Policy Officer Peatlands Work Programme

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 11 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 7 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/.

Our peatlands’ programme goal is to scale up restoration, and the application of sustainable peatland management practices. This programme is implemented in joint collaboration with our members and global network, and it has a twin track approach whereby advocacy actions and the delivery of restoration practices on the ground go hand-in-hand. We put an emphasis on facilitating partnerships and developing the knowledge and decision making infrastructure needed to place peatlands high in the European political agendas.
The overall purpose of the job

The Policy officer will work together with the Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer to support in the implementation of our peatlands work programme. This includes the delivery of different policy and advocacy activities foreseen in five different projects funded by the European Commission:

LIFE NGO Operating Grant. The postholder will support the Senior Policy and Advocacy officer in the delivery of work package 4: Just transition of peatlands to support EU biodiversity and climate policies;
REWET. REstoration of WETlands to minimise emissions and maximise carbon uptake – a strategy for long term climate mitigation. The postholder will work with partners in the provision of policy recommendations at EU and national and international levels for enabling and upscaling wetlands restoration, based on evidence from the REWET Open Labs and other experiences;
WATERLANDS. Water-based solutions for carbon storage, people, and wilderness. The postholder will identify and develop suitable policy and governance frameworks for the successful largescale ecological restoration of inland and coastal wetlands, through a participatory approach;
WETHORIZONS. upgrading knowledge and solutions to fast-track wetland restoration across Europe. The postholder will support the activities related to wetland policy and governance for a just transition to net zero;
ALFA WETLANDS. Wetland restoration for the future. The postholder will contribute with the workpackage 6 (Dissemination, exploitation & communication) to maximise the transformative impact among a wide range of relevant participants and target audiences, via extensive dissemination, communication, knowledge exchange, and exploitation of outcomes; especially in advocating for and support evidence-based policymaking;
Myriad. Multi-hazard and sYstemic framework for enhancing Risk-Informed mAnagement and Decision-making in the E.U. The postholder will help identify stakeholders for better understanding of ecosystem-based approaches in several pilots. S/he will also be part of different advocacy activities.

All projects will include communication and dissemination activities.
Responsibilities and tasks

Under the supervision of the Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer, supports the development of Wetlands International Europe’s strategy in relation to peatlands;
Engages with and lobbies politicians, key decision makers, business and other important stakeholders based in Brussels for stronger provisions on peatlands restoration;
Assembles and develops joint key policy and practical assessments with members and partners (e.g. policy briefings, position papers, reports and information materials);
Actively participates in CAPNGO, EHF, CAN Europe meetings providing input on the knowledge and experience of Wetlands International Europe’s network, and feeding back information to the members;
Participates in internal meetings organised by Wetlands International to inform on EU policy development;
When needed, represents Wetlands international Europe at key conferences, high level events and meetings with the European institutions and EU Member States;
Organises and manages events according to project specifications;
Actively supports the development of communications materials.

Working relations

INSIDE Wetlands International: Head of office and Programme Manager, Freshwater Manager, Biodiversity Manager, Senior Policy and advocacy officer, Wetlands International Europe’s colleagues, Members of Wetlands International Europe, Programme Head Climate-smart Land Use, Programme Head wetland Carbon;

OUTSIDE Wetlands International: Staff (up to head of directorate, senior technical levels and junior political levels) in EC DGs, Permanent Representation of Members States to the EU, AGRI, ENVI committees of the European Parliament, EU environmental NGOs, other civil society organizations and platforms, think tanks, media, foundations, etc.
Profile

The Policy officer has experience in policy analysis and advocacy related to EU climate adaptation/mitigation, and environmental issues. S/He is a flexible and focus oriented multi tasker. It is essential that the S/He is a proactive person that can work as a constructive member of a team with minimum supervision. S/He is an organized and structured person able to prioritize and used to work with tough deadlines. S/He is capable to write clear and consistent reports. S/He is curious & creative and with a good sense of humour and possesses an understanding of and empathy with the aims and objectives of Wetlands International Europe.
Essential education and experience

Higher level education or equivalent;
At least five years of relevant experience in policy analysis and advocacy, especially on climate and environment;
Experience in event management and production of printed materials, such as reports, position papers, policy briefings, etc;
Knowledge of the EU institutions and political decision-making processes;
Knowledge of EU Green Deal and key climate/environmental policies including EU Biodiversity Strategy, Fit for 55 package, LULUCF, Climate Adaptation Strategy, and Common Agricultural Policy. Strong team player able to work effectively in a global network setting;
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. Working knowledge of German or French will be an asset;
Strong ICT 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;
Active interest in current environment and development matters.

Other Aspects

This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated 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 job: 36 hours per week;
Location: Currently, Wetlands International Europe’s staff is working from home;
Grade/Salary: Gross/Month Euro 3.818 based on a full time contract;
Contract duration: to be determent;
Start date: a.s.a.p.

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

Interviews: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will start the 14th of March. Deadline for submission of applications 11th March.