Aqua Publica Europea (APE) is the European association of public water utilities. Our mission is to promote public water management at European and international level.

APE brings together public water operators from 14 different European countries, providing high quality water and sanitation services to around 90 million European citizens.

We are recruiting a Junior Policy Officer to join the association’s Secretariat in Brussels.

The Junior Policy Officer will contribute to develop and implement the advocacy strategy of the association in cooperation with Aqua Publica’s Policy Coordinator.

Main responsibilities:

• Engaging and collecting inputs from Aqua Publica’s members, including through the organisation of internal meetings and workshops, to then develop and advocate the position of the association before EU and international institutions
• Contributing to the elaboration of position papers, publications and other relevant material aimed at promoting the vision and good practices of Aqua Publica’s members
• Gathering, analysing and communicating information on policy developments that can be relevant for the activity of the members of Aqua Publica Europea
• Maintaining and developing a network of relevant stakeholders
• Representing the association in formal and informal meetings and reporting to members and to the management board
• Participating in the conception and organisation of internal and external events and meetings together with the APE team
• Supporting association management activities

Profile

Essential:

• University degree in EU policies or in another field that is relevant for the mission of Aqua Publica or the activity of its members
• One to three years of professional experience in European public affairs, or in other domains that are relevant for the mission of Aqua Publica
• Solid understanding of the EU policy-making process
• Proactive attitude to engage members in in identifying policy priorities, establishing relationships with relevant stakeholders, etc.
• Ability to develop, present and advocate policy positions
• Capacity to translate complex or technical issues into concise and relevant information towards different audiences (for example: decision-makers, APE members)
• Excellent written and spoken English, with good understanding of French
• At ease with public speaking and networking in different cultural contexts
• Flexible team player, willing to support colleagues in other aspects of the association’s work (communication, administration, events)
• Ability to take initiatives, propose ideas and lead new projects
• Availability to travel (occasional)

Desirable:

• Proficiency in additional European languages, especially those relevant to APE’s membership
• Knowledge of the EU sustainability or water policy framework
• Previous experience in a membership-based organisation
• Knowledge of the water sector/industry and/or issues specific to the public sector

What we offer:

The position is offered on a full-time basis and on the conditions of a contract under Belgian law (which includes holiday bonus and meal vouchers), coupled with other benefits: 13th month, additional vacation days, partial reimbursement of transportation costs (public transports), hospitalisation insurance.

APE will offer a salary in line with experience.

APE offers the possibility to partially work from home (to be arranged) but the candidate must commit to being officially registered in Belgium.

Recruitment process:

Interested candidates should send their CV and a cover letter to info@aquapublica.eu by the 22/08/2025 (please also specify how you heard about this position).

Please note that we are unable to provide individual feedbacks and that only short-listed applicants will be contacted for the second stage of the recruitment process which will involve a written test and an interview.

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