Science Policy Advisor (European Union)

Science Policy Advisor (European Union)

Full-time, Temporary (Maternity Cover)

PETA UK

Remote, Belgium or UK

Position Objective:

To lead policy and research projects related to animal testing in order to support PETA’s advocacy for animals used in experiments.

Reports To: Director, Science Department

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Independently research and interpret a variety of scientific, political, policy-driven, and other issues related to animal testing in order to further PETA’s goals;
• Build networks and coordinate meetings with key policymakers and other stakeholders;
• Collaborate with the Science Department’s director and other science policy advisors to decide on and obtain the necessary information for writing factsheets, white papers, reports, correspondence, and other literature;
• Collaborate with other departments within PETA UK and other PETA entities, including PETA US’ Regulatory Toxicology Department and PETA Science Consortium International e.V.;
• Build relationships and maintain communication with key audiences, particularly decision-makers in the legislative and administrative arenas;
• Lead meetings with parliamentarians, companies, and legislators and present at conferences;
• Develop expertise in non-animal testing methods and draw upon the expertise of others;
• Respond to correspondence regarding issues related to animal testing;
• Conduct analyses of technical papers and legislation and translate scientific and legal terminology into lay terms for use in research projects;
• Identify opportunities to make public comments that promote non-animal testing approaches and lead the writing and presentation of these comments;
• Represent PETA at public-speaking engagements, in debates, to the media, and to the general public;
• Communicate PETA’s philosophy to the public;
• Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Degree in a related field;
• Demonstrable experience with regard to the functioning of the European Parliament and European Commission;
• Familiarity with the use of animals in laboratories, associated European legislation, and non-animal methods;
• Proven ability to maintain awareness of relevant political, social, and economic developments;
• Proven ability to brief colleagues and other relevant stakeholders;
• Demonstrated ability to conduct in-depth research;
• Proven excellent writing and research skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously;
• Proven attention to detail, exceptional organisational skills, and ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines;
• Proven ability to make sound, independent judgments;
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of scientists, parliamentarians, industry representatives, the public, and other stakeholders;
• Exceptional public-speaking and networking skills;
• Fluency in a second European language desirable;
• Commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality at all times;
• Willingness and ability to travel, as needed;
• Professional appearance;
• Support for PETA’s philosophy and the ability to advocate for the group’s position on issues in a professional manner;
• Commitment to the objectives of the organisation.