ABOUT WETLANDS INTERNATIONAL-EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION:

Established in September 2013, Wetlands International – European Association (Wetlands International Europe) is the single network organisation in Europe bringing together 12 NGOs whose shared mission is to inspire and mobilise society to safeguard and restore wetlands for people and nature. Our ambition for the period 2020-2030 is to upscale action to safeguard and restore wetlands, collaborating with multiple partners and mobilising a wide range of actors to transform whole landscapes and sectors. Our access to cutting-edge science, combined with our understanding of EU policies, the on-ground experience from our members, partners and their networks, in addition to our own global network, makes us a credible and effective advocate for improving European policies and practices.

We operate with a growing Secretariat of more than 20 people, being our key priority to raise the voice of our members in Europe, share knowledge, improve policies and build capacities among stakeholders. For more information, please consult https://europe.wetlands.org/.

THE OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

This is an exciting opportunity to put Europe’s rivers and wetlands at the forefront of Nature-based Solutions to meet EU environmental, biodiversity and climate targets. The European Green Deal will only be achieved if freshwater ecosystems are better conserved and restored. The policy choice related to wetlands that the EU makes in the next few years are crucial to creating the better future it envisions and reversing the devastating impacts of climate change on people, nature and planetary processes that we are currently witnessing.

The position will focus on EU level advocacy for the achievement of freshwater-related policies, such as the Water Framework Directive and the Nature Restoration Law’s target of 25,000 km of freeflowing rivers by accelerating the removal of barriers. In addition, it will help develop and share knowledge and evidence on innovative wetland solutions to EU policy processes, as well as facilitate national and/or local level implementation, training, capacity building and outreach to help scale up Nature-based Solutions. In this way the position will help mobilise our members and partners and enable greater commitment and better-informed prioritisation by governments.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

• Under the supervision of the Freshwater Manager, supports the development and delivery of Wetlands International Europe’s programme in relation to rivers and lakes;


• Actively engages with and influences EU freshwater-related policy development and implementation, in particular the Water Framework Directive and Nature Restoration Law;


• Engages with and lobbies politicians, key decision makers, businesses and other important stakeholders based in Brussels;


• Develops joint advocacy and communications materials with members and partners (e.g. policy briefings, position papers, reports);


• Participates in and coordinates advocacy with key partnerships such as Living Rivers Europe and Dam Removal Europe, and feeds back information to staff and members;


• Coordinates opportunities for staff, members and partners to participate in and influence EU policy development and implementation, and works closely with staff within our biodiversity and peatlands programmes to better integrate the effective delivery of policies, projects and programmes;


• Represents Wetlands international Europe at key conferences, events and meetings, including with the European institutions and EU Member States, and disseminates the results of our projects and pilots;


• Contributes to the development and submission of funding proposals;


• Organises and manages events and actively supports communications and media engagement.

WORKING RELATIONS:

Inside

Wetlands International Europe: Under the supervision of the Freshwater Manager and Head of Programmes and collaborating with the Director and other staff working on peatlands and biodiversity (in particular Swimways) and disaster risk reduction.

Outside

Members, consultants and partner organisations of Wetlands International Europe. Members States representatives, EC DG staff (up to head of directorate, senior technical levels and junior political levels), European Parliament and ENVI committee, environmental NGOs, other civil society organisations and platforms, think tanks, media, foundations.

ESSENTIAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Higher level education or equivalent;


• At least two years of relevant experience in policy analysis and advocacy, especially on climate, freshwater ecosystems and Nature-based Solutions related to rivers and water management;


• Knowledge of the EU institutions and political decision-making processes;


• Knowledge of EU Green Deal and key climate/environmental policies including Water Framework Directive and Nature Restoration Law;


• Strong team player able to work effectively in a global network setting;


• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills and a high level of initiative;


• Experience working in EU funded projects will be an advantage;


• Experience working with non-governmental organisations.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• An excellent command of written and spoken English;


• Strong ICT and MS Office skills;


• Excellent organisational skills with attention to detail and accuracy;


• Capacity to work independently and within a team;


• Ability to work in an international, multi-cultural NGO environment.

OTHER ASPECTS:

This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipate proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organizational needs. The Association applies the same terms and conditions of employment as the Wetlands International’s Foundation.

JOB OFFER:

• Full-time (maximum of 32 to 36 hours per week);


• Competitive salary, dependent on experience;


• Contract duration: 1-year, with possibility to renew based on funding;


• Location: Brussels, Belgium;


• Start date: January 2024.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications should include a cover letter summarising the applicant’s suitability for the position and a detailed CV. Applications should be sent by email to HR@wetlands.org marking your application with “Freshwater Policy Officer” in the subject line.

Interviews: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Deadline for submission of applications 15th December 2023.