Policy Officer (Water and Rivers)

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, as well as 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 are water management, river restoration, green infrastructure solutions, and fish migration (with e.g. the European eel as one of several flagship species). The aim is to improve the conservation of wild rivers and the restoration of degraded ones across Europe, as a means to enhance biodiversity and mitigate water-related hazards such as floods and droughts. This will be done by connecting EU and national policies with on-ground implementation projects to improve awareness and understanding, build capacity, or stimulate investments in innovative demonstration projects illustrating green infrastructure solutions. We will also make use of policy opportunities such as the review of the Eel Regulation and Fitness Check of EU directives on Nature and Water. A substantial two-year programme and work plan has been prepared and is budgeted from January 2016. It includes provision for significant development of the team. We now seek to engage a Policy Officer who can take up the policy programme and connect it to on-ground experience across the region.

Working relations

INSIDE Wetlands International:

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

OUTSIDE Wetlands International:

Project partners and consultants, European institutions (EC, EP, DGs, working groups for the Water Framework Directive), European Centre for River Restoration (ECRR), public institutions on water issues, businesses in the field of water management, water power and engineering, fisheries sector, fish migration platforms and networks.

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

Overall purpose of job

Develop, coordinate and represent the policy and technical programme on water management, river restoration and fish migration of the Wetlands International – European Association.

Profile

The Policy Officer (Water and Rivers) will have hands-on experience and sound technical expertise (e.g. in water and river management or green infrastructure implementation) and will work effectively across sectors to promote policy change and improve practice in river and water management in Europe.

Main responsibilities and duties

• Assemble and develop key policy and practical assessments on green infrastructure, best practices in water management and wetland restoration to be used as a basis for advocacy;
• Supervise projects on river restoration, green infrastructure solutions and fish migration in various European river basins and deltas;
• Develop new collaborations and resources for water, rivers and wetlands, e.g. river restoration, green infrastructure solutions and fish migration.
• Assess the status of river fragmentation and distilling policy relevant conclusions on the implications for migration of fish and wider societal benefits;
• Actively support the development of communication and media;
• Actively participate in the Common Implementation Strategy working groups for the Water Framework Directive, Habitats Directive and Eel regulation, providing input on the knowledge and experience of the Wetlands International – European Association network, and feeding back information to the members;
• Engage with key government, business and civil society organisations to lobby for stronger provisions on river habitat restoration and removal of barriers for migratory fish.

Skills and experience

Essential:

• Master level qualification in relevant fields such as water management, eco-hydrology, freshwater ecology or civil water engineering;
• Minimum 5 years working experience in rivers, water management and related policy fields;
• Knowledge of river restoration issues and green infrastructure;
• Demonstrable experience and achievements working in and advocating towards multi-stakeholder platforms and processes;
• Understanding of EU policy frameworks and experience of national implementation of Integrated Water Resource Management in 1-2 countries
• Excellent social and project management skills; team player and facilitator;
• An excellent command of written and spoken English.

Preferred:

• Fluency in at least one or more additional European languages (e.g. German and/or French, Spanish)
• Interest in working in an international multi-cultural environment
• Prepared to travel frequently internationally

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 Policy Officer (Water and Rivers)". Questions about the vacancy and/or procedure can also be sent to this email address. The closing date is 13 March 2016.