Advocacy Officer

About the Job

Location: Brussels, Belgium

Ideal starting date: 16th November 2025

The candidate must have the right to work in Belgium. The foundation can unfortunately not facilitate relocation or a work visa.

About us:

Foundation Diaspora in Action for Human Rights and Democracy (formerly The London Story) is a non-profit organisation led by the Indian diaspora. We are a leading voice promoting human rights and democratic values in EU–India relations. Our objectives are to investigate human rights violations and abuses; analyse and document government and non-government actions that perpetuate or ignore such violations; and advocate for justice, peace, and collective action against grave human rights abuses. The Foundation specifically focuses on misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and online propaganda that undermine the fundamental rights to life, liberty, and health, particularly in India and among diaspora communities.

We are seeking a seasoned and proactive Advocacy Officer with a strong and demonstrated interest in human rights and India to strengthen the Foundation’s advocacy presence in Brussels. The role combines advocacy on human rights, digital rights, climate rights, and related topics within EU–India relations. The successful candidate will work as part of a small, decentralised team to promote accountability by both governments and non-governmental actors. You will report to the Senior Advocacy Officer and collaborate closely with colleagues in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Research, plan, and implement advocacy goals and strategies on human

rights, climate rights, and digital rights using innovative approaches.

• Draft, edit, and distribute materials including fact sheets, dossiers, stakeholder submissions, publications, press releases, joint statements, newsletters, annual reports, speeches, and website/social media content.
• Map relevant stakeholders in EU institutions and engage in bilateral and multilateral communications to build relationships and advance human rights in EU–India relations.
• Support human rights defenders in their advocacy with European institutions.
• Represent the Foundation at conferences, public events, and meetings.
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets and independent journalists to advance advocacy priorities.
• Represent the Foundation in coalition networks and proactively organise network meetings with various grass-root partners in India and Europe.
• Identify opportunities to raise the Foundation’s profile, enhance its networks, and increase public awareness of its key issues.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will:

• Have 2–4 years of work experience in policy, advocacy, or communications with EU institutions.
• Demonstrate experience in initiating new projects and working in a decentralised team.
• Hold a Master’s degree in international relations, law, or human rights, with affinity with India.
• Have experience working with minorities, or a strong willingness to engage with diaspora communities.
• Be fluent in English, with knowledge of another EU working language an advantage.
• Show the ability to balance assertiveness with diplomacy, navigate complex political landscapes with tact, and demonstrate strong political instincts for EU advocacy.
• Work effectively in an intercultural, decentralised team and with diverse partners.
• Be experienced with tools such as Canva, Mailchimp, WordPress, and Outlook.
• Be able to work independently, take initiative, and adapt quickly to rapidly

changing circumstances.

• Communicate clearly and effectively in writing and speech.
• Be willing and able to travel.
• (For non-EU candidates) Hold a valid Belgian work permit.

What We Offer

• Full-time employment (32–40 hours per week) on a one-year contract, with the possibility of extension.
• Flexible remote work from Brussels, Belgium.
• Gross monthly salary of €3,200–€3,700, depending on experience, plus a 13th-month salary.
• Meal vouchers and ecocheques.

How to apply:

Please send your CV (max. 2 pages) and a cover letter explaining how you meet the requirements to mvd@DAHRD.org by 22 October 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are an equal opportunity and inclusive employer. The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation.

We believe a diverse team enables us to deliver more impactful work. Women, people of colour, and members of low-income, disadvantaged, and LGBTQI

communities are strongly encouraged to apply.