25 Best Places to Look for Social Impact Jobs in Europe in 2020

Rebecca Mitsch

Communications strategist working with MovingWorlds

These are unprecedented times: the worsening climate crisis and coronavirus pandemic make clear just how interconnected we all are, and also highlight the limitations of our current global systems.

In Europe, governments, investors, and citizens are increasingly recognising the value of social innovation to drive needed changes, so we assembled this regional list of social impact job boards to help EU-based changemakers find the best opportunities to be part of that transformation. Know of any other helpful sites that should be included in this list? Let us know in the comments!

1. Jobs That Make Sense

A job platform specifically for organizations recruiting candidates passionate about their impact and social entrepreneurs who want to have a larger impact. 

2. Third Sector Jobs

Brought to you by Third Sector Magazine, Third Sector Jobs includes a wide range of philanthropic and nonprofit jobs across the UK. Candidates can search jobs, recruiters, and even career advice.

3. Eurojobs

Eurojobs is the largest job board for Europe, featuring a comprehensive list of jobs in 98 countries, with over one million visitors each month. While not singularly focused on social impact jobs, candidates can utilize advanced search, filtering by category and keyword to find social impact/social innovation work in desired countries/cities, ensuring they see the variety of jobs available.

4. The Guardian

For those located in or looking for work in the United Kingdom, check in with The Guardian. They feature jobs in sectors including Media, Education, NHS, Government, Graduate, Secretarial, Charities, Marketing, Social Care and Arts. Filtering for “social enterprise” / “social impact” further narrows down your search.

5. 80,000 Hours

80,000 Hours is a non-profit that provides research and support to help people switch into careers that effectively tackle the world’s most pressing problems. Its job board features positions that focus on the global challenges and allow for direct impact and help you build career capital.

6. NODESK Europe

NODESK enables users to browse 700+ remote jobs at over 650 companies that offer you the freedom to work from home or places around the world. It features a specific space for European job searchers, and provides articles and communities to assist the remote work lifestyle.

7. GlobalJobs

Collects job postings from more than 3000 NGOs, Think Tanks, Governments, and private sector companies, with the global professional in mind.

8. Impact Pool

Impact Pool (previously UNjobfinder) is a career platform devoted to provide the best possible support to people who want to pursue a career within mission-driven organizations.

9. Indeed Worldwide

Select your country and keywords and Indeed will do the rest for you. Indeed is the #1 job site in the world, with a good portion of its jobs focusing on social enterprise and located in countries throughout Europe.

10. Escape the City

Escape the City is more than just a job list to help people transition to meaningful work. It also has in-person communities and educational programs to help people move careers or start their own business. It may be based in the U.K. but it features a global list of employers.

11. BCorp UK

BCorp UK is not a job board but it is one of the best places to start your search, as you look for companies with missions and values that align with your own.

12. TBD*

tbd* supports those who are determined to make a career out of changing the world. Through the tbd* platform, candidates can find a job, discover workshops and courses, connect with mission-driven companies, share best practices, or learn from others who are using their careers to make an impact.

13. Acre

Acre is a purpose-driven recruitment and talent development company specializing in the fields of Sustainability, ESG, Energy and HSE. Acre has been pioneering social responsibility recruitment since 2003, and maintains the market’s most expansive sustainability network. 

14. Charity Jobs

CharityJob is the UK’s largest and most specialised job board carrying non-profit, NGO, social enterprise, CIC and voluntary jobs. You can also search volunteer roles, e-learning courses on topics like governance and fundraising, and find career advice.

15. Social Enterprise UK

Social Enterprise UK is the biggest network of social enterprises in the UK, with a network that includes some of the biggest companies in the UK to support social enterprise through their supply chains, people and networks. Its sector jobs board includes listings from member companies and external organizations.

16. GIIN Career Center

As part of its mission to accelerate the scale and effectiveness of impact investing, the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) publishes job openings from members of the GIIN Investors’ Council and other impact investing leaders.

17. VeganJobs

VeganJobs is a global job and resume hub operated by vegans, for vegans and plant-based/vegan-oriented businesses. Most listings are in the UK, Europe, United States, and Canada, but jobs and candidates from any country are accepted. 

18. iAgora

iAgora includes graduate jobs and internships abroad, especially across Europe, to help students and graduates make their CVs more global.

19. Skill-Specific Groups

Many industries and skills have specific groups designated for social good, Design Gigs for Good. Do a Google search to see other groups more relevant to your skill set for small and niche job boards.

20. Local career coach and recruiting agencies that focus on social impact

Many countries and large cities have careers coaches and agencies that specialize in the social impact sector. Run a Google search and ask your network for local recommendations. A few that stand out to us include:

21. Your Alumni Network

If your previous school(s) has an alumni network, look for opportunities there. Many social change organizations have partnerships with educational institutions and post their jobs there.

22. Your local social enterprise meetup group

Many cities have meetup groups and/or networking happy hours that bring socially-minded people together. Head to meetup.com and search for “social good”, “social enterprise”, “nonprofit”, and “sustainable development goals” to find a local group that’s right for you.

23. Local Nonprofit and Global Development associations

Many countries and larger cities have associations that convene nonprofits, social enterprises, corporate responsibility professionals, and government officials for networking and ongoing education. Search for a local group and get involved.

24. Linkedin, Facebook, and Twitter

Find people and groups that form around the industries, causes, and geographies you are most interested in. Add value to these networks by sharing interesting content, articles, and promoting people there. It takes time to build your reputation online, so get started as soon as you can to build trust.

25. In-person networking and coffee chats

As we wrote in our popular article How to Find a Fulfilling Career that Makes the World Better, your network is critical to finding you a job. It takes a while to network, so invest your time early and often. Here are some tips to have productive networking meetings, and advice on how to build a great relationship with a mentor.

If location isn’t a factor, check out our global list of 51 best places to look for social impact jobs. Looking for more individualized guidance to find and qualify for your dream job in 2020? Check out the MovingWorlds Institute Global Fellowship to gain the tools, experience, and network needed to make a bigger impact with your career. 

MOVINGWORLDS.ORG BLOG