Wetlands International is the only NGO dedicated to the safeguarding and restoration of wetlands. At the heart of our vision is a plan to demonstrate whole landscape recovery in large wetland landscapes across mangroves, peatlands, and freshwater wetlands across the world. These are landscapes that are among the top global biodiversity treasures, but which are also sources of much of the world’s land-based climate emissions and where people are most poor and vulnerable.
Profile
Wetlands International seeks a seasoned, senior advocacy officer to help us bring wetlands as critically important natural capital, into development policy, planning, and investment decisions. This post is an exciting opportunity to make a difference in the inter-connecting fields of nature, climate, and water. The Senior Advocacy Officer will take a leadership role and work at the sharp end of advocacy together with our many partners. We recognize the need to act through dialogue-based approaches to achieve balanced solutions. The candidate should be able to engage in government, business, and inter-government environments and to articulate knowledge-based arguments to influence decision-making processes. The post holder will play a key role in building capacity across the Wetlands International network.
Reporting to: Head of Communications and Advocacy
Full-time: 36 hours
Location: Ede-Wageningen, Netherlands
Grade/Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
About the role
Wetland landscape recovery is a key outcome of the Wetlands International Strategic Intent 2020-30 that is embedded in our global ambitions across three streams of work on Deltas and Coasts, Rivers and Lakes, and Peatlands. We have set an objective for the coming years of developing a healthy pipeline of fundable propositions for wetland landscape recovery and to persuade governments, companies, and investors to adopt favorable policies & standards and that enable innovative carbon financing. Advocacy is a key component in achieving this together with a range of strategic partners.
Purpose of the role
A member of the Communications & Advocacy Team, the Senior Advocacy Officer advocates the values of wetlands in sustainable development and advises the organization and its network on advocacy strategy development and implementation. The post holder will advocate towards key international actors and opinion formers, based on sound science and knowledge. He/she will establish and strengthen political relationships and conduct advocacy activities in support of Wetlands International priority objectives. The post holder can identify political opportunities, collaborate, and engage on a diverse range of policy files in parallel.
Responsibilities and tasks
Strategic development of advocacy and communications
- Develops and facilitates implementation of advocacy and communications strategies and plans in cooperation with Programme Heads, Heads of Office, Senior Technical staff and the Communications Team.
- Provide strategic leadership in carrying out advocacy activities.
- Engage with policy officers in the network to advise, coach, and support on political advocacy strategy development and implementation.
- Organise capacity-building activities for Wetlands International and its network.
International Advocacy:
- Establish, manage and maintain relations with key decision-makers and engage/facilitate engagement with international (multi and bilateral) financial institutions and governments, to undertake knowledge-based advocacy and uptake of sustainable solutions.
- Tracks policy and investment developments and shares with Wetlands International’s team and the project partners.
- Monitors emerging policy and political issues/debates, and maps out opportunities and national political contexts in key countries where Wetlands International works.
- Engages with international stakeholders such as civil society, government, and business to align advocacy and communication strategies.
- Coordinates Communications and Advocacy activities with others in Wetlands International’s network of offices.
Outreach at events and policy opportunities:
- Strategizes and facilitates effective engagement at international meetings and platforms. • Identifies, builds relationships with, and influences key decision-makers.
Working relations
INSIDE Wetlands International: Works as part of the global Communications and Advocacy team, collaborates with technical leads and other Wetlands International network office staff.
OUTSIDE Wetlands International: International multi and bi-lateral financial institutions, governments, international policy bodies, platforms and dialogue processes; international NGO’s.
Education and experience
- Relevant degree e.g. international development, international relations, or development communications
- Minimum 8 years of relevant work experience with a demonstrable track record of influencing political decision-making and managing strategic partnerships
- Experience in leading political strategy development and implementation, including in strategic planning and management of campaigns directly and through facilitating others
- Experience working for large, complex, and/or matrix organisation. International organisation / NGO experience preferred
- Fluent level English speaker. Working proficiency in additional languages advantageous, particularly French
- Must be eligible to work in the Netherlands
Core competencies
- Familiarity and interest in environmental issues;
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, and an ability to communicate complicated messages clearly to different audiences including through written materials and presentations;
- Ability to identify key or underlying issues in complex situations making recommendations as required;
- Demonstrated ability to support colleagues with a diverse set of skills and background in developing their advocacy strategies;
- Able to work in a clear, open, and structured manner;
- Ability to plan, prioritise and manage a heavy workload and a flexible and positive approach to problem-solving;
- Good interpersonal, team-building, networking, and capacity-building skills, demonstrating awareness and respect for different cultures.
How to apply
To apply for this vacancy, please send us a resume and an application letter indicating your motivation to – Jozefa van der Veen, HR Officer. Email – [email protected]
Please mark in the subject: “Application – Senior Advocacy Officer”. Questions about the vacancy and/or procedure can also be sent to this email address.
Deadline for the application is Sunday 6 March 2022.
Interviews will take place in the week commencing 14 March 2022.