WEFE Nexus Development Officer

ICU is recruiting a WEFE Nexus Development Officer to be based at its headquarters in Rome. Application deadline: 10/04/2026

Role Objective

The WEFE Nexus Development Officer will work at headquarters (HQ), reporting directly to the Senior WEFE Nexus Advisor. The position will play a key role in strengthening the WEFE NEXUS HQ department, ensuring the technical excellence of ongoing projects and expanding programs related to WEFE (Water, Energy, Food and Ecosystems) themes. A central objective will be to consolidate the project portfolio, including through participation in high-profile programs (including research and innovation), such as INTERREG, Horizon Europe, PRIMA, Global Gateway, LIFE, etc.

Main Responsibilities

1. Project Development and Research

• Identify funding opportunities (EU, AICS, Development Banks, Climate Funds).
• Conduct (or coordinate, when necessary) needs assessments, project design, technical feasibility studies, and logical frameworks. Lead the writing and technical design of new multi-sector project proposals (Water, Energy, Food, Ecosystems), including partner scouting and building suitable partnerships for each proposal.

2. Technical Support, Monitoring, and Departmental Innovation

• Propose and support the Senior Advisor in developing training and capacity-building courses on WEFE NEXUS and/or project-related topics, both independently and upon request.
• Support the Senior WEFE Nexus Advisor in monitoring active projects, ensuring the achievement of technical KPIs.
• Develop and implement technical monitoring tools specific to WEFE NEXUS sectors, as well as data analysis systems to measure intervention impact.
• Create and manage knowledge-sharing platforms (knowledge management) to harmonize technical standards between HQ and local offices.
• Review technical reports from local offices and propose data-driven corrective solutions.
• Provide remote technical backstopping and facilitate technological and methodological transfer to local teams.

3. Field Missions

• Carry out periodic field missions for technical monitoring of infrastructure/interventions, needs assessments, and support in setting up new complex projects.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in Engineering (especially Environmental, Civil, Energy, Hydraulic, or Chemical Engineering), Agronomy, or equivalent technical-scientific disciplines.
• Experience: At least 2 years of professional experience in the management, design, or technical monitoring of projects, with particular emphasis on international cooperation and research projects.
• Technical Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of climate change dynamics, including causes and solutions, Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), and the WEFE NEXUS approach.
  • Ability to develop monitoring tools and data analysis systems (e.g., advanced Excel, GIS software, or data visualization platforms).
  • Experience in project proposal writing and familiarity with INTERREG, HORIZON, LIFE, and/or PRIMA programs.
• Languages: Excellent knowledge of English and/or French, and Italian.
• Soft Skills: Innovation-oriented mindset, proactive approach to process improvement, flexibility, and problem-solving attitude.

Contract Conditions

• Duty station: Rome (HQ), with availability for international travel.
• Contract: Depending on the candidate’s profile.
• Expected start date: First half of 2026.

How to Apply:

Click on the “Apply for the position” button at the bottom of the page and upload the following documents in PDF format:

1. CV (PDF) in English and/or Italian and/or French, named: “WEFE Nexus Development Officer_First Name Last Name_CV”
2. • Motivation letter (PDF) in Italian, English, or French, addressing at least the following topics:
     • Any prior knowledge of ICU or its collaborators
     • Relevant personal and professional experience for this position, especially regarding key requirements
     • Expected monthly salary (specify net/gross)
     • Earliest availability date
     • Contact details of 3 referees
   File name: “WEFE Nexus Development Officer_First Name Last Name_Motivation Letter”

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.