Freelance Public Affairs Manager – European Kidney Health Alliance

Location: Brussels, Belgium (hybrid work, based in Brussels – this location is a must!)

Reports to: EKHA General Manager, with support from regular meetings with EKHA’s Advocacy & Communications Working Group who guide and advise on Public Affairs’ and communications’ strategic implementation

Engagement: Freelance/contractor, 2 days/week over 47 weeks, with potential for extension/renewal)

Start date: June 2026

About EKHA

The European Kidney Health Alliance (EKHA) is a Brussels-based network committed to reducing the burden of kidney disease across Europe and improving outcomes for people affected.

The EKHA network consists of 57 organisations,—patients, healthcare professionals, researchers, and foundations—across 26 EU countries, driving kidney health policies and awareness at European and national levels.

Together we provide consensual, authoritative advice to policymakers on all aspects of kidney disease: prevention, treatment, and access to quality care, as well as education and research needs. We are committed to raising awareness among EU policymakers and stakeholders about the importance of kidney health, and ensuring that they assist national governments in listening to the needs of the European renal/kidney community.

Purpose of the Role

The EKHA Public Affairs Manager is responsible for advancing EKHA’s policy objectives with the European institutions and other EU-level stakeholders, promoting kidney health as a European public health priority, and supporting coordinated advocacy and communication action among EKHA’s diverse membership.

 

Key Responsibilities (Public Affairs & Communications)

1. Policy Advocacy, Communications
   • Lead and implement EKHA’s 5 year public affairs strategy (2026 – 2031) and its communications strategy (to be developed over 2026), ensuring both are aligned to priorities defined by EKHA’s Board.
   • Develop and maintain strong relationships with the European Commission, European Parliament (including the MEP Group for Kidney Health), European Council, and EU agencies.
   • Support the growth and activity of the MEP Group for Kidney Health.
   • Support EKHA’s leadership engagement with EU institutions and stakeholders.
   • Attend meetings and events on behalf of EKHA.
   • Ensure consistent, compelling messaging across advocacy and communications channels (media, website, newsletters, social media).
   • Manage media relations: draft press releases, respond to journalist enquiries.
2. Monitoring, gathering information and knowledge (“intelligence”)
   • Track and analyse EU legislative and non-legislative policy developments.
   • Translate intelligence into advocacy planning, communication content, and tailored briefings for policymakers, members, and partners.
3. Advocacy & Communications Materials
   • Produce high-quality policy and communications content (e.g. policy briefs, responses to public consultations, position statements, infographics), in line with communications strategy to be developed.
   • Coordinate and deliver integrated digital/media campaigns (e.g., World Kidney Day).
   • Contribute to maintaining and growing EKHA’s communications platforms (website, newsletters, social media) to ensure alignment with advocacy objectives.
4. Stakeholder engagement
   • Engage and support members in EKHA’s public affairs work.
   • Support the development of partnerships with stakeholders.
5. Project Management, Reporting & Evaluation
   • Plan, deliver, and evaluate advocacy and communications activities and campaigns according to agreed strategies and timelines.
   • Report regularly to the General Manager, the Advocacy & Communications Working Group, and the Board on progress, outcomes, and recommendations.
   • Working with EKHA’s communications resources, monitor and evaluate the reach and impact of EKHA’s advocacy and communications activities.

 

Person Specification

Education

• Advanced university degree or equivalent experience in political science, health policy, communications, EU affairs, or related discipline.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years in a public affairs and/or communications role at EU level within a health NGO, umbrella organisation, or EU institution.
• Proven experience designing and implementing integrated advocacy and communications strategies.
• Experience representing associations in meetings and events with decision makers and stakeholders.
• Track record of managing media relations, digital platforms, and high-visibility campaigns alongside policy engagement.

Expertise

• Sound knowledge of EU institutions, policy-making processes, and decision-making procedures.
• Sound knowledge and understanding of EU public health policies and the wider ecosystem.Strong grasp of strategic communications: messaging, media engagement, and digital campaigning in a European context.

Skills

• Demonstrated advocacy skills: advocacy, stakeholder management, coalition building.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills (English required; other EU languages an asset).
• Skilled in producing diverse content: policy briefs, press releases, campaign materials, digital content.
• Strong project management skills; able to balance policy advocacy, communications, and stakeholder engagement simultaneously.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker, able to translate complex policy into clear, persuasive messages.
• Diplomatic, proactive, and results-driven.
• Committed to improving kidney health and patient outcomes.
• Culturally sensitive, able to operate effectively in a diverse pan-European environment.

Terms and Conditions

• Freelance consultancy contract,
• Brussels-based with hybrid flexibility
• Part-time, 2 days a week for 47 weeks a year (to be agreed) – could be increased in the future, depending on needs and funding
• Remuneration: Competitive and commensurate with experience; to be invoiced monthly
• Expenses: Reasonable travel and subsistence covered as per EKHA policy
• Duration: Initial contract for 12 months, with possibility of extension
• Reporting: Directly to EKHA General Manager; accountable to the Board

Application Process

Please send your CV and a cover letter (max. 2 pages, outlining your suitability and vision for the role) to by 20 February 17h CET. The recruitment process, with interviews, will be conducted on a rolling basis.

This ToR is based on the current needs and evolving priorities of EKHA and may be reviewed and amended as necessary in collaboration with the successful candidate.