EU Advocacy, Brussels (w/m/x) At Médecins du Monde – Belgique

Who We are

The Médecins du Monde International Network (MdM) is comprised of 17 independent humanitarian health organizations (chapters) working on domestic and international projects. Providing care, bearing witness, and supporting social change, MdM continues its mission to fight for the universal right to health. Through more than 400 innovative medical programs and evidence-based advocacy initiatives in over 70 countries, we enable vulnerable people and their communities to access quality medical services and fight for universal access to healthcare.

Background Position

A considerable number of MdM projects focus on the health of migrating populations in Europe and neighbouring countries. European Union’s regulation regarding external and internal border management, search and rescue activities, and the externalization of protection procedures significantly impact the health of the rights-holders we serve and our engagement as such. Humanitarian access and the respect of humanitarian law are also constant challenges for our international projects. Thus, European policies and national policies coordinated on the European level regarding humanitarian responses, humanitarian access, and counterterrorism measures are relevant for our actions. As our advocacy is evidence-based, it is the task of the European advocacy referent to gather information on these two current priority topics from the different members and their programs, to translate the needs and challenges into advocacy demands, and to develop and carry out adequate advocacy actions. In singular cases other topics can be also addressed through the advocacy referent.

Location & Place within Organization

The position will be in Brussels with regular visits to other capitals of selected member states of the European Union. The position will not be an MdM network position. It will be funded by selected chapters. MdM Belgium will be overseeing the HR management. All implicated chapters will jointly oversee the functional management. They will create a steering committee facilitated by the network advocacy coordinator. The advocacy referent will report directly to the steering committee and will work closely with the network advocacy coordinator. Regular coordination and information sharing with the advocacy teams of the participating MdM chapters, as well as other relevant stakeholders within the MdM International Network, will be essential.

Objectives of the Position

• Find advocacy opportunities at EU level and develop with the chapters the advocacy
  strategy at EU level.
• Advocate for general access to health care in all countries of operation of MdM, underlining the impact of European migration policies and regulations on the fundamental rights, particularly the health and well-being, of migrating populations.
• Advocate for adequate humanitarian responses, humanitarian access, humanitarian exemptions, and the respect of humanitarian law through European policies.

Main Responsabilities

Representation

• Represent MdM International Network and specifically the participating chapters toward the institutions of the European Union, the representatives of EU Member States and partner organizations present in Brussels.

Relevant Policies and Targets

• Identify relevant European legal frameworks and ongoing legislative processes/discussions. Identify relevant political institutions, decision-makers and actors as advocacy targets.

Follow Up, Inform and Advise

• Follow relevant legislative processes and political discussions, inform colleagues from the chapters, and advise them on when, to whom, and how they can engage in the relevant processes and discussions identified.

Networking

• Create networks with partners and platforms from civil society to identify common interests and strengthen the impact of our actions through joint advocacy.
• Network with decision-makers and key administrative actors to understand political processes and be closer to decision making.

Visibility

• Ensure more visibility of MdM and its actions among EU civil society and on the EU political scene.

Strategy

• Map relevant advocacy opportunities, prioritize specific processes and actions, and create a joint advocacy strategy for each priority topics for the three MdM chapters.

Link with operations

• Constant exchange with focal points of relevant MdM operations to ensure evidencebased advocacy.

Profile & Requirements

Qualification & Experience

• Advanced degree in international relations, political science, law, public policies, or a related field or equivalent by experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in advocacy, public policy, or a related field, preferably within the context of humanitarian work or international health organizations.
• Proven track record of successful advocacy campaigns and influencing public policy, preferably within the context of EU institutions and policies.
• Experience working with European institutions and understanding the EU decision-making and legislative process. Knowledge of DG HOME, DG NEAR, DG ECHO and DG INTPA is a plus.
• Experience in a medical organization is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Advocacy and Policy Analysis: Strong understanding of European legal frameworks, humanitarian law, and public health policies. Ability to analyze complex political and legal contexts.
• Networking and Representation: Excellent skills in building and maintaining networks with civil society organizations, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
• Strong representation and negotiation skills.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in French or another EU language is highly desirable.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement advocacy strategies. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and adapt to changing contexts and priorities.
• Travel: Willingness to travel regularly within Europe Strasbourg, and other EU
  member state capitals.

We are offering

• 12 months fixed-term Belgian contract / May be extended up to 6 months
• A gross salary of €4,003.53 for 5 years experience; a gross salary of €4,194.17 for 10 years experience (recognised relevant experience).
• Meal vouchers (€8, of which €1.09 per employee and €6.91 per employer) – Hospital insurance – 100% reimbursement of public transport costs.
• Leave (to be prorated): 20 days of legal holiday + 6 days of working time reduction + 4 days of extra holiday between Christmas and New Year.
• Location: Brussels