About DSW

DSW is a global health and development NGO working towards a world where every person, regardless of gender, geography or income, has equitable access to the tools, services and knowledge they need to live a healthy and fulfilling life, free from discrimination. We champion sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), especially for young people, women’s health and gender equality, and promote access to safe and effective contraception for all genders. We advocate for increased aid effectiveness, innovative financing mechanisms, and inclusive research and innovation (R&I) that addresses poverty-related and neglected diseases (PRNDs) and the gender health gap. 

This is an exciting opportunity for a (senior) European affairs professional with gender equality and international cooperation expertise who wants to apply their skills to advocate towards improved policies and increased funding for gender equality and SRHR in the EU’s international cooperation, fostering inclusive sustainable development.

The officer will join DSW’s Brussels team consisting of communications and policy & advocacy officers covering different topics in the area of global health and international development, and working closely with a fellow SRHR policy and advocacy officer.

Areas of responsibility for the positions include

• Timely implementation of advocacy activities against work plans, budgets and project frameworks in the area of international cooperation, gender equality, and SRHR;
• Monitor and analyse political processes related to EU external action policies and funding, in particular related to gender equality and global health, e.g. the new Global Europe Instrument regulation, the current and future Gender Action Plans, the future Gender Equality Strategy of the EU, and the Global Health Strategy;
• Contribute to or develop strategic recommendations and up-to-date policy positions for EU processes relevant for gender equality, SRHR and international cooperation;
• Draft fact sheets, talking points, newsletters, and other advocacy materials, including drafting of more in-depth assessments/studies for advocacy-related publications;
• Identify, reach out to, engage, build or maintain a network with relevant decision-makers in the EU institutions in coordination with the team, as well as maintain and strengthen a network with other relevant partners, including CSOs;
• Represent DSW in external events and meetings, as well as towards policy-makers, advocacy coalitions, CSO partners and other external stakeholders in agreement with the Head of EU Advocacy;
• Develop joint initiatives serving DSW’s objectives with relevant partners, stakeholders and colleagues from other DSW Offices, including organising visits, events and advocacy missions;
• Ad-hoc and timely reaction to short-notice requests and advocacy opportunities;
• Support the Head of Advocacy in preparing regular reports and M&E activities according to DSW guidelines and procedures and support resource mobilisation activities;
• Contribute to communications work (media requests, social media content, etc.) that supports our gender equality and SRHR advocacy objectives, in collaboration with the communications team;
• In all of the above: collaborate and coordinate with DSW advocacy and communications colleagues and the head of the DSW Brussels Office to contribute to the joint achievements of the team.

Requirements

• Minimum 4 – 7 years of work experience in EU advocacy 
• Good knowledge of EU policy-making processes and key decision-makers, in particular in the area of EU’s international cooperation policies.
• Knowledge of EU external action policies and instruments and knowledge of gender equality, SRHR, women’s and girls’ rights topics. 
• Experience in drafting advocacy materials and in advocacy towards decision makers.
• University education (Master’s degree) in European public policy, political science, gender equality, public health, global health, development cooperation, public affairs, or related subjects.
• Fluent oral and written English.
• Strong, persuasive oral and written communication skills, and networking experience.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Supportive of DSW’s mission and vision.
• Work and residence permit for Belgium.
• Ideal start date: As soon as possible, at the latest on January 5.

What we offer

• You will work in a dynamic and intellectually challenging environment together with advocates and officials, both dealing with EU external policies.
• Full-time contract (38 hours/week) limited to one year, with the possibility of extension to open-ended contract.
• Competitive NGO salary between EUR 3800 – 4500 gross for full-time, depending on level of experience; and benefits including hospitalisation insurance, pension scheme, and meal vouchers. Additional holidays (on top of Belgian legal holidays) and training opportunities, flexible working arrangements, including teleworking; and possibility of international travel.
• A great multicultural team of compassionate colleagues that together create a supportive and friendly working environment.
• DSW is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ and assign the best-qualified personnel regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, marital status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability or sexual orientation.