EU Policy and Outreach Manager (m-f-d)

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) seeks an EU Policy & Outreach Manager to support and enhance our engagement with European institutions and stakeholders. This role will focus on policy monitoring, advocacy, project management, and outreach to advance sustainable forest stewardship within the current evolving European policy context.

This position will work under the guidance of and report to FSC’s Lead, EU Affairs & Engagement, ensuring a coordinated and strategic approach to EU policy and engagement efforts. The role requires close collaboration with EU institutions, NGOs, trade associations, and multi-stakeholder platforms. The post holder will also work with National Governments within Europe in a targeted way and in collaboration with the FSC Network.  


Public Affairs & outreach

• Develop and execute engagement plans for EU policy files including engagement with EU institutions, national governments, NGOs, multi-stakeholder platforms, and trade associations.
• Lead on selected EU policy files in agreement with supervisors.
• Represent FSC in relevant meetings, conferences, and events.
• Organize and coordinate policy-related events, webinars, and workshops to enhance FSC’s visibility and influence.
• Assist in building and maintaining relationships with key policy-makers and influencers in Brussels.

Policy analysis & advocacy

• Monitor, analyze, and report on EU policies and regulatory developments related to forest stewardship, including trade climate, biodiversity, bioeconomy, and sustainability.
• Work with relevant communications teams across FSC to draft policy briefs, position papers, and advocacy materials for internal and external use.
• Provide clear guidance on relevant EU legislative processes and identify opportunities for FSC to shape policy discussions in a targeted way.
• Coordinate FSC’s participation in EU regulatory consultations and multi-stakeholder dialogues.

Project management

• Lead and coordinate policy-related projects, ensuring alignment with FSC’s strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with FSC’s internal policy alignment team to ensure compliance and alignment with relevant EU regulations.
• Support internal communication efforts to enhance the understanding of EU policies within FSC.
• Oversee and track the impact of FSC’s policy engagement, using data-driven reporting.

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Political science, international relations, Environmental Policy, Law, or a related field.

Experience:

• 5-6 years of experience in EU public affairs, policy analysis, or government relations.
• Proven experience in a multi-stakeholder environment, preferably within sustainability, forestry, climate, or environmental sectors.
• Direct experience engaging with EU institutions (European Commission, DG ENV, CLIMA, AGRI; EU Parliament, ENVI or IMCO; Council) is highly desirable.

Skills and competencies:

• Strong understanding of EU policy-making processes, sustainability regulations, and environmental policies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to convey complex policy issues in a clear, concise manner.
• Fluent in English (mandatory); proficiency in French, Spanish, or German is an advantage.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work under tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear recommendations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with project management tools, e.g. Asana.
• Public speaking skills and ability to represent FSC at events.
• Willingness to travel within Europe and occasionally outside Europe.

• Work in a dynamic, multi-stakeholder global organization.
• Opportunities for travel and participation in high-level policy events.
• Flexible hybrid work policy (Brussels-based with remote flexibility).
• Professional development, including trainings, travel, and conference participation.

Location: Brussels, Belgium (Remote)
Working Hours: Full time - 40 hours per week
Duration of Employment: Initial 2-year contract with the intend to convert to open ended. 
Starting Date: As soon as possible
Travel: Occasional travel is required.

Interested candidates should submit the following while applying:

• CV
• Cover letter (maximum 450 words) focusing on "Why you are the right one for this role?" and "How you can help FSC with the responsibilities described above?"

Application Deadline:8th June 2025

We are looking forward to your application!