Consultant Political Officer

Eurogroup for Animals is the pan-European animal protection organisation which unites the voices of more than 100 member organisations. We work to improve the welfare of as many animals as possible by leading and delivering coordinated advocacy and campaigns at European level. Eurogroup for Animals uses its knowledge and expertise to challenge EU decision makers and bring about positive change. By uniting our member organisations and working together we magnify national activities to get our message across at European level.

Eurogroup for Animals’ farm animal programme aims at reducing suffering of animals on farms by advocating for transformational change of our farming systems, shifting toward sustainable food production and consumption with higher animal welfare and more plant-based food.

Purpose of the role

As Political Officer – Aquatics, you will lead Eurogroup for Animals' political advocacy for our Pods Project, which aims to prevent the industrialisation of cephalopod and other aquatic invertebrate farming across Europe, while also advocating for higher welfare in existing aquaculture systems. Sitting within the Political Team and coordinating closely with the Food Systems Transformation Hub, you will develop and implement political strategies to influence EU and national policymaking, build political support for preventative action, and coordinate advocacy with Member Organisations and external partners. Through this work, you will contribute to driving the transition towards a more sustainable, compassionate and resilient food system in the European Union.

Working in close collaboration with the Food Systems Project Manager and the Aquatics Project Officer, you will translate scientific, legal and technical evidence into political strategies and advocacy, ensuring that aquatic invertebrate welfare is embedded within key EU policy and funding frameworks alongside other aquatic animals. You will also work closely with Eurogroup for Animals' Political and Communications teams to maximise political influence, strengthen public affairs activities and deliver coordinated advocacy and campaigning. Together, you will drive delivery of the Pods Project, expanding its focus beyond cephalopod farming to prevent the emergence of new intensive farming systems for other aquatic invertebrates and strengthen Eurogroup for Animals' leadership on emerging aquaculture policy.

Primary responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of the political strategy to prevent the industrialisation of cephalopod and other aquatic invertebrate farming across Europe, while also advocating for higher welfare in existing aquaculture systems, in line with Eurogroup for Animals' Aquatics Strategy, Food Systems Transformation priorities and wider organisational strategy.
• Support the development and delivery of advocacy and lobbying activities targeting the European Commission, European Parliament, Member States and other key stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relevant strategic relationships with policymakers, Permanent Representations, coalition partners, Member Organisations and other relevant stakeholders, with guidance and support from colleagues.
• Support coordination of political advocacy across Member Organisations, including national initiatives and facilitating coordinated action in priority countries.
• Draft Parliamentary Questions (EPQs), consultation responses, policy briefings, political recommendations, speaking points and other advocacy materials.
• Identify opportunities to advance preventative legislation, parliamentary initiatives, Council actions and political commitments at both EU and national level.
• Contribute to political advocacy on relevant EU policy files and initiatives, including the Transport proposal, Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), Vision 2040 for Aquaculture, European Commission consultations, Advisory Council (AAC) recommendations, EURCAW-Aqua recommendations, and other relevant food systems, aquaculture and animal welfare initiatives.
• In close collaboration with the Food Systems Project Manager and Aquatics Project Officer, help translate scientific, legal and technical evidence into political strategies, policy positions and advocacy materials.
• Work closely with the Communications team to develop advocacy materials, campaigns and public affairs activities that build political momentum and public support for the project.
• Represent Eurogroup for Animals at meetings with EU institutions, conferences, stakeholder forums and other external events.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Relevant academic background and/or demonstrated expertise in EU public policy, political science, environmental policy, marine policy, animal welfare or related fields.