FAQ SECTION: Top 12 Questions About Careers at Save the Children Europe

1. 1. What is Save the Children Europe and how does it differ from national Save the Children offices?
   Save the Children Europe (SCE) is the Brussels-based regional advocacy and donor relations office representing 13 European Save the Children organisations. While national offices focus on programmatic delivery within their countries and in global operations, SCE concentrates on influencing EU institutions, policies, and funding frameworks to advance children's rights globally and within Europe. It acts as a bridge between EU policy processes (European Parliament, European Commission, and Council) and the operational work of members.
2. 2. Where is Save the Children Europe located?
   SCE’s headquarters is located in Brussels, Belgium, typically within the European quarter near Rue du Trône or Avenue des Arts — close to other NGOs, think tanks, and EU buildings. Its strategic location facilitates daily contact with EU officials, civil society partners, and donor agencies.
3. 3. What types of jobs are available at Save the Children Europe?
   Positions generally fall into policy and advocacy; EU funding and donor relations; communications and campaigns; child rights governance; humanitarian and external relations; and administrative, finance, and HR functions. Many roles require experience in EU affairs or international development.
4. 4. What educational background is needed to work there?
   Typical profiles include advanced degrees (Master’s or equivalent) in international relations, European studies, political science, law, economics, or development. Some technical roles (e.g., monitoring and evaluation, climate or migration policy) may require specialized academic backgrounds.
5. 5. What languages are required?
   English is the working language. French is highly desirable for daily operations in Brussels and for outreach to EU institutions. Additional European languages (Spanish, Italian, German, or Nordic languages) may enhance candidacy, particularly when coordinating across member offices.
6. 6. How competitive is the hiring process?
   Extremely competitive. As a flagship advocacy NGO in Brussels, Save the Children Europe attracts candidates from EU institutions, international NGOs, and academia. Strong writing skills, policy analysis expertise, and a clear commitment to children’s rights are essential differentiators.
7. 7. Are internship opportunities available?
   Yes. SCE regularly hosts paid interns, usually for 6 months, primarily in policy, communications, and donor relations departments. Internships serve as key entry points for early-career professionals seeking NGO and EU advocacy experience.
8. 8. What are typical salary ranges?
   Junior officers or assistants earn approximately €30,000–€40,000 annually; policy advisors range from €45,000–€60,000; senior managers and directors can earn €65,000–€90,000+. Salaries depend on experience, seniority, and union-negotiated pay scales for NGOs in Brussels.
9. 9. What benefits are offered?
   Standard benefits include health insurance, meal vouchers, pension scheme contributions, transport allowance, flexible working arrangements, and 30+ days of annual leave. Save the Children also offers parental leave benefits above the Belgian statutory norm.
10. 10. What is the work culture like?
    SCE values professionalism, diversity, and collaboration. The culture is mission-oriented and fast-paced, aligning with EU advocacy rhythms. Staff often work across multiple member offices and international partners, emphasizing teamwork, inclusivity, and respect.
11. 11. Are there international mobility opportunities?
    Yes. Staff may be seconded or collaborate with national Save the Children offices or global headquarters in London or Geneva. Cross-country assignments are common for advocacy campaigns, capacity-building missions, or international summits (COPs, UNGA, etc.).
12. 12. How can candidates prepare for an interview?
    Candidates should familiarize themselves with EU policy frameworks affecting children — education, migration, child poverty, human rights — and SCE’s policy briefs. Demonstrating understanding of relevant EU legislative cycles and advocacy strategies is crucial.

1. Company Overview & Career Opportunities

Save the Children Europe (SCE) represents, coordinates, and advances the joint policy interests of 13 Save the Children organisations across Europe. Established to ensure that children’s rights remain central to EU decision-making, it operates as a regional advocacy hub. Its mission is to influence the European Union’s internal and external policies to deliver better outcomes for children globally — from education and protection to humanitarian aid and migration.

