EU Policy & Advocacy Specialist, Bucharest

Who We Are

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

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The Need

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

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

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

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Position overview

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

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

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Key Responsibilities:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  Requirements: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Preferred:

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

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

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    • Experience leading multi-country\n partnerships or coalitions.

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    • Additional European language(s).

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    • Valid EU driver's license.