(Senior) Research and Advocacy Officer – Public Finance

Fixed-term contract until 30 April 2027

Finance Watch, the Brussels-based public-interest advocacy association dedicated to making finance serve society, is looking for a (Senior) Research and Advocacy Officer to strengthen its team by undertaking research and advocacy work, as well as capacity-building efforts.

The (Senior) Research and Advocacy Officer will join the Research & Advocacy Department, and will report to the Head of Research & Advocacy. Each member of this department works on specific areas of financial regulation and delivers:

policy-oriented research from a public-interest perspective, including the identification of the main issues and related legislative solutions;
advocacy, including building policymakers’ support for Finance Watch’s proposals;
regular contribution to communications, convening and capacity-building efforts in relevant areas of expertise.

The Research & Advocacy Department has regular direct contacts with international, EU and national policymakers. Additionally, this department works in close collaboration with the entire Finance Watch organisation, including its members, and with other civil society partners.

Job description

The (Senior) Research and Advocacy Officer takes responsibility for legislative files and initiatives related to their subject matter expertise and defined area of responsibility. Specifically, these include public finance architecture (EU fiscal rules, debt sustainability analysis, national reform plans) and consideration of sustainability/climate risks within the macroeconomic and debt sustainability projections.

Specific topics of responsibility are defined in the job description and redefined annually, based on the work program and our multi-year strategies.

Core Responsibilities

Policy and advocacy

Conduct policy-oriented research and make policy proposals.
Draft legislative amendments.
Develop policy positions in collaboration with the Head of Research and Advocacy.
Represent Finance Watch externally with policymakers, regulators and supervisors, financial industry participants and civil society (bilateral meetings, conferences and other events).
Participate in industry events, as well as high-level events with policymakers, in order to represent civil society’s views.
Develop advocacy tactics and plans.
Execute advocacy plans targeted at policymakers and regulators.
Build and maintain relationships with policymakers and supervisors on an ongoing basis.

Work with Finance Watch members

Interact with Finance Watch members on the files they are responsible for, via
Posting on the Members’ Hub;
Organising regular working groups (at least every two months);
Consulting members on the draft publications ahead of the release.
Contribute to the efforts of identifying and engaging new members.
Interact and, where appropriate, coordinate advocacy efforts with other civil society organisations (CSO), academics and experts on the topics related to their areas of expertise.

Contribution to awareness-raising

Contribute to the debate and comment on social media.
Communicate regularly with journalists on the files they are responsible for.
Draft blogs and articles, when appropriate.
Contribute to the Finance Watch newsletters.
Organise events (workshops, roundtable discussions, panel discussions, conferences etc.) to support research and advocacy efforts.
Contribute to design communications and campaigning strategies.

Data management

Contribute to the growth and maintenance of the Finance Watch database of relevant contacts (policymakers, Civil society organisations, academics etc.).
Contribute to drafting funding applications and the periodic reporting to funders/donors.

What we offer

A fixed-term contract under Belgian law
No probation period
100%, or part-time negotiable
40h a week if full-time
Hybrid (i.e. teleworking in Belgium + presence in the office in Brussels)
Up to six weeks of teleworking from within Europe permitted annually
A competitive salary, dependent on seniority and skillset
20 days of legal holidays (prorata) per year + 1 recup day per month (prorata) (= 32 days per year for a full-time position)
A monthly expense allowance, amount depending on seniority
DKV complementary health insurance, including dental and hospitalisation insurance
Additional pension plan paid by Finance Watch (6% of gross salary)
A laptop (for professional use)
Full reimbursement of public transportation in Belgium
Lunch vouchers 8€ per working day (minus personal contribution of 1.09€ per working day)
“Ecocheques” 250€ per year (prorata)
Training possibilities
A multidisciplinary and multicultural working environment

Process

The recruitment process will include a series of interviews – up to three or four -, online or in presence in Brussels, involving managers and staff. A written assessment can be asked. We are willing to create opportunities for candidates to learn more about Finance Watch and engage in meaningful conversations throughout the process.

Equal employment opportunity

Finance Watch is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees, regardless of sex, marital status, nationality, religion, age, sexual orientation and any other characteristics unrelated to the performance of the job. Know that we are particularly eager to increase the representation of women, “non-Caucasian” and disabled people within the Finance Watch staff. Selection will be in accordance with objective, job-related criteria. The appointment will be on the basis of applicants’ merits and abilities.

Application guidelines

Interested candidates are invited to send a letter of motivation + CV via email to: [email protected]

Please quote “Research & Advocacy – Vacancy” in the title of your email.

The position remains open until filled.