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Policy Advisor
Oceana
Brussels, Belgium
Posted on Jan 28, 2026
We are a leader in science-based advocacy, and we campaign for policies to make the world’s oceans more abundant, vibrant, and biodiverse. We operate as a combined international organisation. Through recent expansion, our talented staff consists of about 250 people, working in more than 13 countries, including scientists, communications, policy and advocacy experts.
When you work at Oceana, you are part of an organization that changes people's lives by protecting the oceans, improving food security and enhancing livelihoods. Whether you are contributing as a policy advocate, expert, fundraiser, or team member, you play a pivotal role in helping people achieve their goals every day. Our culture is one of talented people working together with a common purpose.
As an Oceana team member, you know that what you do matters. Join us today to protect the world’s oceans and restore them to their former level of abundance!
Oceana is looking for a policy advisor passionate about ocean conservation to work for the sustainable fisheries campaign in Europe. The position is based in Oceana’s Brussels office in Belgium or its Madrid office in Spain, although travel will be occasionally required in Europe.
Under the supervision of the Campaign Director, the Policy Advisor will ensure Oceana´s sustainable fisheries campaign is aligned to Oceana’s strategy for conservation of the marine environment in Europe. The Policy Advisor will contribute to design and implement advocacy campaigns on fisheries management delivering results. This last will require to conduct advocacy work in the EU institutions and EU Member States liaising with policy makers and key stakeholders.
At present, key areas of work include the implementation of the Western Mediterranean Multiannual Plan (West Med MAP) and the ongoing evaluation of the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). However, the Policy Advisor will also be expected to contribute to other fisheries-related priorities and, where needed, provide support to other campaigns and teams across the organisation, depending on strategic needs.
Eligible candidates should have experience in political advocacy and communications, as well as being strategic and proactive. The Policy Advisor is expected to work with a high degree of autonomy and collaborate cross-functionally with other teams within the organization.
Responsibilities:
- Drive strategic thinking and long-term planning to deliver ambitious and impactful fisheries campaigns across Europe.
- Lead the design and implementation of campaign strategies and tactics for assigned fisheries policy priorities, working closely with campaigners, scientists, communications, and advocacy colleagues.
- Conduct rigorous and insightful research on European fisheries and marine policy issues, producing high-quality position papers, briefings, and reports that inform advocacy and influence decision-making. Contribute actively to the development of compelling communications materials and campaign actions.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with EU decision-makers, institutions, and key stakeholders, and actively engage in high-level policy processes and events to advance Oceana’s fisheries objectives.
- Represent Oceana with credibility and authority in meetings, workshops and conferences with EU institutions, national governments, NGOs, stakeholders, media, donors, and the wider public.
- Serve as a spokesperson on fisheries policy for assigned campaigns, engaging with media and supporting public-facing advocacy efforts in coordination with the communications team.
- Monitor, evaluate, and report on campaign progress, ensuring clear internal coordination and transparent external reporting.
- Collaborate across teams and offices to help deliver integrated, effective campaigns that advance Oceana’s mission to protect and restore Europe’s oceans.
Education and work experience:
- Degree in EU affairs, marine science, environmental conservation, or a related field.
- 3 to 4 years of related professional experience in policy, lobby, and advocacy.
- Working knowledge of fisheries policies with the ability to analyse proposals, provide science-based recommendations, and communicate with decision-makers.
Skills and knowledge:
- Familiarity with main EU fisheries and environmental regulations and policies, as well as with the EU institutions and decision-making process.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyse, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Integrity and the ability to work with confidential information with discretion.
- Prioritising skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, projects, and timelines.
- Possess oral and written communication skills in languages: fluent English is a must; fluency in other European languages is an advantage.
The above declarations are not intended to be an “all inclusive” list of duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job and are a reasonable representation of its activities.
Oceana is an equal opportunity employer and proud to provide equal employment opportunity to all job seekers. We are actively committed to ensuring that no individual is discriminated against on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Please submit your application by February 12, 2026. This is a Full time, temporary position (9-month fixed-term).
FUNDACION OCEANA is the Controller of the Data Subject’s personal data and informs him/her that these data shall be processed in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of 27 April (GDPR) and the Organic Law 3/2018 of 5 December (LOPDGDD), for a legitimate interest of the Controller, providing the following information on the processing:
- Purpose of the processing: to include the Data Subject in the personnel selection processes, analysing the applicant’s profile with the aim of selecting the best candidate for the Controller’s vacancy.
- Legitimacy of the processing: unequivocal consent clearly indicated by the Data Subject.
- Data storage criteria: data will be stored for a maximum period of one year, after which the data will be erased, guaranteeing full respect for confidentiality both in the processing and subsequent destruction. To this effect, once this period has elapsed, and if you wish to continue participating in the Controller’s selection processes, please send us your CV again.
- Updating data: in the event of any modification to your data, please inform us in writing as soon as possible to keep your data duly updated.
- Data disclosure: Your data may be communicated to third parties because it is necessary to achieve the purpose of the treatment, or by legal obligation.
Rights of the Data Subject:
- Right to withdraw consent at any time.
- Right of access, rectification, portability and erasure of data and the limitation or objection to their processing.
- The right to file a claim with the Spanish Supervisory Authority (www.aepd.es) if you consider that the processing does not comply with the current legislation.
Contact information to exercise their rights: FUNDACION OCEANA. Gran Vía 62, 7 Izq. – 28013 Madrid. Email: Europe.Data@oceana.org