2008

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Job Description

The European Peacebuilding Liaison Office (EPLO) is the platform of European NGOs, networks of NGOs, and think tanks active in the field of peacebuilding, who share an interest in promoting sustainable peacebuilding policies among decision-makers in the European Union.
EPLO is currently seeking a junior policy officer to work on peacebuilding policy and to provide administrative and logistical support to EPLO. The policy officer will monitor EU conflict policy in relation to one or more of the following themes: gender, development, justice, investment, climate change and natural resources.
The successful candidate will have a good understanding of EU politics and experience of policy work, and demonstrate a strong commitment to the NGO sector and to EPLO’s mission. The initial contract will be for one year with the possibility of renewal, to start in early 2009.
The deadline for applications is 11 December 2008 at 18.00 Brussels time. Interviews will be held during the week of 15 December in Brussels. Please find the detailed job description below and on the EPLO website. Candidates should send a CV and cover letter setting out how they meet the requirements set out in the person specification to recruitment[at]eplo.org. Only successful candidates will be notified.

Purpose of Job:To carry out policy work on EU conflict policy; to provide administrative and logistical support to EPLO.
Reports to: Director, EPLO

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Policy work

• Carry out research on and monitor developments in EU conflict policy
• Analyze policy and write/advise on policy recommendations
• Write policy papers aimed at EU policy makers including policy reports and briefings
• Maintain and develop contacts with relevant individuals in EU institutions
• Participate in events and meetings in Brussels, including giving presentations
• Network with NGOs and other organizations and individuals working on related issues

2. Support for EPLO members

• Facilitate at least one EPLO working group, assisting members to exchange information and identify joint priorities
• Contribute to the development of EPLO strategy on particular issues
• Respond to EPLO members’ requests for information
• Maintain excellent relations with EPLO members in working groups

3.   Administrative and logistical support

• Provide logistical support for EPLO events, including conferences, seminars and general assemblies
• Provide general administrative support to EPLO director and policy officers, including preparation of documents, making travel arrangements

4. Communications

• Lead on preparation of EPLO’s newsletters, including writing and commissioning copy, layout and distribution
• Keep EPLO members updated on policy developments by e-mail and telephone
• Prepare and post material on EPLO’s website

Person Specification

1. Education

Essential

• Degree in a relevant subject (conflict studies, politics, law, European studies, economics, etc)
• Fluency in English

Desirable

• Post-graduate degree in a relevant subject
• Fluency in French

2. Work Experience

Essential

• Experience in an international policy environment
• One year’s experience of carrying out policy/advocacy work for the NGO sector
• Experience in or excellent understanding of the peacebuilding sector
• Work in an administrative support role  

Desirable

• Experience of project development and management

3. Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Good understanding of conflict prevention theory and practice
• Good knowledge of policy-making processes in the European Union
• Good English writing skills
• Inter-cultural communication skills
• Excellent strategic, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong political savvy and ability to liaise with a range of actors inside and outside of EPLO
• Good understanding of issues relating to management of a network
• Strong IT skills

4. Personal Qualities

Essential

• Ability to act on initiative when appropriate and to complete tasks with limited supervision
• Ability to follow instructions  
• Ability to work in a small team in a respectful and friendly manner
• Strong commitment to the NGO sector and to the principles underlying EPLO’s work
• Willingness to travel
• Well-organized and quick thinking.

Applicants need to hold a valid work permit for Belgium or citizenship of an EU Member State that requires no work permit in Belgium.

Salary: Approximately 2000 EUR gross per month. EPLO offers a number of additional employment benefits that increase the net salary. The initial contract will be for one year with the possibility of renewal, with a six month probationary period.

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