PAID Policy and Advocacy Assistant Opportunity in Brussels: Start Your Career Fighting Poverty Across Europe (Apply by 20 August 2026) @Unknown

If you’re passionate about social justice, human rights, and influencing public policy, the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) is offering an excellent early-career opportunity in Brussels.

Applications are now open for a six-month paid Policy and Advocacy Assistant placement under Belgium’s Convention d’Immersion Professionnelle (CIP) scheme.

This position is ideal for recent graduates looking to gain practical experience in European Union policymaking, advocacy, and anti-poverty initiatives while working with one of Europe’s leading civil society networks.

Application deadline: 20 August 2026.

About the European Anti-Poverty Network

The European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN) is one of the largest independent networks of organizations and groups working to combat poverty and social exclusion across Europe. The network brings together national, regional, and local organizations to influence European and national policies while ensuring that the voices of people experiencing poverty are reflected in decision-making processes.

The successful candidate will work alongside policy experts and civil society partners, contributing to advocacy efforts that promote social inclusion and equal opportunities throughout Europe.

Position Details

• Position: Policy and Advocacy Assistant
• Organization: European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN)
• Location: Brussels, Belgium
• Contract Type: Six-month paid Convention d’Immersion Professionnelle (CIP)
• Working Hours: 38 hours per week
• Work Arrangement: Office-based with home working days
• Application Deadline: 20 August 2026

What Will You Do?

As a Policy and Advocacy Assistant, you will support EAPN’s policy and advocacy activities by:

• Monitoring European Union and national policy developments related to poverty and social exclusion.
• Conducting research and preparing policy briefings, background papers, and analytical documents.
• Supporting the work of EAPN’s internal policy expert group, the EU Inclusion Strategies Group (EUISG).
• Assisting with the organization of meetings, workshops, webinars, and policy events involving EAPN members and external stakeholders.
• Helping ensure the meaningful participation of people with lived experience of poverty in advocacy and policy processes.

The role offers valuable exposure to European policymaking while strengthening research, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

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Who Should Apply?

EAPN is seeking motivated and organized candidates who have:

• A recent degree in Political Science, Public Policy, European Studies, Social Sciences, Law, International Relations, or a related discipline.
• A demonstrated interest in social policy, human rights, advocacy, or anti-poverty work through studies, internships, volunteering, or student organizations.
• Strong research, analytical, and writing abilities.
• The ability to synthesize information from multiple sources into clear and concise policy documents.
• A genuine commitment to social justice, equality, and reducing poverty.

This opportunity is particularly suitable for graduates seeking their first professional experience in European policy or nonprofit advocacy.

What Does the Placement Offer?

Selected candidates will receive:

• A six-month paid CIP contract.
• A monthly allowance of €1,095.
• Home working opportunities.
• Daily meal vouchers.
• Reimbursement of the Brussels STIB monthly public transport subscription.
• Practical experience working within a leading European civil society network.

Beyond the financial benefits, participants will develop valuable expertise in policy analysis, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and event coordination while building professional networks across Europe.

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Why This Opportunity Matters

Breaking into European policy and advocacy can be challenging without practical experience. This placement offers an opportunity to work directly on issues affecting millions of people across Europe while learning how civil society organizations influence public policy at both national and EU levels.

Participants will gain experience in:

• European Union policymaking.
• Policy research and analysis.
• Advocacy and campaigning.
• Event coordination.
• Stakeholder engagement.
• Social inclusion and human rights.

These skills are highly transferable to careers with international organizations, NGOs, government institutions, research organizations, and European Union agencies.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following documents:

• A detailed CV, including paid and unpaid experience, volunteering, and student jobs.
• A motivation letter (maximum one page) explaining why you are a strong fit for both the position and EAPN.
• Contact details for two references.

Applications should be emailed to Philippe Lemmens, EAPN’s Office Manager.

Interviews are expected to take place during the first half of September 2026.

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A Commitment to Inclusion

EAPN strongly encourages applications from people with lived experience of poverty and individuals from underrepresented communities. The organization is committed to ensuring diverse voices are represented in its work and believes that inclusive participation strengthens advocacy and policymaking.

If you are beginning your career and want to contribute to meaningful social change while gaining hands-on experience in European policy and advocacy, this paid placement offers an excellent opportunity to make a real impact.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official  organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

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