Unlike implementing agencies, SCE focuses on advocacy, lobbying, donor engagement, and coalition-building. It translates field insights from member countries and global operations into policy recommendations and legislative advocacy in Brussels. The organisation monitors EU legislative developments, drafts policy briefs, coordinates campaigns with partners, and engages directly with European Parliament committees and Commission Directorates-General (DGs).

Current career trends show increased demand for professionals skilled in EU policy analysis, external relations, resource mobilisation, and cross-sectoral advocacy. With evolving EU agendas on migration, education, child protection, and climate action, SCE has expanded its policy clusters and digital advocacy functions. Staff often work in multidisciplinary teams combining legal expertise, social policy research, and communications strategy.

Growth projections indicate more hiring in digital communications, donor relations (especially EU funding instruments like NDICI-Global Europe), and thematic policy areas such as child poverty, humanitarian aid, and the digital economy. Early-career professionals with expertise in EU legislative mechanisms, stakeholder mapping, and child-rights advocacy are particularly sought after.

2. Available Career Paths & Roles

Save the Children Europe offers a variety of career paths across the policy, advocacy, communications, and operations spectrum. Below are the 12 major job families and their characteristics:

1. Policy and Advocacy Officers
   Entry requirements: Master’s in European studies, law, or social policy; 1–3 years EU policy experience.
   Responsibilities: Draft policy briefs, engage with DG HOME, DG EAC, DG DEVCO (now INTPA), and EP committees; coordinate advocacy campaigns.
   Progression: Intern → Junior Policy Officer → Policy Advisor → Senior Advocacy Manager.
   Salary: €38,000–€60,000 per year.
2. EU Funding and Donor Relations Officers
   Background: Finance, international development, or public administration.
   Responsibilities: Manage proposals for NDICI, ECHO, Horizon Europe; coordinate donor reporting.
   Progression: Intern → Grants Assistant → Donor Relations Officer → Senior Funding Manager.
   Salary: €40,000–€65,000.
3. Communications and Campaigns Specialists
   Background: Journalism, communications, or public affairs.
   Responsibilities: Develop advocacy messaging, manage media relations, digital campaigns.
   Progression: Assistant → Officer → Senior Communications Manager.
   Salary: €35,000–€55,000.
4. Child Rights Governance Advisors
   Background: Law, human rights, child protection.
   Responsibilities: Advise on EU policy affecting child protection, justice, and rights monitoring; interact with EU Fundamental Rights Agency.
   Salary: €45,000–€65,000.
5. Humanitarian Policy Advisors
   Specialized in EU humanitarian aid and civil protection mechanisms (DG ECHO).
   Responsibilities: Coordinate with field programs; develop policy inputs for humanitarian response.
   Salary: €50,000–€70,000.
6. Migration and Asylum Policy Officers
   Background: International law, EU politics.
   Responsibilities: Policy analysis on migration directives, asylum procedures, and border management.
   Progression: Policy Assistant → Senior Officer → Head of Migration Policy.
   Salary: €40,000–€65,000.
7. Climate and Environment Policy Specialists
   Focus: Children's rights in climate policy and sustainable development.
   Salary: €45,000–€60,000.
8. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Analysts
   Background: Statistics, social policy, evaluation.
   Responsibilities: Track advocacy impact indicators, draft annual reports.
   Salary: €40,000–€55,000.
9. Finance and Operations Staff
   Roles include accountants, HR officers, and administrative coordinators.
   Salary: €35,000–€50,000.
10. Senior Leadership (Directors and Heads of Office)
    Responsibilities: Strategic management, high-level EU engagement, team leadership.
    Salary: €70,000–€95,000.
11. IT and Digital Data Managers
    Background: IT, data analysis.
    Responsibilities: Maintain internal systems, GDPR compliance.
    Salary: €40,000–€55,000.
12. External Relations and Partnership Managers
    Focus on liaising with EU institutions, global Save the Children offices, donors, and coalitions.
    Salary: €50,000–€75,000.

