Policy Officer: Fashion and Textiles. UK or Belgium
Institutions, governments and cities play a crucial role in creating and enabling conditions for a circular economy to emerge and thrive; they set direction, and they are drivers of innovation and investment. The circular economy provides a framework for governments and cities to realise many of their economic, environmental, and societal ambitions. Many different policy levers can be applied to accelerate the transition - from product policies that incentivise design for circularity, to laws aimed at regenerating ecosystems and bringing biodiversity back into urban environments.
Role Overview
As part of our commitment to transforming the fashion and textiles sector within our Retail mission, we are seeking a Policy Officer to play a key role in shaping the Foundation's engagement with EU institutions and international bodies (e.g., UN, G7, G20, OECD), as well as targeted national governments. The successful candidate will monitor and analyse policy and legislative developments, identify opportunities for strategic interventions, and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders to drive policy change.
Key Responsibilities:
You will report to our Senior Policy Officer for Fashion and will concentrate on the following areas:
Keep abreast of key fashion and textiles policy and legislative developments
within the EU and globally, including specific international institutions, and where relevant in targeted countries, identifying opportunities for collaboration and intervention. Share these insights with the Foundation's internal teams.
Identify research and policy analysis needs
and work with the Foundation's Fashion initiative and Policy & Institutions teams to deliver position papers and policy briefings both for internal use and with key stakeholders.
Grow and maintain the Foundation's relationships with key EU Institutions, and International Institutions
(e.g. UN, G7, G20, OECD), key research organisations, consultancies and policy think tanks that are working on the topic of fashion and textiles, in view of adding to the Foundation's knowledge base, developing closer collaboration and potential joint publications that are working on the topic of Fashion.
Build relationships with both thought leaders and practitioners on fashion-related policy
on what it takes to shape and implement a transformative agenda on a circular economy within the EU and globally, as well as to foster dialogue between public and private sector stakeholders.
Represent the Foundation and share the Foundation's insight
s with EU Institutions and International Institutions by attending and speaking at external events and participating in external meetings, drawing on experts within the Fashion team as needed.
Your Profile
5 years+ proven experience in policy analysis, advocacy, or regulatory affairs with a focus on the fashion and textiles systems, and ideally with a view to achieve a circular economy.
Strong understanding of the EU policy landscape and international frameworks shaping the fashion and textiles sector and its transition to a circular economy.
Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders across businesses, NGOs, and government institutions.
Experience in research and policy development, with strong analytical skills to synthesize complex information.
Excellent communication skills, including public speaking, writing, and facilitating multi-stakeholder discussions.
Fluency in English is required; additional languages are a plus.
Apply by clicking the link
where you will be asked to upload a CV and covering letter.
Closing date:
17th September
2025.
Salary package
:
£47,408.75 /
€
65,651.77
k per annum dependent on experience level plus generous holiday allowance 25 days plus UK Bank Holidays plus discretionary organisational extra days leave at Christmas and Easter, generous parental leave; enhanced pension options/private health scheme after 6 months; wellbeing programme. If Belgium based, generous holiday allowance and a full range of benefits competitive within the EU charity sector.
Location:
UK or Brussels. Please note we are unable to sponsor a visa for this role in either location. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK or Belgium which is valid for at least 3 years.
Application process:
Initial Zoom meeting with our Talent team and prospective Line manager to start the process (we will send you the outline of the interview, so you know what to expect).
A work-related assignment to complete at home or as part of the interview process so we know you will be comfortable with the type of work you would do here.
Interview with our People Team, Team Lead and prospective manager. This may be based in our offices in London, Brussels or Isle of Wight. Alternatively, this meeting will be via Zoom as we recognise travel isn't always possible, especially for our international candidates.
For more senior roles we will conduct a presentation interview too.
What we do
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy. We work with, and inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally. Our mission is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
Our vision is a new economic system that delivers better outcomes for people and the environment. Business models, products, and materials are designed to increase use and reuse, replicating the balance of the natural world, where nothing becomes waste, and everything has value. A circular economy, increasingly built on renewable energy and materials, is distributed, diverse, and inclusive.
Our commitment to you
We are keen to receive applications from people from underrepresented backgrounds, including (but not limited to) those of colour, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, and people from other marginalised groups. It is important to us that our recruitment approach makes the opportunity as accessible as possible and ensures a diverse range of people are able to demonstrate their potential. We would be happy to provide any further support that you may require - please get in touch so that we can work together.
If you would like further information on our diversity and inclusion policy or any further assistance, please contact us at
.