EU Policy & Advocacy Specialist

Who We Are

International Justice Mission (IJM) has implemented a collaborative approach to combating violence against those vulnerable for the last 29 years in 33 offices around the world, including Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America. The model of criminal justice system transformation promoted by IJM includes individual support for survivors, support for government initiatives, capacity building and jointly proposing policy changes to strengthen Criminal Justice Systems (CJS) to respond effectively to human trafficking.

The Need

International Justice Mission launched the European Anti-Trafficking Program at the end of 2019, with the aim of supporting governments in Europe to end impunity for cross-border trafficking. As we expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence by 2030, we are seeking an EU Policy & Advocacy Specialist. 

This position is preferably based in Bucharest, Romania, but consideration will be given to well-qualified candidates in Sofia, Bulgaria, and Warsaw, Poland. This position requires the right to work in the European Union. 

It operates on a hybrid schedule, with onsite work from Tuesday to Thursday and remote work on Mondays and Fridays.

Position overview

The EU Policy & Advocacy Specialist leads the European Anti-Trafficking Program's (EATP) advocacy and policy agenda across the European Union. The role drives engagement with EU institutions, Member States, international bodies, and strategic partners to advance legislation, funding, and policy reforms that strengthen responses to human trafficking.

As EATP's policy expert and external representative, the Specialist develops advocacy strategies, influences decision-makers, builds high-level relationships, and translates frontline expertise into impactful policy recommendations. This position requires strong political acumen, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of EATP's EU Policy & Advocacy Strategy.

• Monitor EU legislative and policy developments and identify opportunities to advance EATP priorities.

• Influence EU policies, funding mechanisms, and strategic frameworks related to trafficking in persons, organized crime, victim protection, justice reform, and law enforcement cooperation.

• Build and maintain relationships with senior officials across EU institutions, Member State governments, and international organizations.

• Represent EATP at high-level policy forums, partner networks, and expert groups.

• Produce and oversee policy briefs, position papers, legislative recommendations, reports, and advocacy materials.

• Convene and coordinate coalitions and multi-stakeholder partnerships to advance shared anti-trafficking objectives.

• Ensure advocacy priorities reflect programmatic evidence, survivor perspectives, and Member State realities.

• Engage strategically with EU funding institutions and align program priorities with evolving funding opportunities.

• Advise EATP leadership on political developments, risks, opportunities, and advocacy priorities.

Requirements: 

• Master's degree in Law, Public Policy, International Relations, Political Science, European Studies, or a related field.

• 8-10 years of experience in policy and advocacy within EU institutions, international organizations, NGOs, or related networks.

• Demonstrated success influencing EU legislation, policy development, or institutional processes.

• Strong understanding of EU governance, legislative procedures, and decision-making mechanisms.

• Experience working on trafficking in persons, criminal justice, law enforcement, victim protection, or related human rights issues.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and influencing skills, with experience working with senior policymakers and institutional leaders.

• Strong policy analysis, research, and strategic communication capabilities.

• Ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable recommendations.

• Collaborative, adaptable, and effective in cross-cultural, matrixed environments.

• Proficiency in MS Office and policy research and analysis tools.

• Strong alignment with IJM's mission, values, and safeguarding principles.

• Willingness to travel within Europe (approximately 30-40%).

Preferred:

• Expertise in human trafficking, organized crime, or justice sector reform.

• Established networks within the European Parliament, European Commission, Europol, Eurojust, OSCE, or Council of Europe.

• Experience leading multi-country partnerships or coalitions.

• Additional European language(s).

• Valid EU driver's license.