Compassion in World Farming International is a global movement transforming the future of food and farming.
We are seeking a passionate Policy Officer (Aquaculture) to join our Brussels team on a fixed term basis, and help drive CIWF’s mission to end factory farming, with a specific focus on improving fish welfare and promoting sustainable aquaculture practices across the EU.
Policy Officer – Aquaculture (Brussels)
- Role Type: Full-time; 1 year fixed-term (depending on applicants’ profile, part-time, freelance contract may also be an option)
- Location: EU Office, Brussels (Hybrid flexible working available, with at least 2 days in the office per week)
- Salary: 55,000 – 58,000 EUROS per annum (depending on skills and experience)
About The Role
As our Policy Officer (Aquaculture), you will be at the heart of our advocacy efforts in Brussels, helping to shape EU policy on fish welfare and sustainable aquaculture.
As part of this exciting role, you’ll be responsible for:
- Policy Monitoring and Analysis – Track EU policy developments on aquaculture and fish welfare, analyse stakeholder positions, and mobilise these insights to contribute to the shaping of CIWF’s strategy.
- Stakeholder Engagement – Develop an outreach strategy to build strong relationships with EU institutions and relevant networks, representing CIWF in external meetings.
- Coalition Building – Work with umbrella organisations and coalitions to amplify CIWF’s impact on aquaculture policy.
- Policy Communication – Prepare policy briefings, position papers, and consultation responses for internal and external audiences.
- Operational Support – Assist with Brussels office administration and coordination tasks.
About You
To succeed as our EU Policy Officer (Aquaculture), you will need experience in EU public affairs, ideally in a policy-focused role within Brussels, and a strong understanding of the EU policy-making process. Knowledge of aquaculture or fisheries policy is highly desirable, along with excellent analytical and communication skills.
- Relevant Experience – Previous experience in EU public affairs, ideally in a policy-focused position within Brussels, with exposure to aquaculture or fisheries policy issues highly desirable.
- Policy Knowledge and Analytical Skills – Solid understanding of the EU policy-making process, strong political acumen, and ability to track and analyse developments related to fish welfare and sustainable aquaculture. Ability to turn policy insights into recommendations informing CIWF’s campaign strategies.
- Organisational and Team Skills – Highly organised and able to manage multiple tasks effectively. Comfortable working independently as well as collaboratively within a small Brussels team and across international teams.
- Communication and Representation – Excellent communication skills to engage with diverse stakeholders. Ability to prepare clear, concise policy materials and confidently represent CIWF in EU fora, advisory councils, and coalition meetings.
- Personal Motivation and Values – Strong interest in animal welfare and commitment to advancing sustainable aquaculture and food systems.
If you don’t meet every requirement but believe you could thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply.
Why Join Us
Join a passionate global team driving meaningful change for animals, people, and the planet, where your expertise will help influence EU policy on aquaculture and contribute to building a sustainable, compassionate food system for future generations.
How to Apply & Key Dates
If you’re ready to make a global impact, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the Person Specification. To support a fair and unbiased recruitment process, we kindly ask that you do not include a photo in your CV.
Please note that we may begin interviews on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.
- Closing Date: 4th January 2026
- 1st Stage (Teams/In-Person) Interview: w/c 12th January 2026
- 2nd Stage (Face to Face at HQ/In-Person) Interview, with task: w/c 19th January 2026
“Join us in building a more compassionate future for animals, people, and the planet.”
If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know, we’re always happy to support candidates during the recruitment process.
About Compassion
Compassion in World Farming International is a leading global organisation working to end factory farming. Founded in 1967 by British farmer Peter Roberts, we’ve spent over 50 years driving change, successfully campaigning to ban cruel practices such as barren battery cages, veal crates, and sow stalls across the UK and Europe.
Our work combines advocacy, campaigning, and collaboration with policymakers and businesses to promote animal welfare and sustainable food systems. We envision a future where animals are treated with compassion, and farming supports both people and the planet. To learn more about our mission, culture, and opportunities, please explore our Candidate Pack, and Careers Page.
To comply with legal requirements in the UK and internationally, all applicants must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the country where the role is based.
Compassion in World Farming is absolutely committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background. We value diversity and live experience and acknowledge the underrepresentation of people from certain backgrounds, both within our organisation and across the sector. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups, whether these be of ethnicity, gender, identity, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation or other.