3. Application Process & Requirements

The Save the Children Europe application process follows a structured and transparent model. Below is a step-by-step overview:

1. Research: Review current vacancies on the Save the Children International jobs portal and LinkedIn page for Save the Children Europe, filtering by location (Brussels).
2. CV Preparation: Tailor your CV to EU policy experience. Highlight legislative analysis, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy outcomes.
3. Motivation Letter: Write a precise letter demonstrating commitment to children’s rights and knowledge of EU policy frameworks.
4. Online Application Submission: Submit via the Save the Children International platform. Include references, academic transcripts (for internships), and language certificates if available.
5. Screening: HR shortlists candidates based on qualifications and thematic expertise.
6. First Interview (HR & Competency): Focuses on motivation, values alignment, and soft skills.
7. Second Interview (Technical/Policy): A panel of policy managers assesses EU policy knowledge and analytical capability.
8. Written Assessment: Case study or policy brief exercise on an EU issue relevant to children’s rights (e.g., child poverty or migration).
9. Reference Check: Two references required, preferably one academic and one professional.
10. Offer & Onboarding: Formal offer, contract setup, and induction including EU advocacy procedures and Save the Children global ethics training.

Key Success Tips: Demonstrate policy depth; use evidence-based language; connect your expertise directly to EU directorates and legislative priorities (DG HOME for migration, DG EAC for education, DG DEVCO for international cooperation).

4. Interview Preparation

Expect structured interviews emphasizing both advocacy knowledge and organizational values. Typical formats include HR interviews, technical assessments, and policy case presentations.

Common Interview Questions (Examples)

• Describe how EU legislation affects children’s rights in migration or education.
• What are the EU’s main funding instruments for humanitarian aid?
• Explain Save the Children’s global approach to advocacy.
• How would you coordinate with member offices across Europe for joint advocacy?
• What trends do you see in EU policy that affect child poverty reduction?
• How do you measure advocacy impact?
• Describe a successful lobbying strategy you have participated in.
• What are your methods for stakeholder mapping?
• How do you ensure alignment between field realities and EU policy messaging?
• Discuss one EU directive that has strong implications for children.
• Tell us about a time you handled conflicting priorities under tight deadlines.
• How do you manage relationships with EU officials?
• What role does diversity play in Save the Children’s advocacy strategy?
• What motivates you to work for Save the Children Europe?
• How would you craft a policy brief for an EP Committee on Education?

Case Study Exercises

Candidates may be asked to produce a 1-page advocacy brief summarizing how the EU Multiannual Financial Framework supports children's rights, or to design a stakeholder outreach plan for an upcoming event at the European Parliament.

Panel Format

Panels typically include HR representatives, a department head, and a senior policy advisor. Language proficiency may be tested if the role involves multilingual outreach. A final stage may involve a simulated meeting scenario or press briefing exercise.

Follow-Up Strategies

Send a concise thank-you email summarizing your key insights from the interview and reaffirm your interest. Mention how your skills contribute to current advocacy priorities (e.g., child poverty in EU2020+, migration pact, digital education initiatives).

5. Networking & Insider Tips

Networking plays a significant role at Save the Children Europe. Key strategies include:

• Attend Brussels-based events: European Development Days, EU NGO Forum, Human Rights Days, and DG EAC consultations.
• Engage through Save the Children’s LinkedIn activities by commenting on posts and connecting with current staff.
• Join thematic civil society networks like CONCORD Europe, VOICE (for humanitarian NGOs), or Child Rights Action Group (CRAG).
• Leverage alumni from EU traineeships or previous NGOs to learn about advocacy culture and job openings.
• Participate in Save the Children webinars and policy brief launches – these often include informal networking sessions.

SCE encourages internal referrals; current employees can recommend strong candidates. Maintain professionalism and demonstrate alignment with the child rights mission rather than transactional networking.

6. Career Development & Culture

Save the Children Europe invests substantially in staff development. Training modules include EU policy engagement, advocacy writing, child rights governance, and intercultural communication.

