Now Recruiting: EU Advocacy Consultant (Brussels-Based)

Location: Brussels-based. Contract type: Independent contractor / freelance consultancy. Time commitment: Approximately 20 hours per week, with the precise scope and availability agreed together. Duration: Short-term consultancy; duration and start date to be agreed. Consultancy fee: €36,000 on an annualised basis for the agreed part-time assignment, prorated for the contract’s duration.

About the Assignment

Stop The Grind (STG) is seeking an experienced, proactive EU Advocacy Consultant to strengthen our presence in Brussels and advance our campaign to end the hunting of pilot whales and other dolphins in the Faroe Islands.

Your central task will be to keep this issue firmly on the agenda of Members of the European Parliament, the European Commission, national government representatives (PermReps) and other relevant stakeholders. Through sustained relationship-building, political advocacy and diplomatic engagement, you will help build support for concrete EU action and pressure towards ending the grind hunts.

Working closely with the STG team, you will maintain a steady programme of outreach, meetings and follow-up, identifying opportunities and translating political interest into practical action in close collaboration with our campaign director.

This is an independent consultancy assignment, not an employment position. We welcome applications from self-employed professionals or consultants providing services through their own business.

Scope of Work

• Represent STG in Brussels and develop relationships with MEPs, parliamentary assistants, Commission officials, Member State representatives and relevant civil society organisations.

• Keep existing supporters engaged while building new relationships across political groups and institutions.

• Secure and coordinate regular meetings, briefings and opportunities for STG to contribute to relevant political discussions.

• Attend a range of events where STG stakeholders may be present and extend our network, leveraging these opportunities to raise the issue and connect to ongoing discussions.

• Identify and pursue opportunities for parliamentary questions, joint letters, events and other initiatives that advance STG’s objectives.

• Monitor relevant EU political and policy developments and recommend timely opportunities for engagement.

• Help translate STG’s evidence and campaign priorities into concise briefings, correspondence and clear requests for decision-makers.

• Support visits and meetings involving STG colleagues and campaign partners.

• Maintain consistent follow-up and provide concise updates on progress, opportunities and recommended next steps.
  

Experience and Approach

We are looking for someone who understands the Brussels policy environment and can confidently initiate conversations, build trusted relationships and follow through to achieve results.

You should bring:

• Relevant experience in EU advocacy, public affairs, political engagement or institutional representation (preferably a minimum of 5 years of experience).

• A strong understanding of EU institutions and decision-making processes.

• Excellent networking and communication skills, with the judgement to combine diplomatic engagement with clear and determined advocacy.

• The ability to manage an independent assignment, prioritise effectively and coordinate with an international campaign team.

• Excellent written and spoken English.

• A strong commitment to STG’s objective of ending whale and dolphin hunts in the Faroe Islands.
  

An established Brussels network and experience in animal protection, marine conservation or EU external relations would be valuable. Previous knowledge of the grind is welcome but not essential.

Working Arrangements

The consultant will work independently, coordinating with STG on campaign priorities, messaging and agreed objectives. The assignment is expected to require approximately 20 hours per week on average, with flexibility around meetings and political opportunities.

The scope, deliverables, reporting arrangements, invoicing and treatment of expenses and any applicable VAT will be agreed in the consultancy contract.

How to Apply

Please send your CV or professional profile and a short expression of interest outlining your relevant experience, availability and approach to establishing a consistent STG presence in Brussels.

Applications can be sent to info@stopthegrind.org