EU Advocacy Officer, focus: External Action and R&I

Organisatie

Aidsfonds - Soa Aids Nederland is working towards a world where no one dies from AIDS, and everyone living with HIV has access to life-saving treatment, in order to lead a fulfilling, healthy life. Where sexual health is not just about the absence of disease, but about physical, mental and social well-being being and the freedom for everyone to enjoy and express their sexuality. This future is within reach. We have the medicines. We know what works. When people have access to effective treatment, HIV transmission will stop. Prevention tools like PrEP are changing how we approach HIV. We are closer than ever to a cure. We work together with the people who are hardest hit by STIs and HIV because of discrimination and exclusion. We strengthen their voice and support them with information, knowledge and financing.

To join our team in Brussel we are looking for an

EU Advocacy Officer, focus: External Action and R&I

Full time | 38 hours per week | Location: Brussels

Our mission

We strive for a world where there are no longer any deaths from AIDS and where people enjoy good sexual health. A world in which everyone can love freely and without fear. We do this by working together with the people who are hit hardest by HIV and STIs because of discrimination and exclusion. We amplify their voices and support them with information, knowledge and funding. For All That is Love.

Taken

What does the team do and what are you going to do

At a pivotal moment for EU policy and financing, we are looking for a strategic, proactive and politically-savvy EU Advocacy Officer. We’re looking for a thinker and a doer: someone driven, curious, strong on policy detail, and unafraid to bring new ideas to the table. You will be part of a small, agile advocacy team working to translate our new organisational strategy (2026–2030) into EU-level influence. You will work closely with our EU Representative, lead files within your own portfolio, and help shape our voice in Brussels.

Your work will centre on positioning Aidsfonds strategically within EU policy frameworks to advance our goals on global health financing, research and innovation, and access to breakthrough HIV prevention and treatment technologies. Your work will focus on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) - especially external action & global health R&I; access to new HIV prevention & treatment breakthroughs (e.g. Lenacapavir), particularly in LMICs; and building political and financial support for HIV cure research. This is an opportunity to lead, innovate, build partnerships, and make a tangible difference.

Key responsibilities

  • Implement - and help further develop - Aidsfonds’ EU advocacy strategy on budget, external action (ODA), research and innovation policy, access, and HIV cure.
  • Build strong relationships with EU institutions, member states’ permanent representations, and influential stakeholders.
  • Initiate and deliver advocacy activities: policy papers, briefings, events, roundtables, consultations.
  • Represent Aidsfonds in civil society coalitions and networks; build alliances and strengthen our positioning.
  • Monitor EU policy processes, analyse developments, and provide strategic recommendations.
  • Work with communications to amplify messages and secure visibility.
  • Contribute to reporting, strategic planning, and coordination of EU advocacy work.

Functie-eisen en profiel

We're looking for someone who:

You approach issues from multiple perspectives and are able to build meaningful connections with the communities we work with, including people living with HIV, young people, children, LGBTQ+ communities, current and former sex workers, and people who use or have used drugs. You can do this because you draw on lived experience, or because you have worked closely with people from these communities in the past.

In addition, we are looking for someone who is:

  • Is analytical, policy-savy, strong on technical files, comfortable in high-level discussions with different actors
  • Communicates clearly, listens well, and brings ideas
  • Speaks and writes excellent English
  • Has 5+ years' experience in EU R&I advocacy, preferably with a focus on global health, SRHR or infectious diseases
  • Builds trust and alliances naturally
  • Sees the political landscape, connects the dots quickly, and turns insight into influence
  • Is organised, dependable, works well solo but also thrives in collaboration, and enjoys shaping a role rather than just filling one
  • Is based in Brussels
  • Commitment to collaborative, service-oriented leadership, someone who empowers others and leads with humility

Ons aanbod

What we offer

First of all, we offer you an ambitious and diverse organization where we work together in an accessible, open, and inspiring atmosphere. We deliver high-quality results driven by clear goals and well-defined roles. In doing so, we contribute to a world without AIDS and a significant reduction in STIs. You are welcome as you are—regardless of who you love or what you believe. We are curious about your talents and your motivation to help advance our mission. We offer a role for someone who wants to lead, shape, and grow. You won’t just execute plans—you will help create them. You’ll be trusted with the space to take initiative, test ideas, and drive meaningful impact.

In addition, we offer:

  • An one-year fixed-term contract (38 hours per week) with the possibility of extension and the prospect of a permanent position.
  • A salary between € 3.367 and € 5.352 gross per month (scale 10) for 36 hours per week, grading will depend on your experience.
  • Secondary benefits: a professional development budget, 3% expense allowance, working from home regulation budget.
  • We will issue the employment contract through an Employer of Record (EoR) partner. This means you will be formally employed by our EoR provider and under Belgian law, while working fully as part of our team.
  • Hybrid working: partly from Brussels or from home, with occasional travel to Amsterdam.
  • An inspiring, international working environment that values autonomy, initiative, and collaboration.

Informeren en solliciteren

How to apply:

You can apply until January 9th by uploading your motivation letter and curriculum vitae on our application page by clicking on the following link: Apply directly at Aidsfonds – Soa Aids Nederland for EU Advocacy Officer, focus: External Action and R&I

Please note that we currently have two vacancies based in Brussels. Please indicate clearly if you are applying to a specific vacancy of if you are interested in both. We are also interested to learn when you would be able to start with us. More information? www.aidsfonds.nl www.aidsfonds.org and www.soaaids.nl

The first round of interviews take place online in the second week of January. If you have an urgent question about the position, you can contact Kasia Lemanska, EU representative, via an email: KLemanska@aidsfonds.nl.