We are looking for a full-time Ocean Policy Officer to join our Ocean Policy Team. The ideal candidate should have experience in ocean and fisheries policies and a commitment to supporting WWF’s mission.
Location : WWF European Policy Office in Brussels
Main responsibilities:
The Ocean Policy Officer supports the policy efforts of the EPO ocean team and our ocean conservation advocacy towards the EU decision-making institutions. The Ocean Policy Officer supports the Head of unit, other policy officers and the communications department in their political strategy development, establishing and strengthening political relationships and planning, and conducting advocacy actions.
- Offer dedicated fisheries policy and technical support to the EPO ocean team and WWF network, and assist colleagues on cross-cutting priorities;
- Monitor marine policy developments especially in DG MARE, AGRIFISH and the PECH Committee and carry out advocacy activities on these issues together with other policy officers within EPO, other civil society organisations and stakeholders;
- Interact and coordinate activities with the WWF EU offices especially on fisheries-related network wins and agreed priorities, provide regular updates to the WWF network and support their engagement on EU fisheries priorities;
- Support and coordinate the work of the WWF network around the Common Fisheries Policy and related policies and legislation, notably those related to the fight against illegal fishing;
- Serve as a focal point on fisheries related matters for the WWF Sustainable Fisheries network, as a representative of WWF within and for the EU IUU Fishing Coalition, over civil society groups and Advisory Councils, and as a contact point on fisheries-related matters for external stakeholders and media;
- Draft briefings, reports, positions papers, letters, etc, and carry out research of relevance and in a timely manner to support WWF’s objectives;
- Engage with WWF offices around the world to support WWF’s work at the regional (e.g. RFMOs) and international level.
What you need:
- A relevant degree in economics, EU law, marine or fisheries science, European studies or similar work related experience;
- At least 3 years of experience in fisheries and marine issues; expertise in IUU fishing issues is a plus;
- An interest in, and commitment to, environmental and conservation issues;
- Sound knowledge of marine conservation policies and international institutions to protect marine ecosystems and resources;
- Sound knowledge of the EU legislative processes and policy formulation in the European Parliament, Council and European Commission;
- Capacity to engage in public affairs and political environment;
- Capacity to build strong networks and relationships;
- Flexible task management: well organised and flexible with the ability to balance diverging demands and interests and work independently, take on additional responsibilities when required. Ability to plan, prioritise and manage a heavy workload (setting realistic deadlines) and a flexible and positive approach to problem solving;
- Impactful communication: excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, and an ability to communicate complicated messages clearly to different audiences; active listening and empathy skills;
- Strategic and analytical thinking: excellent research skills and ability to present extensive technical information in a simplified form. Compile ideas into concise proposals and verify own conclusions; Up to date knowledge and understanding of the use of databases;
- Balanced resilience: keep performing with high quality and calm when put under the pressure, daring to go out of personal comfort zone and still securing a healthy work-life balance;
- A firm commitment to WWF’s mission (“to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature”) and the core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration.
Remuneration package:
WWF European Policy Office offers an indefinite full time contract and a competitive package of pay and other benefits. The indicative base salary range for this role would be around 3.200 € gross per month, with the final figure depending on the skills, competencies and experience of the successful candidate. WWF European Policy Office also offers a range of additional benefits, including allowances for lunch, public transport, flexible and hybrid working conditions, health insurance, pension plan, paid holiday and additional month of pay in accordance with Belgian law.
Please consult the attached job description for more information on the position.
How to apply?
Please send your application to recruitments@wwf.eu and write “Application Ocean Policy Officer” in the subject line, and include:
- A single PDF document with your up to date CV (with no picture and birth date) and a cover letter outlining why you would be a suitable candidate for the role (letter of maximum 400 words);
- Please also indicate whether you have the legal right to work full time in Belgium and tell us when, if selected, you would be able to start.
Applications deadline: 31st July 2024 midnight
Interviews indicative timeline:
First round: week of 5-9 August;
Second round: week of 19-23 August.
Please note that we can only respond to successful candidates.
WWF European Policy Office is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable working environment for all our employees. We welcome applications from all people regardless of background, and strongly encourage people with disabilities, people of non-European ethnic origin and nationality, people over 45 years old, to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of age, ethnic or social origin, gender, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, or any other protected characteristic under EU law. We’ll strive to make adjustments to accommodate accessibility needs during the application process.
