Policy Officer

The European Youth Forum is looking for a Policy Officer. Based in Brussels, this role will join the Policy and Advocacy Department and play a key role in advancing the organisation's work on civic space, the recognition of youth organisations, and advocacy towards the Council of Europe.

The successful candidate will report to the Policy and Advocacy Manager on Youth Organisations Ecosystem and will combine policy, advocacy, research, stakeholder engagement, and coordination to contribute directly to stronger youth rights, democratic participation, and enabling environments for youth organisations across Europe.

• Serve as the main point of contact to the Council of Europe's Youth Department and in-house expert on civic space and recognition of youth organisations,
• Coordinate the European Youth Forum's work with and advocacy towards the Youth Department of the Council of Europe, including following the Joint Council on Youth,
• Support the work of the Advisory Council on Youth, including collaboration on policy processes, working groups, and preparation of joint meetings,
• Coordinate and strengthen engagement with relevant EU institutional stakeholders, notably the EU Fundamental Rights Agency, and civil society partners,
• Represent the European Youth Forum externally in meetings with institutional stakeholders, consultation groups, conferences, and other relevant spaces,
• Work closely with Member Organisations on opportunities to engage with the Council of Europe and monitor developments related to civic space,
• Identify, plan and implement advocacy opportunities on youth policy and democracy at Council of Europe level,
• Identify, plan and implement advocacy opportunities related to civic space at both Council of Europe and EU level,
• Draft and develop research reports, briefings, position papers, speeches, and other advocacy materials related to civic space, democracy, and youth organisations,
• Support colleagues across the team in broader advocacy work on resilient democracy and strong youth organisations,
• Contribute to the development of the European Youth Forum's Annual Plan and ensure objectives are delivered on time and with impact

• At least two years of relevant professional experience in Council of Europe, EU and/or international affairs, the youth sector, or the civil society sector,
• Strong knowledge of Council of Europe institutions and policy-making processes; experience working with EU, European, or national institutions is a strong asset,
• Familiarity with the Council of Europe co-management system (advantageous),
• Strong knowledge of civic space and the state of civic freedoms in Europe, and how they relate to young people,
• Higher education degree in social sciences, humanities, law, political science, international or EU affairs, or another relevant field,
• Proven experience in influencing policy processes and producing advocacy materials,
• Strong written and spoken English,
• Willingness to travel occasionally and to work occasionally during evenings and weekends when required,
• Experience in coordinating networks, coalitions, members, or partners (advantageous),
• Previous or current volunteering or other engagement in youth organisations (strong asset),
• Quick learner and self-starter with ability to grasp new concepts quickly and adapt to new processes,
• Strategic thinker able to set meaningful objectives in contexts with multiple stakeholders,
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a small team,
• Well organised with strong time management skills and ability to balance several processes,
• Effective communicator with strong analytical thinking and excellent writing skills,
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines,
• Comfortable with digital tools and good working knowledge of word processing, email, and online applications,
• Already authorised to work in Belgium (visa sponsorship not available)

To apply, click 'Apply now' and complete the application form by filling in personal details, uploading your CV and cover letter, and answering the included questions. The deadline to apply is 3 August 2026 at 10:00 CET. Interviews are expected to take place on 11–13 August 2026, and shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a task.