The Belgian Red Cross (BRC) is an independent national humanitarian organization part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It supports the Belgian authorities in their humanitarian tasks in accordance with its mission and the Fundamental Principles of the Movement. It aims to improve the living conditions of vulnerable people and to prevent and address humanitarian crises in order to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It combats isolation and marginalization by strengthening social ties and promoting respect for diversity and tolerance.

The Red Cross EU Office (RCEU) is a partnership between the 27 member National Societies of the EU as well as Norway and Iceland and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Founded in 1983 the office ensures the representation of the EU National Societies (EUNS) and the IFRC to the EU Institutions, Brussels based international and partner organizations, and NGO networks.

Belgian Red Cross and Red Cross EU office are working together to prepare for the upcoming EU Belgian Presidency in the first half of 2024. They are looking for an Advocacy Officer to develop and synchronize the advocacy content and to support the organization of the associated Red Cross events during the Presidency itself and therefore heightening Red Cross influence.

This new essential and strategic function is a one-year full-time contract – with a full salary package and non-legal benefits – the offer is to be filled in September. The advocacy officer reports to the deputy general manager in charge of the international relationships for the BRC (Humanitarian – French speaking community). He/She is based at the Red Cross EU office in Brussels and liaises on a regular basis with the Belgian Red Cross offices based in Brussels, Mechelen and Namur.

Function:

The advisor contributes to the overall Red Cross EU Strategy 2022-27, with a particular focus on the Belgian EU Presidency:

Coordinate the action related to the EU Presidencies across the units:

• Develop and lead on an engagement strategy of the Belgian Red Cross & Red Cross EU Office with the EU Presidency by coordinating the contributions of different Belgian Red Cross departments and RCEU units keeping an overview of the actions of each unit.
• Support the Red Cross EU office in coordinating the events and opportunities of the Belgian EU Presidency across the three units (DM development, Migration and Social Inclusion / Health)
• Together with the Belgian Red Cross, the Red Cross EU office and when necessary with the ICRC, liaise with the Belgian permanent representation
• Support with establishing meetings with the Government key stakeholders in the capital of the EU Presidency, with the permanent representatives and with the Council.
• Coordinate the program for the trio presidencies. Organizing regular meetings and tracking the priorities.
• Monitor events planned for the EU Presidencies and coordinate the EUNSs input and/or participation in the event.
• Lead in organizing and coordinating key events during the presidency.
• Work closely with the communication unit around positioning and visibility under the EU Presidencies

Strengthening Red Cross engagement in key humanitarian themes of common interest at the EU level”

• Monitor and analyze EU policy initiatives and prepare written analysis and briefings for members.
• Contribute to Belgian Red Cross and RCEU position papers as directed by the supervisor, and ensure appropriate follow-up
• Inform EU institutions, policy makers and stakeholders about Red Cross initiatives and best practices in the related sector

General tasks

• Organize meetings, telephone conferences with Belgian Red Cross and other National Societies, ICRC and IFRC, and ensure their active follow-up
• Prepare and write analysis of documents, briefings, monthly reports and positions according to the needs
• Participate in meetings and events organized by the office and draft minutes of the meetings
• Provide general support for the Unit activities

Carry out specific duties on behalf of the Belgian Red Cross

• Represent the Belgian RC in internal meetings and RCRC dialogue where relevant
• Represent the Belgian RC towards EU counterparts and external partners as guided by HQ and coordinated with the RCEU Office

Profile:

• You have a University degree in international relations, political science, or other relevant field (for example public health or disaster management)
• You have at least 4 years of experience in international cooperation or in public health related fields with 2 years of experience minimum in one of the following fields: migration, social economy, health, and emergency response
• You can demonstrate experience and/or knowledge in managing and maintaining relationships with external partners
• You have a good understanding of EU processes and working mechanisms
• Experience with the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, including time in the field and/or with a National Society is a definite asset
• You are skilled at writing reports, papers and briefings
• You have a good knowledge of EU external action, international partnerships and development cooperation
• You are able to negotiate and coordinate different positions with strong sense of diplomacy and tact
• You have experience in humanitarian diplomacy
• Good working knowledge of Word, Excel, Power Point

Language: Fluently spoken and written English and good command of French and Dutch.

Apply at: https://jobs.croix-rouge.be/jobs/advocacy-officer-7620/