Manager, Ocean Policy

Manager, Ocean Policy

WWF European Policy Office

Brussels, Belgium

We are looking for a full-time “Manager, Ocean Policy” to join our Ocean Policy Unit. Location: WWF European Policy Office in Brussels.

Main responsibilities:

The Ocean Team ensures that there is a coordinated approach across the WWF European network to effectively influence and implement EU ocean policies including the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported Fishing (IUU) Regulation, Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSP), International Ocean Governance and SDG 14 agenda. It ensures that Europe’s seas and priority footprint areas are productive and resilient and become global flagships for sustainable, equitable, and innovative ocean governance and use.

The Manager, Ocean Policy will play a key role in delivering WWF’s EU oceans strategy. He/she will actively support the Head of the unit in strategic planning and coordinating the team; establishing and strengthening political relationships with EU institutions and other stakeholders and conducting advocacy actions; engaging, mobilizing and securing buy-in from WWF network on EU oceans policy.

What you need:

Required skills and competencies

• Advanced technical or university degree or postgraduate degree with more than 7 years of experience or relevant work related experience, including relevant experiences in engaging with EU institutions;
• In depth knowledge of European institutions and understanding of the complexities of EU legislation related to oceans and its implementation at EU and/or national level;
• Effective collaboration: good team player prepared to contribute proactively to a variety of tasks; establishes an inclusive and supportive environment that fosters a culture of co-creation, teamwork, networking and expertise growth;
• 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;
• Flexible task management: well organised and flexible with the ability to work independently, take initiative and take on additional responsibilities when required. Ability to plan, prioritise and manage a heavy workload and a flexible and positive approach to problem solving;
• 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;
• 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;
• Inspiring leadership: lead by showing example and by acting as a role model, hold themselves accountable; experience of managing a small team;
• 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 its 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 4.300 € 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 [email protected] and write “Manager, Ocean Policy” 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: 06 October 2024 midnight

Interviews: indicative timeline:

• 1^st round: 16 October;
• ​2^nd round: 23 October.

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.