Communications and Advocacy Officer

Communications and Advocacy Officer

Reporting to the European Programme Manager
Full-time position 36 hours per week
Based in: Ede, The Netherlands
Salary indication: € 2700-€ 4500 (gross salary), depending on relevant qualifications and experience

Overall Purpose of the Job:
The Communications and Advocacy Officer is responsible for implementing communications and advocacy activities in support of the European Programme, in the framework of the global Wetlands International Strategic Intent 2011-2020. S/he contributes to the development and implementation of communication and advocacy strategies, in particular in the field of climate change mitigation, bioenergy and its impacts on wetlands.

Main duties
Reporting to the European Programme Manager, your main duties will include:

1    Advocacy: (40%)

• Strategise and facilitate effective EU level advocacy, in particular in the field of climate change mitigation, bioenergy and its impacts on wetlands.
• Maintain contact with key people who are essential for our successful outreach at events (press, key decision makers, partners).
• Monitor EU and international political and regulatory developments, in particular in the field of climate change mitigation, bioenergy and its impacts on wetlands, and coordinate policy responses to such developments.
• Liaise with members, partners and colleagues in the Wetlands International network, providing them with technical and political advice and coordinating activities to influence EU decision-making.
• Contribute to the development of Wetlands International’s policy positions on the basis of objectives and strategies agreed by Wetlands International – European Association’s General Members Meeting.
   

2    Communications: (40%)

• Communicate news on relevant policy developments and the activities of Wetlands International – European Association to key target audiences including members, regulators and the press.
• Identify and develop outreach opportunities; develop press releases and have direct contact with press.
• Increase web-based and social media visibility by developing and implementing plans for more interactive communications and for visibility on websites including fora outside the wetlands.org network.
• Support the development of a network of journalists and other media (websites, web logs) and keep in close contact.
• Contribute to designing, writing and editing the web-based information and services.
• Create off-line communication and promotional materials (writing, editing, basic lay-out. Liaise with designers and printing companies).
• Coordinate the organisation of events.

3    Network development and support: (20%)

• Liaise with and support the work of the members of Wetlands International – European Association and of colleagues and partners in the global Wetlands International network;
• Contribute to fundraising efforts, donor reporting and monitoring and evaluation efforts.

Qualifications and Experience
The successful candidate will be an experienced advocate of environmental issues in the EU policy context, with a keen interest in wetlands and their importance to nature and human well-being. S/he is a consummate team player who likes to work in a dynamic international environment. S/he has a good understanding of EU policy and decision-making processes and a relevant network of media, NGO, government and EU institution contacts.

The following skills, qualifications and experience are essential:

• Appropriate educational qualification on a bachelor or master level.
• 5 years of relevant experience in advocacy and policy work, campaigning and communications.
• Demonstrated track record in writing and editing articles, website content, reports and press releases.
• Demonstrated track record in managing campaigns at a strategic level.
• An excellent command of written and spoken English, preferable on the level of a native speaker.
• Good interpersonal, team-building and networking skills, demonstrating awareness and respect of different cultures.
• Understanding and interest in wetland issues or related subjects in the field of water, environment and conservation issues.
• Networks and experience in a relevant European context.

Background
Wetlands International is a global network dedicated to safeguarding and restoring wetlands — for people and nature. We are driven by the knowledge that safeguarding and restoring wetlands is urgent and vital for water security, biodiversity, climate regulation, sustainable development and human health.

Established in September 2013, Wetlands International – European Association brings together 7 founding European NGO members , 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 part of the global Wetlands International network, which has approximately 150 staff members employed in 16 offices worldwide. We bring knowledge into policy and practice, connect local actions in 100 countries to make a global difference, we catalyze actions that support those that use or depend on wetlands, and we are passionate about the positive change we make for people and nature.

Other information
Subject to funding this is a temporary position until the end of this year with a possibility for renewal.

To apply:
Send a cover letter and CV detailing your experience in the above mentioned requirement areas to Silva Paronakian, e-mail: silva.paronakian@wetlands.org.  Please mark in the subject: “Application Communications and Advocacy Officer”. The application deadline is 31 Mai 2014.