Vacancy: Experienced EU Lobbyist (Brussels)
Vacancy: Experienced EU Lobbyist (Brussels) – CAS International
Hours: 20 – 24 hours per week (potential for more hours depending on additional tasks)
Location: Brussels (or living within a direct train connection, e.g., Antwerp, Breda, or Rotterdam).
Are you a natural networker with an acute political antenna? Are you a strategic thinker and do you show initiative? Do you want to apply your talents to putting an end to bullfighting and cruel local festivals in Europe? Then you might be the person we are looking for. CAS International (Comité Anti Stierenvechten) is seeking a driven and experienced lobbyist to bring our mission to the heart of European democracy.
About the Role
As our lobbyist in Brussels, you will be CAS International’s spokesperson within the European institutions. You will navigate the corridors of the European Parliament and the European Commission with agility to ensure animal welfare remains an EP focal point.
What will you do?
- Network Building: Build and maintain a relevant network of MEPs, policymakers, fellow NGOs (including Eurogroup for Animals), and other relevant organizations.
- Active Presence: Participate in (evening) networking events in Brussels; you approach people effortlessly and are a natural conversationalist.
- Monitoring & Action: Identify and monitor relevant legislative proposals, influence timelines, and political opportunities. You will act on these by contacting relevant actors in the Brussels arena at the right moments.
- Strategy: Independently map out strategies to increase our impact within the EU.
Who are we looking for?
We need a self-starter who doesn’t wait for instructions but finds his/her/their own way to the right doors. Your communicative skills are strong, and you are able to convince others through a balance of facts and passion. You are pragmatic and resilient in facing setbacks. You have been lobbying in Brussels (you know the game) and you have an established network.
- Independence: You are an independent operator who shows great initiative without losing sight of coordination and collaboration.
- Networker par excellence: You enjoy attending social events and making connections. Ideally, you already have a relevant network in Brussels.
- Location: You live in (or near) Brussels, or at a location with a good direct train connection (e.g., Breda, Rotterdam, or Antwerp).
- Language & Education: You have an excellent command of English (French or Spanish is a major plus) and work at a Higher Professional/Academic level (HBO+/WO). A background in Public Affairs, Political Science, EU Law, or Policy is a plus.
- Affinity: You are passionate about animal welfare and support CAS International’s mission which is reflected in your actions.
What do we offer?
We offer a challenging role in the dynamic landscape of European politics. You will work toward a goal that is actually achievable: the abolition of bullfighting. You will be working in a small, driven team with direct communication and rapid decision-making.
- Flexibility: 20 to 24 hours per week with a salary and benefits consistent with a small non-profit and your relevant experience.
- Contract: An initial 1-year appointment.
- Impact: The chance to make a real difference for animals at the European level.
- Freedom: A high degree of freedom in organizing your work week and shaping the lobby.
- Team: Collaboration with a small and passionate Netherlands-based team. We work from home, meeting once a week at a flex-office in Utrecht.
Selection Procedure
At CAS International, we look for the best match based on skills and personality. Our procedure is as follows:
1. Send your CV and motivation: We would like to receive your up-to-date CV and a motivation letter explaining why you want to work for us. Additionally, we would like to receive a case study of a lobbying process you have successfully completed.
2. The first interview: Based on your CV and the elaboration of the assignment, we invite candidates for an introductory interview (most likely in Utrecht).
3. The assignment: Following a successful first interview, you will be invited to complete an assignment, which upon completion can be sent back to us. You can use this assignment to demonstrate your approach to a lobbying issue. .
4. The second interview: Finally, a second interview carried out by another team of interviewers from our organization. During this interview we will discuss amongst other subjects, the given assignment.
Interested?
Send your CV and motivation to maite@cas-international.org, attn. Maite van Gerwen (Director and Chair of CAS International) latest the 1st or May 2026. For more information, you can call Maite at 0031 6 82 01 99 18.
About CAS International
CAS International (Comité Anti Stierenvechten) aims to end bullfighting, hunting with galgos (Spanish greyhounds), and other cultural events causing animal suffering.
Our Strategic Plan 2024-2028 focuses on legislation and policy, including advocacy at the EU level. Specifically, we are focusing on the revision of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Since at least 2007, it has been known that breeders of Toros de Lidia (bulls and cows intended for bullfights and cruel festivals) receive European agricultural subsidies. This means the EU—and every EU citizen—is effectively facilitating bullfighting.
The revision process for the CAP (2028-2034) is currently beginning. The Commission proposal has been published, and the European Parliament will now process it. This is our chance to ensure that the new CAP no longer subsidizes the breeding of fighting bulls. To support this effort, CAS is looking for an “advanced post” in Brussels to monitor the process, maintain contacts with MEPs, and represent our mission.
