Policy and Advocacy Officer (Climate and DRR)

Established in September 2013, the Wetlands International – European Association brings together 8 European NGOmembers, working together to raise awareness about wetland ecosystems and to advocate the sustainable use of wetlands for people and nature, in particular by linking science, policy and practice. Wetlands International – European Association is the European legal entity of Wetlands International, the only global not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands such as lakes, marshes and rivers. Wetlands International – European Association focuses on EU-level advocacy because, as one of the biggest economies in the world and the biggest donor of development aid, the EU can act as a driver of wetland degradation or as an agent of change, rehabilitation and sustainability, domestically and around the world. The work undertaken by Wetlands International – European Association contributes and is complementary to the global Wetlands International strategy, summarised in the Wetlands International Strategic Intent 2015-2025.

The European Association has already been successful in establishing its networks and niche in the region and in stimulating joint activities and policy influence. A draft Regional (European) Strategy has been developed. Important priorities include addressing the EU’s impact on wetlands around the world in relation to e.g. disaster risk reduction (DRR) and development aid, and climate change mitigation and adaptation with policy processes such as the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). A substantial two-year programme and work plan has been prepared and is budgeted from January 2016, which includes provision for significant development of the team. We now seek to engage a Policy and Advocacy Officer (Climate and DRR) to lead on this aspect of the programme, in which we see good prospect for bringing about positive impact.

Working relations

INSIDE Wetlands International:

Programme Manager and the team of the European Association; European Association member NGO’s; advocacy/ communications, technical, project and strategic staff in Wetlands International.

OUTSIDE Wetlands International:

Project partners and consultants, European institutions (e.g. DG DEVCO, DG ECHO, DG CLIMA, the Parliament), various UN institutions on disaster response, climate and resilience issues (such as

UNFCCC and UNFCCD), humanitarian organisations, Brussels Bioenergy and LULUCF Coalitions, European donors, actors from public and private sector.

The Association applies the same terms and conditions of employment as the Wetlands International global Foundation.

Overall Purpose of the Job:

The Policy and Advocacy Officer will lead a significant component of the policy and advocacy work of the Wetlands International European Programme. The focus of this work includes ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (DRR) and management, and climate change mitigation and in relation to wetlands and their provisioning and regulating services both within and outside Europe.

Profile

The Policy and Advocacy Officer (Climate and DRR) will be an experienced and resourceful policy analyst and lobbyist, with a keen interest in sustainable development. S/he is a team player who can function effectively in a dynamic international environment. S/he has a good understanding of EU and national policy and decision-making processes in Europe, knows his/her way in Brussels institutions and has a relevant network of media, NGO, government and EU contacts.

Main responsibilities and duties

• Facilitate the development of joint advocacy strategies with members of the European Association and associated networks, partners and colleagues in the Wetlands International network, and with international stakeholders such as civil society, government and business;
• Monitor EU political and regulatory developments on climate adaptation, DRR, CAP and other relevant public and private investments (e.g. agriculture, forestry, water management) to identify potential risks for wetlands, both within the EU and in developing countries (particularly sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia);
• Advocate towards the European institutions for policy adjustments and for dialogue with e.g. UNFCCD or UNFCCC regarding natural infrastructure for DRR and community resilience, land sector impacts on wetlands and related land-based GHG emissions (EU 2030 Climate & Energy Framework), and water supply, sanitation and hygiene ("WASH") in developing countries;
• Support the development of a network of NGOs, journalists and other media and keep in close contact;
• Act as a key representative of Wetlands international and assist organisation of and participation in key events that provide a good outreach and influence platform for the programme;
• Ensure timely development of position papers, policy briefings, presentations and other advocacy materials and communication media;
• Assist the programme team and the Association members in raising resources to expand this area of work, together with Wetlands International and partner organisations.

Skills and experience

Essential:

• Master level qualification in relevant field (e.g. communications, humanities, environment);
• At least 5 years working experience in policy analysis, lobby and advocacy in the European context, working with national, regional and global dimensions;
• Demonstrable experience and achievements working in and advocating towards multi-stakeholder platforms and processes;
• Track record in policy analysis, writing and editing articles, website content, reports and press releases.
• Ability to quickly understand and absorb new topics, issues and disciplines and distil relevant advocacy strategies from them;
• Excellent communication and project management skills; team player and facilitator;
• An excellent command of written and spoken English and able to operate in one or more additional European languages (e.g. French, Spanish);
• Prepared to travel frequently internationally

Preferred:

• Understanding of climate change issues, climate policy or related fields;
• Familiarity with European development aid, European external policy and  disaster risk reduction;
• Interest in working in an international, multi-cultural environment

To apply for this vacancy, please send us a resume and an application letter indicating your motivation to Silva Paronakian, HR Officer (silva.paronakian@wetlands.org ). Please mark in the subject: "Application European Policy and Advocacy Officer". Questions about the vacancy and/or procedure can also be sent to this email address. The closing date is 13 March 2016.