Advocacy Officer - Brussels (m/f/d) – Full-time | Parental Leave Cover until July 2027

Job description Join the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) as an Advocacy Officer (Parental Leave Cover until July 2027) and help defend press freedom across Europe. Based in Leipzig, Germany, ECPMF is one of Europe's leading organisations dedicated to safeguarding media freedom, supporting journalists at risk, and strengthening independent journalism. As coordinator of the Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR), ECPMF works with leading European partners to monitor, document and respond to press and media freedom violations across EU Member States and Candidate Countries through advocacy, legal and practical support, monitoring, and international cooperation. Advocacy is at the heart of our mission, and we are looking for a passionate and experienced Advocacy Officer to join our international team as soon as possible. As Advocacy Officer, you will lead ECPMF's advocacy activities and contribute to shaping European and international responses to threats against press and media freedom. You will represent ECPMF and the MFRR in meetings with European institutions, governments, civil society organisations and other stakeholders. Working closely with our monitoring, communications and support teams, as well as our international partners, you will develop advocacy strategies, coordinate joint actions, prepare policy recommendations, and respond to emerging threats through public statements, campaigns and direct engagement with decision-makers. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful change for journalists and independent media across Europe while working in a dynamic, international environment. This position is offered as a fixed-term Parental Leave Cover until July 2027 . Depending on organisational needs, project funding and future opportunities, there may be the possibility of continued employment beyond this period. Responsibilities Develop and prioritise advocacy and policy initiatives for ECPMF, both domestically and regionally within the European level. Oversee advocacy efforts within the Media Freedom Rapid Response consortium, including establishing priorities, leading monthly meetings, and coordinating collaborative outputs. Maintain a comprehensive understanding of media freedom developments in Europe, leveraging MapMF data to identify key areas for advocacy. Lead or participate in fact-finding missions to gather critical information on press freedom violations. Draft and edit mission reports, collaborating with the communications team to ensure successful launch and dissemination. Take the lead in producing advocacy materials such as statements, open letters, and submissions to internat Execute advocacy initiatives aligned with ECPMF’s objectives to support media freedom and safeguard journalists at risk across Europe. Develop and execute international advocacy events to advance our mission. Cultivate and nurture relationships with European institutions, political stakeholders, and freedom of expression partners to enhance advocacy efforts. Serve as a spokesperson for the organization, effectively promoting our advocacy agenda and priorities. Collaborate closely with management and the communications department to ensure alignment between ECPMF’s messaging and strategic advocacy goals. Your profile The successful candidate is based in Brussels, Belgium. A degree in a socio-political subject (political science, communication science, media studies, law, human rights) or equivalent educational programme. 2-3 years of professional experience in advocacy or policy work , ideally in Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) or human rights campaigning. Close knowledge of European Media Freedom topics Demonstrable understanding and knowledge of EU institutions, media freedom or journalism, and politics. A strong network of contacts in this field is desirable. Experience in advocating for and communicating complex policy issues (desirable). Experience in handling multiple activities at once, ability to work under pressure. Fluency in English. Additional languages are a bonus. Excellent written and verbal skills, particularly in drafting strategic advocacy materials for a diverse audience. Professionalism, reliability, willingness to take on responsibilities, and excellent coordination skills. What you can expect from us Full-time position (38 hours per week) with travel within Europe. Remote work. Work in a team with a collegial atmosphere in an international environment. Salary between EUR 44,000-48,000 gross annual (depending on your experience) Contract type: Employment contract or freelance contract Laptop and mobile phone. Annual indexation according to Belgian law. ############################################ Application Deadline: 20. August 2026 Start: immediately About us The European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) is a non-profit organisation that was founded in Leipzig, Germany, 2015. It operates on the basis of the European Charter on Freedom of the Press and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The vision of the Centre is a society where media freedom enables open discourse and everyone can seek, receive and impart information. ECPMF’s mission is to promote, preserve and defend media freedom. We do this by monitoring violations, providing practical support and engaging diverse stakeholders across Europe.