Policy Officer - Peatlands Programme, Wetlands International European Association

Policy Officer, Peatlands Programme

**Organization:** Wetlands International Europe

**Location:** The selected applicant will have to be based in the Netherlands or Belgium

**Start date:** As soon as possible

**About Us:** Established in September 2013, Wetlands International European Association (Wetlands International Europe) is the single network organization in Europe bringing together NGOs. Our ambition for the period 2020-2030 is to upscale action to safeguard and restore wetlands, collaborating with multiple partners and mobilizing 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. Through our different programs, we aim at scaling up restoration and the application of sustainable wetland management practices. We implement them in collaboration with our members and global network, and they all have a twin-track approach whereby advocacy actions and the delivery of restoration practices on the ground go hand in hand. We also put an emphasis on facilitating partnerships and developing the knowledge and decision-making infrastructure needed to place wetlands high on the European political agenda.

**Purpose of the Job:** We are looking for a new colleague to work specially under our Peatlands Programme and putting Europe’s peatlands at the forefront of Nature-based and Climate Solutions to meet EU environmental biodiversity and climate targets. The European Green Deal will only be achieved if peatlands ecosystems are ambitiously conserved and their restoration is dramatically scaled up. The position will focus on EU-level advocacy for the achievement of peatland-related policies such as the Nature Restoration Law, Common Agricultural Policy, and Carbon Removal Certification Framework and their integration with freshwater and biodiversity-related policy objectives. 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. Cross-collaboration with other programs like Freshwater and Biodiversity will be highly important in the Project Officer's role as they will work under different EU-funded projects delivering policy advocacy products that affect different types of wetlands, not only peatlands. All projects will include communication and dissemination activities and cross-collaboration with other colleagues.

**Responsibilities and Tasks:**

• Engages with and lobbies politicians, key decision-makers, business, and other important stakeholders based in Brussels for stronger provisions on wetlands restoration
• Assembles and develops joint key policy and practical assessments with members and partners (e.g. policy briefings, position papers, reports)
• Actively participates in different networks and platforms providing input on the knowledge and experience of Wetlands International Europe’s network and feeding back information to the members
• Organizes and participates in meetings and task forces with members of Wetlands International Europe to coordinate internal positions
• When needed, represents Wetlands International Europe at key conferences, events, and meetings with the European institutions and EU Member States
• Organizes and manages events according to project specifications
• Actively supports the development of communications materials

**Working Relations:**

• **INSIDE Wetlands International Europe:** The Policy Officer will work closely with the Horizon Europe Project Manager and Head of Programs and will collaborate frequently with the Freshwater Policy Officer, Biodiversity Manager, and members of Wetlands International Europe. They will also work closely with Wetlands International Global Office team.
• **OUTSIDE Wetlands International Europe:** Officials from the European Commission, Representatives of Members States to the EU, Members of the European Parliament, other government officials, project partners, NGOs, etc.

**Profile:** The Policy Officer has experience in policy analysis and advocacy related to EU climate adaptation, mitigation, and other related environmental issues. They are a flexible and focused multi-tasker. It is essential that they are proactive and work as a constructive member of a team with minimum supervision. They are organized and structured and are accustomed to working with ambitious deadlines. They are a strong writer. They are also curious and creative with a good sense of humor and possess 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-three years of relevant experience in policy analysis and advocacy, ideally on climate and environmental topics
• Experience producing reports, position papers, policy briefings, etc.
• Knowledge of the EU institutions and political decision-making processes
• 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 organizations

**Core Competencies:**

• An excellent command of written and spoken English
• Working knowledge of German or French will be an asset
• Strong ICT skills
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy
• Capacity to work independently and within a team
• Ability to work in an international, multicultural NGO environment
• Experience organizing events
• Active interest in current environment and climate matters