Head of Compassion in World Farming - EU (Policy/Lobbying)

Compassion in World Farming International is a global movement transforming the future of food and farming. Lead our EU policy and advocacy work in Brussels, raising Compassion’s influence and helping drive meaningful progress towards ending factory farming.

Head of CIWF-EU (Policy/Lobbying)

Role type: Full time; Permanent

Location: EU Office, Brussels (hybrid flexible working available, with at least 2 days in the office per week) 

Salary: c. €93,000–€105,000 gross per annum (depending upon skills and experience), inclusive of 13th month salary and holiday pay

About the role 

As our Head of CIWF-EU, you’ll lead Compassion in World Farming International’s EU policy and lobbying work from Brussels, shaping strategy, building influence and helping deliver meaningful progress towards ending factory farming. 

As our Head of CIWF-EU, you’ll be responsible for: 

• Leading EU strategy, policy and lobbying - Co-creating and delivering public affairs and lobbying strategies that support Compassion’s mission, policy priorities and campaign goals.
• Building influence in Brussels - Raising Compassion’s profile with EU institutions, civil society partners and policy stakeholders across animal welfare, farming, environment, public health and sustainable food systems.
• Leading people and operations - Leading a small effective Brussels-based team, strengthening collaboration across countries and functions, and overseeing local office operations and budget management.

About you

To succeed as our Head of CIWF-EU, you’ll bring senior-level influencing experience, strong strategic judgement and a deep understanding of EU political institutions and decision-making processes. You’ll be confident translating complex policy issues into clear priorities, advice and action. 

Skills and experience you’ll need to bring as our Head of CIWF-EU: 

• Demonstrable ability to influence at senior level within EU political institutions and across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Proven experience of leading policy, lobbying or campaign strategy, with the ability to shape organisational thinking and priorities.
• Strong knowledge of EU policy and decision-making processes relevant to agri-food, animal welfare, farming, environment and public health.
• Experience leading, managing and developing effective teams, including in ccollaborative working environments.
• Excellent English written, verbal and presentation skills, with the ability to represent Compassion clearly across different audiences and international political contexts.

If you don’t meet every requirement but believe you could thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Why join us

This is a rare opportunity to lead meaningful EU policy and lobbying at a pivotal moment for animals, food systems and the future of farming.

How to apply and key dates

If you’re ready to make a global impact, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the Person Specification. To support a fair and unbiased recruitment process, we kindly ask that you do not include a photo in your CV. 

Please note that we may begin interviews on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged. 

Closing date: 7 September 2026

Process: 

1st Stage (Teams) Interview

2nd Stage (Face to Face at HQ) Interview, with task/presentation

“Join us in building a more compassionate future for animals, people, and the planet.”

About Compassion

Compassion in World Farming International is a leading global organisation working to end factory farming. Founded in 1967 by British farmer Peter Roberts, we’ve spent over 50 years driving change, successfully campaigning to ban cruel practices such as barren battery cages, veal crates, and sow stalls across the UK and Europe.

Our work combines advocacy, campaigning, and collaboration with policymakers and businesses to promote animal welfare and sustainable food systems. We envision a future where animals are treated with compassion, and farming supports both people and the planet. To learn more about our mission, culture, and opportunities, please explore our Candidate Pack, and Careers Page. 

To comply with legal requirements in the EU and internationally, all applicants must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the country where the role is based. 

Compassion in World Farming is absolutely committed to providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of their background.  We value diversity and live experience and acknowledge the underrepresentation of people from certain backgrounds, both within our organisation and across the sector.  We welcome applications from underrepresented groups, whether these be of ethnicity, gender, identity, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation or other.