Advocacy Officer

European Blind Union

Hours
38 hours per week

About the Organisation

European Blind Union (EBU) is a non-governmental, non-profit-making European organisation founded in 1984. It is one of the six regional bodies of the World Blind Union. It protects and promotes the rights of blind and partially sighted people in Europe. It currently operates within a network of national organisations of the visually impaired in 42 European countries.

About the role

In order to increase its presence in Brussels, the European Blind Union (EBU) is looking for an Advocacy Officer. The Advocacy Officer will be the EBU’s primary representative in Brussels, strengthening the organisation’s liaison with EU institutions, international agencies, and relevant NGOs. The Advocacy Officer will work closely with the Advocacy Director (based in Paris), gradually gaining autonomy in monitoring EU policy developments and representing EBU in advocacy activities. The Advocacy Officer will report directly to the Advocacy Director.

Responsibilities

Advocacy:

• Participate in the development and implementation of EBU’s advocacy strategies, in line with the organisation’s priorities
• Represent EBU in lobbying meetings, events, and working groups with EU institutions, international agencies, and NGOs
• Monitor EU policy and legislative developments relevant to the rights and inclusion of blind and partially sighted persons
• Contribute to internal and external communication on advocacy activities.

Liaison and Networking:

• Act as the primary point of contact for EBU in Brussels, fostering relationships with EU officials, MEPs, and other stakeholders
• Support and collaborate with EBU member organisations and external partners to coordinate advocacy efforts
• Facilitate the use of the Brussels office for EBU staff, representatives, and members traveling to Brussels.

Reporting and Coordination:

• Report regularly to the Advocacy Director on EU developments, meetings, and advocacy opportunities
• Support the preparation of advocacy materials (policy briefs, position papers, statements, presentations)
• Travel occasionally to the EBU Secretariat in Paris and other European locations for meetings, events, and training.

Long-Term Development:

• The Advocacy Officer is expected to progressively gain autonomy in policy monitoring and lobbying. In the mid-term, the role will contribute to the strategic planning of EBU’s advocacy work and play an active part in campaigning.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Essential:

• Experience of at least 3 years in advocacy, lobbying, and policy work, preferably within the EU context or the disability rights sector
• Fluency in English (EBU’s working language), knowledge of French, and other EU languages are assets
• Skills:
  • Strong understanding of EU institutions, decision-making processes, and advocacy strategies
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and networking skills;
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
  • Commonly used IT skills.
• Commitment to the rights of persons with disabilities and the values of EBU, preferably through personal or lived experience with blindness and partial sight.

Desirable:

• Experience working with NGOs, disability organisations, the EU, and other relevant international institutions
• Knowledge of accessibility standards, CRPD (UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities), and EU disability policies
• Familiarity with project management, campaigning tools, and social media communications.

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Political Science, International Relations, Law, Human Rights, or a related field

Compensation & Benefits

• Lunch vouchers
• Complementary health insurance.

Conditions of employment

• Applicants must have a valid work permit for working in Belgium.

Working locations

• Brussels office with (other arrangements, such as occasional home-based work, are open to discussion)
• Some foreign trips will be required.

How to apply

• Willing to join our organization and help change the lives of millions of blind and partially sighted persons? Send your CV and cover letter in English to [email protected] by 30th April 2026.
• Applications by persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged. 

Interviews

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be notified about the next steps of the recruitment process (online interview, final recruitment interview in Brussels, written test).

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