Want to shape the conversation and make cooperation work globally?
We are looking for a driven public affairs leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, media, and advocacy. At We Effect, your work will be seen, heard, and acted upon – in Sweden, Europe, and beyond.
Head of Public Affairs
The world is changing fast. Aid budgets are shrinking and development policy is shifting, while hunger and inequality are increasing. At We Effect, we know that our work is more important than ever, strengthening cooperatives, supporting small-scale farmers and housing organisations, in the 18 countries where we work.
As Head of Public Affairs, you will help make We Effect more visible, relevant, and influential. The role focuses on sharpening the organisation’s voice, strengthening relationships with donors and decision-makers, and developing new partnerships and funding opportunities as traditional aid flows change.
We are owned by 60 Swedish cooperative companies and organisations. Cooperation is not just something we advocate - it is our business model.
The Role
Reporting to the Secretary General, you will lead We Effect’s strategic positioning and public affairs work, shaping how we are seen and understood by policymakers, donors, media, the public – and not least, by the Swedish cooperative businesses and organisations that constitute our owners.
The role is outward-facing and highly relationship-driven. In this position, you work both strategically and operationally at the intersection of public affairs, advocacy, media, and business development, reporting directly to the Secretary General. You are part of a small but senior advisory team and collaborate closely with all parts of the organisation to achieve the greatest possible impact.
Key responsibilities
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Build and maintain long-term relationships with representatives of the cooperative business sector, political and other key stakeholders.
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Monitor political processes and identify timely opportunities for advocacy.
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Represent We Effect in relevant networks and stakeholder forums.
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Develop and implement public affairs strategies to strengthen We Effect’s relevance for the cooperative business sector.
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Lead crisis communication and manage reputational risk.
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Provide strategic communication support across the global organisation.
A day at work
A typical day might include representing We Effect in a parliamentary meeting and talking to our country manager in East Africa about our positioning in a seminar on the right to food. In the afternoon you may possibly sit down with our Secretary General to discuss a joint op-ed with our member organisations. Every day requires judgment, independence, creativity – and a sense of humour.
You will be traveling 1-2 times per year to our programme countries.
Your profile
You are a driven public affairs professional with strong oral and written communication skills and strategic capacity. You bring:
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7-10 years in public affairs, advocacy, or strategic communication
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Strong understanding of Swedish political processes
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Experience in the private or cooperative sector is required; public sector or civil society experience is an advantage.
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Strong ability to organise and drive your work independently, but also to coordinate and collaborate, internally and with external stakeholders
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Solid crisis communication experience
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Fluency in Swedish and English. Even though this role focuses on Sweden, English is our working language across 18 countries. Spanish is an asset.
What we offer you
We will give you the opportunity to make a real difference – within our organisation and in our joint work for a sustainable planet free from poverty. We challenge the status quo and encourage innovation. Our values – Transparency, Respect and Togetherness – guide us in our work and as colleagues forming our organisational culture. We are an intercultural organisation where diversity and inclusion are our cornerstones. We welcome you as you are, and value a wide range of perspectives, experiences and networks and we strive for a workplace where you can bring your whole self to work. It is our belief that an inclusive workplace without discrimination of any kind, leads to more efficient relations and results with healthy, engaged, and growing co-workers.
We strive to have the best work environment. Your main workplace for this position will be our office in Stadshagen, Stockholm, where we apply a hybrid work approach with a minimum of three days per week in office. We apply goal-oriented working time with an average of 37,5 hours per week and offer 31 days of paid annual leave.
This is a permanent position with a six-month probation.
We are covered by the collective agreement for Salaried employees in civil society between the employers' associations Fremia, Unionen, and Akademikerförbunden.
Application
Apply by uploading your CV and cover letter to Impactpool no later than April 7th (15:00 CET). Your application documents should be in English. Interviews will be carried out on a rolling basis, earlier applications are welcome.
Please note that the position requires that the candidate has permission to live and work in Sweden.
For questions about the position, please contact the hiring manager, our Secretary General, Anna Tibblin at anna.tibblin@weeffect.org
Linnea Karlsson, Union Representative, linnea.karlsson@weeffect.org
If you have any technical difficulties uploading the application, please contact Impactpool, service@impactpool.org.
A Final Note
Yes, we are asking a lot – but the stakes are high. Cooperative solutions work, and at We Effect we see the impact every day. We are looking for someone who can make sure that story is heard, in Sweden and beyond.
About We Effect
We Effect is a global development organisation founded by the Swedish cooperative business sector in 1958 to support people living in poverty to improve their livelihoods and secure their rights. Our focus is the right to food and adequate housing. For more information, see www.weeffect.se/www.weeffect.org
Misconduct
We Effect wants to be alerted on suspected discrimination, corruption or other serious misconduct during the recuritment process. To make us aware, do not hesitate to use our Whistleblowing System.