About IFOAM Organics Europe

IFOAM Organics Europe is the European umbrella organisation for organic food and farming. We represent organic in European policymaking and advocate for a transformation of food and farming. Our work is based on the principles of organic agriculture – health, ecology, fairness, and care. With 200 members in 34 European countries, our work spans the entire organic food chain. The European institutions recognise IFOAM Organics Europe as the leading advocate for organic food and farming on EU policy.

Job Purpose:

To efficiently and professionally coordinate the activities of IFOAM Organics Europe in the agriculture and environmental fields, with a focus on natural inputs, including seeds and biocontrol, and the use of pesticides. The Policy Officer will also work on organic textiles and support work regarding the organic regulation.

We might also consider professionals with a more experienced profile for this position, which could in this case be an office or an in-house consultant position. In the latter option, the candidate needs to be based in Europe and be able to travel regularly to Brussels – at times at short notice.

Interviews with the selected candidates will take place on April 14th, with a potential second round on the morning of 16th of April 2025. Please, make sure to save the date.

Key Tasks:

Coordination of IFOAM Organics Europe activities in the fields of inputs, particularly pesticides, fertilisers, and seeds, and the upcoming legislation on biocontrol (80%):

Research, identify and analyse relevant legislative developments in the environmental and agriculture policy fields, with a focus on natural inputs, including seeds, natural substances and biocontrol, as well as the use of pesticides.
Draft IFOAM Organics Europe position papers and advocacy material, as well as press releases and articles for both external and internal communication.
Analyse feedback from IFOAM Organics Europe members and integrate results of internal consultations into positions.
Effectively communicate policy activities and political developments to IFOAM Organics Europe internal structures and members.
Conduct advocacy work on these issues towards EU institutions.
Liaise with researchers to develop studies to support the advocacy work.
Contribute to the fundraising for the relevant policy activities.
Contribute to the coordination and implementation of IFOAM Organics Europe projects.
Represent IFOAM Organics Europe at external events if requested.

Coordination of IFOAM Organics Europe activities aimed at protecting the credibility of organic & the need for an organic label in the textile sector (20%):

Implement the IFOAM Organics Europe advocacy strategy on organic textiles which includes working on the EU strategy for sustainable textiles, promoting the benefits of natural fibres, and other relevant initiatives linked to textiles.
If necessary, develop the internal advocacy strategy for organic textiles as of 2026, together with the policy manager.
Liaise and network with relevant partners, NGOs, other stakeholders, as well as policymakers.
Prepare, attend, take minutes, and follow up on relevant meetings and events.
Implement project reporting and monitoring of activities.
Organise conferences and external events, if required.

Occasional and Temporary Tasks:

The job holder may be required to carry out other tasks, lying within the nature of the work of IFOAM Organics Europe and the position, including supporting work on the organic regulation.

What Kind of Person Are We Looking For?

Education & Qualifications

Master’s degree or equivalent experience in areas such as political sciences, agriculture, environment.
The candidate has a degree in agronomy, food technology, biology, or related studies.

Experience – Essential

At least 3 years’ experience in the food and farming sector.
Basic understanding of technical aspects related to inputs, particularly pesticides and fertilisers.
Effective communication skills in English including verbal and written skills.

Experience – Desirable

Experience at EU / national level on policy work related to inputs, including legislative processes related to PRM or the SUR.
Experience in the organic farming movement and familiarity with organic regulations and standards.
Knowledge of other languages.
Knowledge about/work experience in Non-Governmental-Organisations.
Knowledge about/work experience in the EU institutions. Knowledge about EU legislative processes.

Skills & Attributes

Good organisational/coordinating skills.
Good administration skills.
Command of common IT applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
Empathy with the aims and objectives of IFOAM Organics Europe.
Able to work on own initiative and as part of a multicultural team.
Able to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.
Flexible, able to adapt to new situations.
Willingness to travel within Europe.
High attention to detail & good organisational skills.

Conditions of Employment

Full time position – Monday to Friday, 38 hours/week.
Based at the IFOAM Organics Europe office in Brussels or employed as an in-house consultant.
Employment period: determined contract (renewable) with a starting date on 1st of May 2025.
High level of flexibility with floating hours and possibility of home working.
Public transport coverage from home to the office or bike km.
Hospitalisation and health insurance plan A-Z from DKV.
Meal voucher (€8/ working day with €1.09 at charge of the employee).
€250 eco-cheque/year (prorate of the number of months worked).
Working from abroad (max 1 month per civil year).
Holidays payment (92% of the salary in June if applicable).
24 days holiday per year.
Extra holiday: Christmas Break from 24th December to 31st December and the Friday after Assumption.
Only EU citizens or with a valid Belgian working permit.

How to Apply?

Apply through the following link: Application Form: Policy – Inputs & Textiles

Application deadline: 06 04 2025

Please, be aware that given the number of applications, we will contact only the selected applicants.

Policy Officer on Inputs & Organic Textiles