The successful candidate will become part of one of Europe’s leading humanitarian and social justice networks, contributing to policy development and advocacy initiatives that seek to build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable Europe. Working within the Policy and Advocacy Unit, the officer will help shape policies on socio-economic development, migration, asylum, integration, and social inclusion while collaborating with Caritas member organizations across Europe.

If you have experience in public policy, advocacy, European affairs, human rights, or social policy and are looking to work in an international, multicultural environment, this opportunity could be an excellent next step in your career.

About Caritas Europa

Caritas Europa is a Catholic network comprising 49 member organizations operating in 46 European countries. The organization works with people from all faiths and backgrounds to combat poverty, promote social justice, and protect the dignity of every individual.

It forms one of the seven regional organizations of Caritas Internationalis, a worldwide confederation with more than 160 national member organizations, making it the world’s second-largest humanitarian organization.

Caritas Europa works directly within communities, responding to emergencies while advocating for long-term policy reforms that address the root causes of poverty, inequality, discrimination, and exclusion. The organization strongly believes that people and the environment should always come before profit when shaping public policies.

Position Overview

Position: Policy and Advocacy Officer (Socio-Economic Policy)

Employment Type: Full-time

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Brussels, Belgium

Department: Policy and Advocacy Unit

Reports to: Policy and Advocacy Director

Starting Date: As soon as possible

The successful candidate will contribute to implementing the Caritas Europa Strategic Framework 2021–2028, annual work plans, and the organization’s Policy and Advocacy Strategy.

The role primarily focuses on:

• Social and economic policy
• Poverty eradication
• Social inclusion
• Recognition of non-profit social services
• Migration policy
• Asylum policy
• Integration policy
• Human rights advocacy

Main Objectives of the Role

The Policy and Advocacy Officer will help deliver two major strategic objectives within Caritas Europa’s Strategic Framework.

Strategic Objective 3.1

Influence European social and economic policies to:

• Eradicate poverty
• Reduce inequality
• End social exclusion
• Improve participation
• Promote fair socio-economic systems
• Strengthen social justice

Strategic Objective 3.2

Influence migration, asylum, and integration policies to ensure:

• Respect for human rights
• Protection of human dignity
• Better integration of migrants
• Inclusive communities
• Support for families on the move

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will undertake a broad range of policy, advocacy, communication, and coordination responsibilities.

1. Policy Development and Monitoring

Responsibilities include:

• Monitoring EU policy developments
• Tracking legislation
• Following Council of Europe policy processes
• Reviewing consultations
• Conducting policy analysis
• Preparing advocacy recommendations
• Supporting policy implementation

2. Advocacy

The officer will:

• Develop advocacy strategies
• Participate in advocacy meetings
• Prepare policy positions
• Engage policymakers
• Represent Caritas Europa
• Promote organizational priorities

3. Communication

Communication duties include:

• Writing policy articles
• Producing advocacy materials
• Creating social media content
• Supporting awareness campaigns
• Promoting Caritas Europa’s policy messages
• Organizing public events

4. Network Coordination

The role requires close collaboration with Caritas member organizations by:

• Supporting working groups
• Coordinating task forces
• Strengthening communities of practice
• Facilitating collaboration
• Enhancing European and national advocacy links

5. Internal Collaboration

The Policy and Advocacy Officer will also:

• Share information across teams
• Prepare reports
• Participate in internal meetings
• Coordinate with colleagues
• Ensure consistency across policy work

6. External Representation

When delegated by the Policy and Advocacy Director, the officer will:

• Attend conferences
• Participate in policy forums
• Join advocacy coalitions
• Engage with media
• Represent Caritas Europa in public events

Required Qualifications

Applicants should possess either:

• A Bachelor’s degree, or
• A Master’s degree

in one of the following fields:

• Social Policy
• Economics
• Law
• Public Affairs
• European Studies
• Human Rights

Equivalent professional experience may also be considered.

