Policy Coordinator

European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients' Associations

About the Organisation

EFA is a vibrant alliance of 48 European patients’ organisations in 27 countries representing people with allergy, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) at the European level. EFA is dedicated to making Europe a place where people living with these diseases have access to the best quality care, live uncompromised lives in a safe environment. EFA is actively involved in European prevention policies as well as in all decisions influencing the health of the patients, who we represent. 

About the role

EFA is looking for a Policy Coordinator to advocate for change for people with the most prevalent chronic diseases throughout Europe and beyond. We are a federation of 48 national patients’ associations of people living with allergy, atopic eczema, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Together with our community of member associations in 28 countries, we advocate for access to the best quality care, for policies that allow patients to live in a safe environment, and for patient participation in decisions influencing their health.

EFA Policy Coordinator leads the development, monitoring, analysis and response to EU and European policies and initiatives to structurally improve the health and participation of people with allergy, atopic eczema, asthma and COPD and prevent disease. The Policy Coordinator works across EFA's four multiannual programmes, Community|prevent|care|climate Change and advances the advocacy activities in EFA projects strategically.

The Policy Coordinator reports directly to the EFA Director and manages the policy team, currently composed of a Senior Policy Advisor leading the EFA Prevention Programme and a Policy Officer focusing on Health and Care. Together, they advance the engaging and critically important field of care and prevention policies in line with EFA’s vision. Furthermore, the Policy Coordinator also works closely with lead colleagues in Programmes and Communications, contributing to the implementation of EFA projects, facilitating member involvement in EFA policy initiatives and consultations, and ensuring strong communication around EFA’s policy work.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop EFA’s policy portfolio across community, prevention, care and climate change, executing the organisation’s priorities, proposing strategies and managing advocacy activities with the support of the policy team members;
• Coordinate input from the diverse EFA members community in the development of policy tools and EFA advocacy projects, conducting policy assessments, drafting recommendations and developing campaign strategies to advocate change for allergy, asthma and COPD in Europe;
• Manage EFA’s engagement on community, prevention, care and climate change policies and initiatives with EU policymakers (European Commission Services, European Parliament committees and Council);
• Coordinate EFA’s involvement in the work of the EU agencies (European Medicines Agency (EMA), European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) and European Chemicals Agency) as well as UN bodies such as WHO Europe and Codex Alimentarius Commission;
• Represent EFA at external policy events and stakeholder forums in Brussels and across Europe;
• Lead the organisation of EFA’s internal and external policy and advocacy events;
• Oversee EFA’s policy partnerships, such as the European Lung Health Group (an advocacy alliance of respiratory civil society), and coordinate EFA’s participation in European umbrella organisations from a policy perspective;
• Collaborate with programme and communication colleagues to co-create and disseminate EFA’s policy positions among European institutions and stakeholders.

Skills, Competencies & Experience

Essential:

• Interest or experience in allergy and respiratory diseases, patient-centred healthcare, public health and patient participation in policymaking;
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in EU public affairs and European policymaking;
• Team spirit and at least 2 years’ experience as a line manager;
• Prior experience in health, public health, environment, and research policies, and the ability to communicate them in accessible language.
• Proven experience in coordinating and executing complex and diverse workstreams;
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills in English; additional languages will be considered a plus.
• Demonstrated social and interpersonal skills, a strong sense of responsibility and initiative, and the ability to work proactively and autonomously;
• High level of computer and digital literacy (e.g., Microsoft 365, Monday.com)

Desirable:

• Professional experience in civil society organisations, especially umbrella and membership-based organisations;
• Track record in multi-stakeholder facilitation, engaging with members using a bottom-up approach and collaborating with a wide variety of partners with different interests for joint advocacy and learning;
• Experience in political communication, civil society mobilisation and campaigning.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in European law, political science, public health, or a life science field;

Compensation & Benefits

• Lunch and eco vouchers
• Local travel support
• Pension scheme
• Hospitalisation and medical insurance
• Competitive salary
• Teleworking opportunities within the EU

Working locations

• Home-based
• Occasional travel within Europe.

How to apply

• Please apply by sending your CV and a cover letter, referencing "EFA Policy Coordinator" by Tuesday, 8th July 2025, as a single PDF file to: [email protected]

Interviews

• We will assess applications on a rolling basis. Candidates shortlisted after pre-screening will be invited for interviews starting 11th of July 2025.

Policies

As a learning organisation, EFA offers many opportunities for professional development based on the candidate's strengths and interests. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer; we embrace diversity, and our office is open and inclusive.

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