CRBM

JOB OPENING: Advocacy and Media coordinator (Brussels)

Counter Balance: Challenging the European Investment Bank, a European civil society campaign coalition, is looking for an Advocacy and Media coordinator (part time, 24 hours per week with a perspective for a full time position) to support the coalition by conducting advocacy work on EU level, and lead on the communication of the work of the coalition.

Since the commencement of our activities in 2007, Counter Balance has been instrumental in focusing increased political, civil society and media attention on the EIB, in particular on the bank's supposed “development” role outside the boundaries of the EU. As the current economic crisis deepened, the EIB was granted a new, more prominent role by EU member states.

A higher profile for the EIB requires a more concerted advocacy work and outreach approach from Counter Balance, and we are looking for a person – who will be based alongside the Counter Balance coordinator in Brussels – to take the lead in advocacy work in Brussels and communication with decision-makers, and media.

Core responsibilities:

The advocacy and communications work will be of equal importance for the job.
Core responsibilities in terms of:
•    Advocacy work:
-    Contributing to develop critical analysis on content related issues, following ongoing political discussions with implications for the work of the Counter Balance coalition, drafting political analysis on ongoing EU developments
-    Facilitating the Counter Balance decision-making process on strategy, policy and advocacy issues
-    Identifying advocacy opportunities and coordinating Counter Balance initiatives around them
-    Writing short critical pieces, brief papers, articles, etc

•    Communication
-    Contributing to develop a Counter Balance media strategy and coordinate its implementation
-    Carrying out proactive media outreach work to key journalists from primarily Brussels-based media
-    Drafting and disseminating Counter Balance press releases and other media materials, such as blog entries, commentaries, and others, and collaboratively working on refining and defining campaign messages
-    Preparing regular Counter Balance Newsletters
Additional responsibilities may be agreed upon dependent on your specific skills and interests.

We are looking for someone with:

- Previous experience of advocacy activities and activism
- Good knowledge of EU policies and debates
- Strong communication – verbal and written
- Good mediation skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment, a good team player and with flexibility to fastly changing environment
- Excellent attention to detail, good time management and proven ability to deliver under pressure
- Excellent English speaking and writing skills, with French and/or Spanish also an advantage
- Creativity and openness for new ideas
- Familiarity with and a strong interest in financial and development issues.
- Autonomy

We offer:

A challenging role at the heart of Europe – challenging one of the most powerful public financial players to sharpen up its act around the world
 A contract (with potential for extension subject to funding) of 24 hours/3 days per week;
A competitive non-profit sector salary
Travel opportunities

Start date:  June, 1st 2010

How to apply:

Please send an application letter, focusing on your motivation and suitability for this position, and your CV. Any samples of your writing are also welcomed.

Submit your application via email to jobs@bankwatch.org, with subject “Counter Balance Advocacy and Media coordinator” in the subject line.

The deadline for applications is May 16th, 2010.

Only candidates who will be invited for interviews will be notified.
Interviews will take place in Brussels shortly after the deadline.

Counter Balance's mission is to make the EIB – the EU's house bank – an open and progressive institution that delivers on EU development goals and that promotes sustainable development to empower people affected by its work. The coalition comprises seven European NGOs with extensive, shared experience of campaigning on public finance issues, and with a large network of partners in Africa, Latin America and Asia.

More information on our activities is available at our website: www.counterbalance-eib.org