Missing Children Europe is looking to recruit a versatile and dynamic (Senior) Programmes Officer with a true passion for children’s rights, to accomplish evidence-based policy change in the field of missing children, in particular related to child sexual abuse and grooming, both offline and online.
Missing Children Europe represents 33 NGOs in 27 European countries active in combatting the disappearance and sexual exploitation of children. We provide the link between research, policies and organisations on the ground, to protect children from any kind of violence, abuse or neglect that is caused by, or results from them going missing.
Tasks:
The (Senior) Programmes Officer will support the Secretary General and work in close cooperation with other colleagues in advocating for evidence-based policy change in the field of child sexual abuse, grooming and going missing. The Officer will coordinate the child sexual abuse team and the organisation’s activities related to child sexual abuse, with a focus on advocacy, awareness raising and developing the evidence base for policies and prevention.
1) Monitor European developments in the field of child sexual abuse and child safety online, including the legislative proposal on combating child sexual abuse and the implementation of the EU strategy on child sexual abuse, with a particular focus on the relationship between child sexual abuse, grooming and missing.
2) Represent Missing Children Europe with regard to the topics of child sexual abuse and child safety online, vis-à-vis the European institutions, the Council of Europe and others, including as an observer to the Lanzarote Committee and on the Advisory Committee of the European Financial Coalition against Child Sexual Abuse.
3) Take up a strong role in the Steering Group of the European CSA Legislation Advocacy Group (ECLAG) to End Child Sexual Abuse in Europe focusing on strategic advocacy and communications.
4) Oversee implementation of the organisations’ projects and grant-related work on child sexual abuse, child safety online, grooming and missing, including Be Aware (awareness) and Combat Online Grooming (TBC, developing the evidence base, awareness, advocacy)
5) Identify fundraising opportunities, independently develop project ideas and write (research) project proposals on the topics of grooming and missing
6) Line manage and mentor the junior research officer on child sexual abuse.
7) Liaise with CSA survivors within and outside the organisation to inform our programme with the views of experts by experience
8) Act as “vulnerable adults” and staff safeguarding lead and mainstream trauma-informed practices into the organization.
Profile, skills and background:
· University degree in a relevant field (education, psychology, sociology, political science, EU or international affairs, human rights law, or another related field.)
· Strong experience in working with the European Commission and Parliament, and other EU bodies.
· A minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in evidence-based advocacy
· Excellent understanding of children’s rights, child sexual abuse, trauma, and child protection issues
· A strong understanding of quantitative and qualitative research
· Experience of working with survivors, or other adults with vulnerabilities
· Ability to empower and coach junior colleague(s) on a footing of equality
· Excellent command of English, French an asset
· Experience in fundraising (EC funding programmes or foundations)
· Understanding of the NGO sector / EU umbrella organisations
· Sensitive, diplomatic, and with a good sense of humour
· Ability to work with people of different ages and professional and cultural backgrounds
· Ability to work quickly and efficiently as well as stress resistant
Our offer:
Organisation:
· An exciting job in a small but dynamic organisation dealing with problems related to the disappearance and sexual exploitation of children at a European level.
Duration:
· Full-time, permanent contract.
· Starting date: ASAP
Remuneration:
· Remuneration will depend of the candidate’s experience and qualification, following the remuneration scheme of Missing Children Europe. Packages include holiday scheme, 13th month, lunch vouchers, hospitalisation insurance and full reimbursement of public transport costs.
If you believe you qualify for this position please send your CV and a letter outlining your motivation (1 page max.) to applications@missingchildreneurope.eu by 2nd March, midnight CET.
In person interviews are planned to take place March 10th-12th 2025 (Brussels). You will receive notification by 7th of March 2025 and the notification will include a test to be completed before the interview on the 10th. Please note that only selected candidates will be contacted.
Disclaimer
Staff recruited by Missing Children Europe will be asked to comply with our child protection policy, including necessary vetting and background checks of personnel. Missing Children Europe is an equal opportunity employer and does not to discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, colour, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
Given the challenging funding environment for NGOs, Missing Children Europe reserves the right not to recruit for the position and to withdraw the vacancy at any given time.