ABOUT EIT FOOD
At EIT Food we accelerate innovation to build a future-fit food system that produces healthy and sustainable food for all. To achieve this, we are leading the world’s largest food innovation community. Through a missions-led approach, we put improving outcomes for people and planet as the starting point for our work.
Supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, we invest in projects, organisations and individuals that share our goals for a healthy and sustainable food system. We unlock innovation potential in businesses and universities and create and scale agritech startups to bring new technologies and products to market. And we equip entrepreneurs and professionals with the skills needed to transform the food system and educate and inspire the next generation.
Our innovation projects are delivered with a combination of industry, education, and research partners to improve environmental and health outcomes, by developing solutions that align with our three missions: Healthier Lives Through Food, A Net Zero Food System, and Reducing Risk for a Fair and Resilient Food System.
EIT Food headquarters (HQ) are based in Leuven (Belgium) and it has 5 regional hubs in Europe (based in Poland, Spain, Germany, the UK and Netherlands), each working with and for partners in several EIT Food partner countries.
Visit our website: https://www.eitfood.eu
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Public Affairs Manager supports EIT Food’s Public Affairs and policy activities at EU level, strengthening visibility, stakeholder engagement and positioning across the European policy landscape. You will monitor EU policy and legislative developments, translate insights into clear briefings and recommendations, and support advocacy and stakeholder engagement. The role focuses on EU innovation, competitiveness, healthy ageing, biotechnology, sustainable food systems, food and nutrition policy, future funding frameworks, and helping EIT Food navigate an evolving institutional landscape.
Public Affairs activities within third-party-funded work packages may be prioritised. You will contribute to their planning, coordination and delivery.
You’ll work in our motivated Communication Unit, reporting to the Director of Advocacy and Marketing and collaborating with EIT Food teams on policy monitoring, stakeholder outreach, Public Affairs planning and proactive engagement with the EIT Food network, partners and food system stakeholders.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Policy monitoring and intelligence
• Monitor EU policy and legislative developments relevant to EIT Food, including FP10, the European Competitiveness Fund, innovation and competitiveness policy, healthy ageing, nutrition, microbiome science, biotechnology, sustainable food systems, food and nutrition policy, NCD initiatives, public procurement and the Food and Feed Omnibus.
• Produce policy briefings, stakeholder notes, alerts and actionable insights for internal teams and leadership on strategic topics.
• Identify political risks, funding opportunities and engagement moments relevant to EIT Food’s priorities.
Stakeholder and institutional engagement
• Maintain stakeholder mappings and support relationship management with EU institutions, MEPs, Permanent Representations, Member State actors, EIT partners, National Contact Points and external networks.
• Organise and support policymaker and stakeholder meetings, including briefing notes, policy summaries and follow-up materials.
• Represent EIT Food at selected EU policy events, stakeholder discussions and working-level forums where relevant.
• Identify and support outreach opportunities to strengthen EIT Food’s visibility and positioning in Brussels and across Member States.
Strategy and internal support
• Support EIT Food’s Public Affairs strategy and help translate priorities into clear policy engagement activities.
• Contribute to Public Affairs planning, coordination, reporting and preparation for relevant leadership discussions.
• Provide timely input on policy developments, regulatory trends, political risks, funding opportunities and stakeholder priorities.
• Support tailored Public Affairs input for strategic initiatives and emerging opportunities.
Partnerships and projects
• Scout funding opportunities and contribute to tailored outreach where EIT Food assets connect to future EU programmes and partnerships.
• Support Public Affairs aspects of project proposals, partnerships and cooperation initiatives with EU institutions and strategic stakeholders.
• Engage EIT Food partners through Think & Do Tanks and other formats to connect expertise with policy and advocacy opportunities.
• Align policy priorities, funding opportunities and programme activities by sharing intelligence and supporting cross-team coordination.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure policy insights inform programme development and external messaging.
Budget and reporting
• Support budget tracking and contribute to Public Affairs reporting, ensuring activities are documented and aligned with organisational and funding requirements.
EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
• Relevant and advanced experience in Public Affairs, advocacy, policy monitoring or stakeholder engagement, ideally within the EU institutional landscape or a relevant sector such as agri-food, innovation, sustainability, health, biotechnology or research and innovation policy.
• University degree in political science, Public Affairs, international relations, European studies, law, communications or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Good understanding of EU policy-making processes, institutional dynamics and the role of Member States in EU decision-making.
• Ability to monitor and analyse policy developments and translate complex information into clear briefings, summaries and practical recommendations.
• Experience supporting stakeholder engagement with policymakers, institutional actors, networks, industry associations or civil society organisations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, concise and persuasive materials for different audiences.
• Good organisational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage several priorities and contribute to delivery in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative working style and ability to work effectively across teams, programmes and external networks.
• Experience with third-party funded projects, proposal input, budget tracking or reporting is an asset.
• Familiarity with external Public Affairs partners or agencies is an asset.
• Fluency in English is required; additional European languages are an asset.
WHAT WE OFFER
You will be part of a dynamic environment at the intersection of public and private, accelerating policy priorities and providing policymakers with a link to the private sector.
Working at EIT Food means joining a team of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to creating a better future through food innovation. We cultivate a culture of collaboration, inventiveness, inclusivity, and constructive feedback. All employees are encouraged to contribute their ideas and expertise towards our mission of creating a more sustainable and inclusive food system. Together, we're making a real impact on the food industry and we're looking for talented individuals like you to join us.
As a valued member of our team, we'll provide you with a competitive salary and benefits package.
CONTRACT TYPE
Full-time Permanent position.
LOCATION & TRAVEL FREQUENCY
Due to the nature of the work and the vicinity of major stakeholders, this role will be based in Belgium. To be eligible, you must have the legal right to work there. We offer flexible working arrangements, including remote and hybrid options, depending on local policies and requirements.
Occasional travel within Europe is to be expected.
APPLICATION
We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. EIT Food always reserves the right to close the vacancy earlier. We recommend submitting your application at the earliest opportunity to ensure consideration.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
At EIT Food we believe that diversity and inclusion make us stronger. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all candidates, regardless of age, gender, background, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. We welcome applications from everyone and strive to create a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to their fullest potential.