At the AMBER Alert Europe Foundation, we believe that protecting missing children and preventing child abduction requires dedicated and passionate individuals. As a Research and Policy Officer, you will be at the forefront of our mission, playing a vital role in researching issues surrounding missing children and contributing to the shaping of our policies and strategies to enhance child safety across Europe. Join us and make a meaningful impact on the lives of missing children.

About AMBER Alert Europe

AMBER Alert Europe, the European Centre for Missing Children, is a foundation that strives to improve the protection of missing children and empower children by raising awareness on the issue of missing children and its root causes. We connect experts from 44 governmental organisations, in particular ministries of the interior and police forces, and non-governmental organisations from 28 European countries. Our activities cover prevention and awareness-raising, training, research, and child alerting, as well as launching initiatives aimed at impacting national and EU policies and legislation in the area of children’s rights.

Job description

As a Research and Policy Officer, your role will be vital in shaping and executing our research and policy initiatives. Your main focus will revolve around two key areas: policy development and research and analysis.

Policy Development:

Your responsibilities will involve conducting thorough research and analysis to develop evidence-based policy recommendations. These recommendations will aim to improve the prevention, response, and resolution of missing and abducted children cases. You will closely monitor legislative developments, identifying any gaps in existing policies and proposing necessary improvements or modifications. Your expertise will empower change through evidence-based policies and innovative strategies. Crafting compelling position papers, policy briefs, and advocacy materials will be instrumental in driving change and bolstering child safety across Europe.

Research and Analysis:

You will undertake comprehensive research on various topics related to missing and abducted children, including risk factors, prevention strategies, technological advancements, and international best practices. Through thorough data analysis, you will gain valuable insights that will inform our policies and initiatives. Additionally, you will compile detailed reports summarizing your findings, providing valuable resources for our organization and stakeholders. Your contribution to the development of innovative solutions will keep us at the forefront of addressing the challenges surrounding missing and abducted children.

Who are you?

You are optimistic by nature – believing that with time, energy, smarts, strategy, and sheer will, you can change the world. You are not afraid to roll up your sleeves to create that change. You have an interest in and a good understanding of human rights, children’s rights, law enforcement cooperation, as well as the child protection agenda. You know your way around the political circles of Brussels. You have a proactive mindset and are good at handling periods of highly intense workload. Additionally, you can put your excellent communication skills to draft detailed policy recommendations based on research and analysis.

Furthermore:

  • You have a Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., social sciences, criminology, law, policy studies);
  • You have four or more years of experience in EU related activities;
  • You are active in EU affairs, ideally in law enforcement cooperation, fundamental human rights, and justice;
  • You have strong advocacy skills with experience in/understanding of decision-making processes of the main European Institutions;
  • You have proven experience in research, policy analysis, or a related role;
  • You are stress-resistant and can you perform well under pressure;
  • You are a strong communicator, written as well as oral, in English. Knowledge of Dutch and additional European languages advantageous.

What can you expect?

  • A very interesting job in which you can contribute to saving children’s lives;
  • A full time position with lots of room for creativity, new ideas and personal input;
  • A competitive salary with many benefits including a contributory pension;
  • 38 PTO days based on full-time employment;
  • A fun, ‘Google-esque’ workplace at our Maastricht HQ or at our Brussels desk.

Interested?

We were hoping you would be and are (impatiently) awaiting your application!

Please send us your resume, cover letter and several written pieces you are proud of (English and Dutch) by clicking the Apply button below.

We look forward to meeting you soon.