ECOLISE is hiring! Seeks Deputy Director & Policy Assistant

Categories: ECOLISE news

ECOLISE is recruiting for the posts of Deputy Director and Policy Assistant

ECOLISE, the European network for community-led initiatives on climate change and sustainability, is now at an exciting stage in its development. It will soon be opening an office in Brussels and is currently recruiting for the posts of Deputy Director and Policy Assistant. The Deputy Director, will assist and support the Executive Director, with specific responsibility for overseeing the set-up and running of the Brussels office. They will be a leading member of the team, taking responsibility for much of the day to day management of the organisation. The Policy Assistant will assist and support the Policy Coordinator with policy development and advocacy work, as well as conducting thematic research to support the on-going knowledge and learning work within ECOLISE.

Are you inspired to play a leading role in a fast-developing organisation focused on supporting citizen and community-led responses to the climate and ecological emergency?  Do you have the skills, experience and imagination to help support a community-led transformation to a more sustainable and just society?

Read on for more details on how to apply for these posts.

Deputy Director

ECOLISE is recruiting for the newly created post of Deputy Director. The successful candidate will be Brussels-based and will oversee the set up and running of a new Brussels office. They will have specific responsibility for:

  • Raising the profile of ECOLISE in Brussels, including developing and strengthening relations with the EU institutions, as well as with other key partners and allies
  • Overseeing the reporting and financial management for EU-funded projects, as well as identifying new funding opportunities and, where relevant, leading or contributing to consortia/proposal development.
  • Supporting ECOLISE policy development and advocacy work, in conjunction with the Policy Coordinator, including the development and organisation of Brussels events and study trips.
  • Assisting the Executive Director with HR development, including the recruitment and management of staff and interns.
  • Other tasks as assigned by the Executive Director.

Candidate profile

We are looking to recruit a candidate that has the demonstrated capacity and flexibility to take on a leadership and managerial role within ECOLISE. The successful candidate will report directly to the Executive Director and will be a valued member of the management team. She/he will be expected to have a combination of the following skills and experience:

  • EU policy and programmes: a good knowledge of the EU policy development process, and more in-depth knowledge of EU policy and programmes in the areas of Community-led Local Development (CLLD) and Smart Villages, Climate Action and the Environment;
  • EU project development: knowledge and experience of proposal writing and project implementation, including administrative and contractual aspects;
  • Financial management: knowledge and experience of managing budgets and financial reporting, with a good knowledge of related tools and resources;
  • Human resource management, including people management and team development.

Person specification

  • A team player, with the ability to work constructively with others in the ECOLISE management team;
  • Creative and entrepreneurial, with the capacity to identify potential opportunities and pathways that can help to advance the goals of the ECOLISE network;
  • Inner resilience, with the ability to operate in a challenging environment, respond to demands of an expanding network, and adapt to changing situations.

The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background and a successful career track record in one or more areas relevant to the post. They will be comfortable representing the organisation in different forums, including high level events in Brussels and elsewhere. They will also be expected to have a deep understanding of the climate and ecological emergency and the role of community-led responses in helping to bring about transformative change.

Terms of employment

Period of employment: 1 year contract with the possibility of renewal

Location: Brussels, Belgium.

Remuneration: in the region of EUR 50,000 for 80% full-time equivalent (FTE).

Note: ECOLISE is not seeking to become a direct employer of staff at this stage, so we are keen to discuss freelance or similar arrangements. Other conditions to be negotiated.

To apply

Please send your CV and motivation letter in English to including the words “Deputy Director Post” in the subject. The deadline for applications is 5:00pm Central European Standard Time (CEST) on the 16th March 2020.

Note: ECOLISE is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to a policy of gender equality and non-discrimination. People of colour, in particular women, non-binary and trans people are encouraged to apply. Only those candidates whose applications are selected for interview will be contacted for further exchanges.

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Policy Assistant

The Policy Assistant will support the Policy Coordinator in the following:

  • Research: researching specific policy areas and contributing to ECOLISE publications and policy papers. Ensuring that all aspects of the research (including design, processes, analyses and policy recommendations) include a gender perspective and respect the rights of marginalised social groups.
  • Advocacy: support the Policy Coordinator to: (a.) advocate on identified priority policy areas, (b.) assist with the design and implementation of effective advocacy strategies, and (c.) attend policy-related events and meetings and support ECOLISE member representatives or other team members in participating in policy related events and meetings.
  • Supporting capacity development: working with the Coordinator to (a.) develop webinars and workshops to engage members in policy-making at the EU and national level, (b.) identifying suitable training opportunities for members, (c.) assist in keeping the Policy Circle up to date on recent developments on topics of priority and interest, and (d.) support the planning of policy events in Brussels, showcasing the role of communities in forging local solutions to global problems.
  • Project management: assisting the Policy Coordinator in meeting contractual commitments linked to EU-funded projects.

Candidate profile

The successful candidate is expected to have a combination of the following skills and experience:

  • Policy analysis and advocacy experience, specifically with regards to climate and ecological crisis;
  • Applied knowledge of participatory research methodologies;
  • Commitment to equity and collaboration;
  • Understanding of community-led initiatives on climate change and sustainability;
  • Experience engaging with social movements;
  • Fluent in English and at least one other EU language.

Person specification

  • Graduate degree, ideally in a related field (EU affairs, social or environmental sciences,..);
  • Excellent analytical and report-writing skills;
  • Open to collaborative ways of working;
  • At least 2 to 3 years experience of working on EU policy and with EU institutions;
  • Clear understanding and experience in the fields of climate change and sustainability;
  • Good understanding of wider systemic factors contributing to climate breakdown;
  • Understanding and openness to working within a diverse team that pays special attention to team dynamics, co-creation and mutual aid.

Terms of employment

Period of employment: 1 year contract with the possibility of renewal

Location: Brussels, Belgium.

Remuneration: in the region of EUR 24,000 for 80% full-time equivalent (FTE).

Note: ECOLISE is not seeking to become a direct employer of staff at this stage, so we are keen to discuss freelance or similar arrangements. Other conditions to be negotiated.

To apply:

Please send your CV and Motivation letter in English to including the words “Policy Assistant Post” in the subject line. The deadline for applications is 5:00pm Central European Standard Time (CEST) on the 16th March 2020.

Note: ECOLISE is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to a policy of gender equality and non-discrimination. People of colour, in particular women, non-binary and trans people are encouraged to apply. Only those candidates whose application is selected for interview will be contacted for further exchanges.

ECOLISE

ECOLISE, the European network for community-led initiatives on climate change and sustainability, is a coalition of organisations engaged in promoting and supporting local communities across Europe in their efforts to build pathways to a sustainable future. The members of ECOLISE include international, national and regional networks of community-led initiatives, as well as other organisations engaged in European-level research, training, communications or other activities to support community-led climate action and sustainability.  You can read the current ECOLISE strategy here and you will find more information on our website. Established in 2014, ECOLISE is now seeking to expand the team to bring in new skills and experience to meet a growing volume of work.

 

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