Benefits of working at IFOAM Organics Europe
VACANCIES
All vacancies listed are for to be filled in at our Brussels office. If exceptions apply, this will be explicitly stated in the vacancy description. IFOAM Organics Europe is currently looking for a TP Organics Advocacy Coordinator.
The deadline for application is 25 April 2024. We only consider applications using the form.
The Research & Innovation Unit of IFOAM Organics Europe promotes knowledge exchange and engages organic actors in participatory research to help develop the sector. The unit has ample experience in translating research outcomes into recommendations for policymakers and practitioners. The new TP Organics Advocacy Coordinator will work for TP Organics and the newly established “FP10 NGO Coalition”, with the aim of influencing the EU’s next research & innovation (R&I) framework programme so that societal needs, and in particular organic food and farming and agroecology, are high on the agenda. The EU has the largest public research budget in the world, but it has long failed to meet the needs and demands of civil society. With plans for the next research budget currently under discussion in EU institutions, it is crucial to make sure that it prioritises democracy, transparency and international cooperation, and that decouples societal challenges from economic growth.
Responsibilities
The role of the TP Organics Advocacy Coordinator) will be twofold:
- Coordination of advocacy work for the future research and innovation framework programme
- Supporting the TP Organics Secretariat
Requirements
- Master’s degree in agriculture, agronomics, international relations or related discipline relevant for this position
- Experience of at least 2-3 years in organising NGO advocacy alliances/advocating at EU level
- Excellent knowledge of and contacts within Brussels and EU institutions, etc.
- Effective communication in English, both verbal and written
- Confident in speaking to public
- Good understanding of how European legislative process works and in particular how research & innovation framework programmes are developed
VOLUNTEER VIA THE EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY CORPS (ESC) & ERASMUS+
Sorry, there are no open positions for ESC volunteers. We generally publish a new call for volunteers every year in spring. However, it happens that we have additional vacancies throughout the year. Stay tuned for future opportunities by following us on on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram.
IFOAM Organics Europe does not offer internships. As we do like to offer young people the opportunity to gain experience at the heart of the European organic movement, we recruit volunteers for up to 11 months. We usually issue a call for volunteers each spring.
Volunteering as part of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) provides young people with the unique chance to express their personal commitment through a full-time volunteering activity in a foreign country for up to one year. Young volunteers can develop new skills and improve their personal, educational and professional development. More information about ESC is available on the European Solidarity Corps website.
Erasmus+ funds the ESC (previously European Voluntary Service, or EVS).
Erasmus+ supports traineeships (work placements, internships, etc) abroad for students currently enrolled in higher education institutions in Programme countries at Bachelor and Master level as well as for doctoral candidates. These opportunities are also open to recent graduates.
By doing a traineeship abroad in Programme or Partner countries with Erasmus+, you can improve not only your communication, language and inter-cultural skills, but also soft skills highly valued by future employers, as well as become more entrepreneurial.
Did you not find what you were looking for on this page? Contact [email protected]
“You’d like to do something practical, with a visible impact, and to get to know the heart of Europe, policy making and lobbying work, the organic movement, like-minded people, new languages and cultures, including the broad diversity of Belgian beer, and – not least – yourself better? Volunteering at IFOAM Organics Europe offers you all that – and much more. It’s a rich experience that allows you to participate in making food and farming in Europe more sustainable, and to gain practical experiences and skills in the European organic sector – from advocacy for organic research, innovation and practice to new communication tools and a hands-on farm stay. For me, it was the first time that I was living abroad for so long – a big step that my colleagues and EVS network made a lot easier. I can only encourage you to do it, and to make the most of it. It’s a unique opportunity to grow, gain new perspectives and friends and get to know yourself and your capabilities and interests better. Not only did I feel very welcome in the multicultural and multilingual EU capital where almost everyone comes from somewhere else, but I could also profit from the numerous events the vibrant city has to offer year-round. Ultimately, my EVS made me more political, active and empathetic – in other words, fit for the challenges of the future.”
“Volunteering at IFOAM Organics Europe is a truly rewarding experience, both on a professional and personal level. Get to know this vibrant city of Brussels, meet inspiring people, drink beers (a lot!), learn more about organic agriculture and EU legislation and develop a wide range of skills! Knowledge and friendships are awaiting!”
“I did not know much about IFOAM Organics Europe when I saw the ESC vacancy, but I shared its values of protecting biodiversity, caring for nature and fairness in the food production processes. During my volunteering I learned a lot about the organic sector and, being based in Brussels, I gained a better understanding of European Union’s institutions and importance of advocacy work.”
“Volunteering at IFOAM Organics Europe is an excellent opportunity to gain more in-depth understanding of the organic sector and the impact of EU legislation. Working in the communication team has taught me the importance and power of the messages we share to make Europe more organic. Beside the knowledge I gain, the vibrant city of Brussels is full of inspiring, smart and interesting people who enrich and refine my experience even more.”