Required Knowledge and Technical Skills

Successful applicants should demonstrate knowledge and experience in several areas.

These include:

• European Union institutions
• Council of Europe institutions
• European policy-making processes
• Legislative monitoring
• Policy analysis
• Advocacy methodologies
• Strategic communication
• Public awareness campaigns
• Negotiation
• Consensus building
• Stakeholder engagement
• Project management
• Event coordination
• Human rights policy
• Employment policy
• Social justice
• Poverty reduction
• Social inclusion
• Integration policy
• Catholic Social Teaching

Communication Skills

Applicants should possess:

• Excellent written English
• Excellent spoken English
• Strong public speaking skills
• Facilitation skills
• Moderation skills
• Ability to write:
  • Policy papers
  • Briefing notes
  • Position papers
• Ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly

Knowledge of additional European languages is considered an advantage.

Partnership and Networking Skills

The ideal candidate should have experience working with:

• Civil society organizations
• Government institutions
• European institutions
• Donors
• International partners
• Membership organizations

Applicants should also have experience working within multicultural and international environments.

Personal Attributes

Caritas Europa is looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Strong ethical standards
• Commitment to social justice
• Respect for confidentiality
• Teamwork
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Initiative
• Creativity
• Organizational ability
• Flexibility
• Resourcefulness
• Ability to work under pressure
• Results-oriented mindset
• Willingness to travel across Europe
• Good Microsoft 365 skills
• Experience with online collaboration platforms

Salary and Employment Benefits

Caritas Europa offers a competitive Belgian employment package.

Starting monthly salaries include:

• €3,541 for approximately two years of relevant experience
• €3,814 for approximately five years of relevant experience
• €4,211 for approximately ten years of relevant experience

Additional employment benefits include:

• Permanent employment contract
• 13th salary
• 14th salary
• Hospitalization insurance
• Pension insurance
• Lunch vouchers
• Public transport contribution
• Flexible working arrangements
• Additional holidays
• International working environment
• Opportunities for professional development
• Regular travel across Europe

Please note that staff members are expected to be based in Belgium.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

Caritas Europa is committed to:

• Equal opportunity employment
• Diversity and inclusion
• Non-discrimination
• Safe recruitment
• Safeguarding vulnerable people

Applications are welcomed from candidates of all backgrounds and communities.

Recruitment Process

The recruitment process includes:

1. Online application submission
2. Shortlisting
3. First-round interviews
4. Second-round interviews
5. Written assignment in English
6. Final selection

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applicants should also note that Caritas Europa:

• Does not use AI to screen applications.
• Expects applicants to complete every stage of the recruitment process authentically without AI assistance.
• Requires successful candidates to sign the organization’s Code of Conduct.

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: 20 August 2026 (23:59 CEST)

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the online application through the official Caritas Europa recruitment portal before the application deadline.

Applicants should not include a photograph in their application documents.

APPLY HERE

Why This Opportunity Matters

Working as a Policy and Advocacy Officer at Caritas Europa provides a unique opportunity to influence European policies affecting millions of people. The role combines research, advocacy, communication, networking, and international collaboration, allowing professionals to contribute directly to tackling poverty, promoting equality, advancing human rights, and strengthening inclusive societies across Europe.

Professionals passionate about policy change, social justice, and humanitarian values will find this position both impactful and rewarding.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Caritas Europa Policy and Advocacy Officer (Socio-Economic Policy) Job 2026 in Brussels, Belgium

Conclusion

The Caritas Europa Policy and Advocacy Officer (Socio-Economic Policy) position is an outstanding career opportunity for professionals seeking to make a meaningful contribution to European social policy and advocacy. Offering a permanent contract, competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to work within one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks, the role provides both professional growth and the opportunity to influence policies that improve the lives of vulnerable communities across Europe. Interested candidates should prepare a strong application and submit it before 20 August 2026 to be considered for this prestigious position.

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