Policy Officer (m/f/d) – European Social Policy

The German Red Cross (DRK) is part of the world's largest humanitarian network. Regardless of what we do and where we operate, our seven Red Cross Fundamental Principles guide our actions: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality.

The Federal Association of Non-Statutory Welfare Work (Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft der Freien Wohlfahrtspflege e.V. - BAGFW) brings together the umbrella organizations of non-statutory welfare work in Germany. Their shared goal is to secure and further develop social work through joint initiatives and socio-political activities.

Founded in 1983, the Red Cross EU Office (RCEU) is a membership office representing the 27 National Red Cross Societies in the EU, the Norwegian Red Cross, the Icelandic Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). RCEU helps to coordinate relations between its member organisations and EU decision-makers and stakeholders, sharing their extensive expertise in supporting vulnerable people and communities within and outside the EU. Based on our members’ practical insights and technical experience, we promote the dignity and wellbeing of vulnerable people by facilitating and voicing common positions and recommendations towards the EU and Member States. We also monitor European developments that could impact the implementation of our members’ work, as well as supporting their coordination efforts in preparing joint proposals to access EU funding. As an active member of RCEU, the German Red Cross contributes to shaping and advancing the membership's engagement with EU institutions and policymaking, bringing its expertise on key topics, such as social inclusion and welfare services, to the European level.

Policy Officer (m/f/d) – European Social Policy

We are looking, with immediate effect, for a colleague to strengthen the collective voice of the German Red Cross (DRK) and the Federal Association of Independent Welfare Services (BAGFW) in Brussels.

The position will be based at the Red Cross EU Office and will work closely with the Senior Officer for Engagement and Coordination and the Social Inclusion and Migration Unit of the Red Cross EU Office to ensure coherent humanitarian diplomacy and advocacy, in particular in relation to the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and other relevant EU policy processes.

In this role, you will help shape and promote joint advocacy priorities, strengthen engagement with the EU institutions, and contribute to ensuring that the perspectives and expertise of both the German Red Cross and BAGFW are effectively reflected in European policymaking. Through this work, you will contribute daily to ensuring that people in Germany and around the EU receive help - based solely on the degree of need and build social cohesion.

Policy Officer (m/f/d) – European Social Policy

The position is anchored within the youth and welfare division of the DRK General Secretariat and assigned to the Social Affairs, Migration, and Volunteering team. The position is based in Brussels.

This is a full-time position (39 hours/week), limited to one year. Please note that family posting is not provided for this role.

Main duties & responsibilities:

• Contributing to RCEU joint engagement on the European Union's Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) post 2027 and BAGFW positioning, with a particular focus on the National Regional Partnership Plans. This will include:
• Monitoring developments on the MFF negotiations and assessing their implications for the German Red Cross, the RCEU NSs and BAGFW;
• Supporting advocacy efforts at EU level to ensure that the relevant technical and strategic concerns of the German Red Cross, the RCEU, and BAGFW are adequately considered;
• Exploring and strengthening opportunities for meaningful involvement of Red Cross and non-statutory welfare organisations in the development, governance and implementation of the National and Regional Partnership Plans at the national level.

In doing so, the selected candidate will work closely with RCEU's Senior Officer for Engagement and Coordination and the Social Inclusion and Migration Unit,supporting coherent humanitarian diplomacy efforts, and contributing to the exchange of information, good practices and advocacy approaches among National Societies.

• Conceptual and strategic development of the socio-political direction of welfare work, with the aim of offering effective solutions at the European level
• Political advocacy and active engagement in socio-political debates on welfare work, e.g., representing the association in committees and working groups as well as at conferences and professional events organized by third parties at the European level (particularly regarding the Multiannual Financial Framework negotiations)
• Building and expanding networks with political decision-makers as well as civil society and academic actors at the European level
• Creating and distributing informational materials and working aids
• Conceiving, organizing, and leading professional conferences, training sessions, and informational events
• Reporting to the management of the Red Cross EU Office and to the executive office of the BAGFW; close coordination with the BAGFW office in Berlin, the BAGFW EU Committee, and the Brussels-based European representative offices of the BAGFW member associations.

Required Competencies & Skills:

• Completed degree in political science or social science with a focus on European policy, or equivalent qualification
• Demonstrated knowledge of European institutions, decision-making processes, and policy areas
• Knowledge of EU financial law, particularly the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)
• Experience in advocacy/lobbying and confident, professional presence in political settings
• Ability to think conceptually and develop implementation strategies
• Competence in working within teams and federal association structures
• Strong communication and cooperation skills, as well as assertiveness
• Strong initiative and self-organization, and enthusiasm for working in interdisciplinary teams
• Fluent in English and German (negotiation level); good knowledge of French is desirable
• Willingness to travel for business purposes

What we offer:

• A responsible and varied role dedicated to the principle of humanity
• A varied and creative range of tasks
• Room for your professional and personal development within an experienced and dedicated team
• Fair working conditions under the DRK Reform Collective Agreement
• Compensation according to pay grade 12
• Company pension scheme (VBL)
• Foreign service allowance, rent reimbursement, and foreign insurance in accordance with DRK guidelines for staff posted abroad

As an employer, we consider the principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to be a special obligation. We welcome applications from people regardless of ethnic, social, or national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

Please send your application documents (cover letter, CV, and relevant certificates) by 15.08.2026.

Deutsches Rotes Kreuz e.V. - GeneralsekretariatCarstennstr. 58
12205 Berlin