Senior EU Policy and Advocacy Adviser

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 employees, NRC operates in 40 countries worldwide, providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of individuals each year. The organization is committed to upholding the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring their dignity and safety in challenging environments. NRC's mission is to help those in need, advocating for their rights and providing essential services to rebuild their lives.

Job Overview:
The Senior EU Policy and Advocacy Adviser will play a pivotal role in shaping and elevating NRC's advocacy efforts towards the European Union (EU) and its Member States. This position is crucial for driving NRC's global strategic ambitions while enhancing the organization's policy influence and advocacy capabilities across various country and regional teams. The adviser will be responsible for leading global advocacy priorities targeting the EU and its Member States, monitoring relevant foreign policy developments, and providing analysis to support NRC's understanding of EU policies. The role involves proposing and implementing advocacy initiatives, drafting high-quality advocacy products, and coordinating visits from field colleagues to Brussels to further NRC's advocacy objectives. The adviser will also develop and maintain constructive relationships with EU representatives and other humanitarian NGOs, ensuring that NRC's messages are consistent and aligned with its global policy positions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior EU Policy and Advocacy Adviser include leading global advocacy efforts targeting the EU and its Member States, monitoring foreign policy developments, and providing analysis to inform NRC's advocacy strategies. The adviser will propose and implement advocacy initiatives, draft and disseminate advocacy products such as briefings and reports, and coordinate visits from field colleagues. Additionally, the adviser will develop relationships with EU institutions, represent NRC in meetings and international forums, and provide technical support and capacity building to in-country advocacy leads. The role also involves establishing targeted advocacy initiatives, consolidating NRC's position as a leading agency for humanitarian policy advice, and mapping key EU policymakers to influence priority advocacy issues. The adviser will oversee lobby missions to Brussels and relevant European capitals, ensuring effective follow-up on NRC delegations and meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree or equivalent qualification in international relations, law, or social studies. A minimum of 7-10 years of professional experience in humanitarian settings and complex crises is required, along with demonstrated experience in leading humanitarian advocacy strategies that impact major institutional decision-makers. Previous experience representing NGOs, donors, or UN agencies in formal settings is essential. Candidates should have a strong understanding of EU foreign policy and European institutions, as well as the ability to develop actionable policy recommendations. Excellent research, analytical, and communication skills are necessary, along with fluency in English and impeccable writing abilities. Candidates should also demonstrate strong planning and administrative skills, political and cultural awareness, and the ability to work efficiently in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree or equivalent qualification in fields such as international relations, law, or social studies. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian advocacy and EU policies, as well as for developing effective strategies to influence decision-makers.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 7-10 years of professional experience in humanitarian settings, particularly in complex crises. This experience should include leading advocacy strategies that have successfully influenced major institutional decision-makers. Previous roles in which the candidate represented NGOs, donors, or UN agencies in formal settings will be highly regarded, as will experience in developing sound policy recommendations tailored to specific interlocutors.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Candidates should possess impeccable writing and editing skills. Knowledge of French is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication with EU representatives and Member States officials.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Brussels, Belgium, with a contract duration of one year, which may be extended based on performance and organizational needs. The role involves travel of up to 20%. The salary is classified as Grade 9 on NRC’s Resident salary scale, accompanied by benefits such as group pension insurance, hospitalization insurance, lunch vouchers, a 13th month salary, and the possibility to work from home up to three days per week. NRC is committed to diversity and equal opportunities, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds.