The European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) is a dynamic network of 78 refugee-assisting non-governmental organisations in 30 European countries working to promote the right to asylum for refugees. ECRE campaigns on behalf of its membership for humane and fair asylum policies and contributes to the development of comprehensive responses to global refugee problems.

With EU Member States now entering a new phase in the development of EU asylum policies and legislation, never has there been a more crucial time for the advocacy of protection of refugees in Europe.

A vacancy has arisen for the position of EU Representative. This is a key position offering the chance to shape the future strategy of our work with the European Union.

We require someone with four years’ experience and understanding of advocacy and representation combined with an excellent knowledge of asylum and refugee policies and a familiarity with the European Union legislative process on asylum. A thorough understanding of the key role of member organisations in a network, experience of working with and through a range of contacts to achieve common objectives and the ability to plan strategically are also required.

You must have excellent communication skills in order to speak on behalf of ECRE at a high level as well as write clearly and persuasively to address a variety of audiences in the international fora.

Some experience of staff management and of working independently as well as within a team is required. Fluent written and spoken English combined with a very good knowledge of written and spoken French is essential. Knowledge of other European languages and experience of working in a refugee-assisting non-governmental organisation is desirable.

The post is based in Brussels but you will be required to travel regularly to ECRE’s London headquarters and other areas of Europe.

Closing date for applications: Friday 11 June 2004

Interviews are planned for 5 & 6 July in Brussels

We do not recruit using CVs. Application packs can be obtained as follows:

· By internet at www.ecre.org/involved/

· By email request to recruit@ecre.org quoting reference EU Rep in subject field.

· By telephone request to +44 (0)20 7377 7556 ext 204 quoting reference EU Rep.

ECRE is committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and welcomes applications from refugees.

* including 13^th month and holiday allowance