Employees benefit from access to Save the Children International’s Learning and Development (L&D) resources, including leadership academies and e-learning platforms focusing on humanitarian standards, safeguarding, and results-based advocacy.

Work-life balance is encouraged through hybrid work models, flexible scheduling, and supportive management. Diversity and inclusion initiatives include gender-balanced recruitment, multicultural team representation, and accessibility accommodations.

Performance evaluations occur annually using competency frameworks focusing on policy impact, teamwork, and innovation. Promotions follow meritocratic principles but require demonstrated advocacy outcomes, network-building capacity, and project leadership.

7. Compensation & Benefits

Save the Children Europe follows fair and transparent remuneration policies consistent with Brussels NGO standards.

• Salary Ranges:
  • Interns: €1,100–€1,300/month (net)
  • Assistants: €30,000–€38,000/year
  • Policy Officers: €40,000–€55,000/year
  • Senior Advisors: €60,000–€75,000/year
  • Managers: €70,000–€90,000/year
• Benefits: Health insurance, pension contributions, meal vouchers (~€8/day), mobility allowance, annual training grants.
• Work-from-home flexibility: Hybrid model with 2–3 days per week remote work.
• Family-friendly policies: Comprehensive parental leave, dependent allowance, and flexible return-to-work arrangements.
• Other perks: Brussels public transport reimbursement, language training subsidies, and conference attendance support.

8. Work-Life Balance & Brussels Living

Brussels offers an excellent environment for NGO professionals. Save the Children Europe’s office is located near EU institutions, surrounded by cafes and co-working spaces.

Typical Hours: 37.5-hour workweek; core hours 9:00–17:30. During campaign peaks or EU summits, staff may extend hours flexibly.

Office Culture: Collaborative, multilingual, and socially conscious. Staff frequently engage in cultural exchanges and sustainability initiatives.

Cost of Living: Monthly rent for professionals ranges from €900–€1,500. Meal vouchers and transport reimbursement ease living costs. Brussels offers affordable healthcare and abundant green spaces.

Family-Friendly Policies: Maternity/paternity leave exceeds Belgian minimum; flexible schedules and childcare support enhance retention among parents.

9. Success Stories & Alumni Network

Story 1: A former EU Blue Book trainee joined Save the Children Europe as a Policy Intern, later promoted to Policy Advisor focusing on child poverty. She now leads EU Parliament engagement campaigns.

Story 2: A communications graduate started as an intern, moved into campaigns management, and now oversees digital advocacy across 13 member offices.

Story 3: An economist transitioning from consultancy joined SCE’s donor relations team and now manages €5M+ of EU-funded projects.

Story 4: A humanitarian worker with field experience in Syria joined Brussels’ Humanitarian Policy department, contributing to DG ECHO consultations and global advocacy frameworks.

The alumni network of Save the Children Europe includes professionals now active in EU institutions, UNICEF, and the OECD. Alumni frequently mentor new hires and interns through informal coffee meetings and LinkedIn communities.

10. Final Tips & Contact Information

• Align your expertise with EU policy areas relevant to children’s rights (education, migration, social inclusion).
• Demonstrate deep understanding of EU legislative cycles and funding instruments.
• Show commitment to Save the Children’s values: accountability, ambition, collaboration, creativity, and integrity.
• Engage with SCE’s publications and advocacy updates before interviews.
• Network thoughtfully and show genuine interest in advancing children's rights.

Career Contact: Recruitment typically handled via Save the Children International Careers Portal (www.savethechildren.net). For Brussels-specific inquiries, email HR Europe via the portal contact form or LinkedIn messaging to current staff.

Learning Resources: EU Policy Tracker, CONCORD Europe publications, DG EAC newsletters, and Save the Children’s annual State of the World’s Children reports.

Key Takeaway: Save the Children Europe hires mission-driven, policy-savvy professionals ready to influence EU decisions for global child rights advancement. Prepare meticulously, understand EU advocacy mechanisms, and embody the values that drive positive impact for children worldwide.