About us

At Wetlands International, we are dedicated to safeguarding and restoring wetlands in all parts of the world, ranging from coastal wetlands such as mudflats and mangroves to freshwater systems and mountains, including peatlands, marshes, rivers and floodplains. To make a global difference and ensure sustainable wetland management across land and seascapes, we inspire and mobilise society to act and influence levers of change.

Wetlands International leads global efforts in addressing water issues by integrating water considerations into climate resilience, biodiversity, and development policies. We advocate for science-based policies that use water to advance climate action and development. Together with our extensive network and partners, we implement transformative water solutions on the ground that demonstrate climate resilience. We are a core partner of the Freshwater Challenge, the largest initiative aimed at restoring degraded freshwater ecosystems.

Your role

As Advocacy Officer – Water, you will spearhead our global efforts driving impactful policy initiatives to safeguard our planet’s precious water resources and wetlands. Together with other thematic Advocacy Officers, you will shape and advocate for policies that preserve and restore vital freshwater ecosystems worldwide. If you’re ready to make a tangible difference in wetland conservation on a global scale, this opportunity is for you!

Job offer

• Full time (36 hours – 5 days per week).
• Gross monthly salary between 3.622 and 5.000 EUR, excl. 8% holiday pay (dependent on experience).
• Contract duration: One year, with the expectation of extension.
• Location: Global Office in Ede-Wageningen, the Netherlands highly preferred, other European locations can be considered.

Responsibilities and tasks

• Design and implement the Wetlands International water policy and advocacy strategy and agenda.
• Integrate and coordinate the water policy objectives into country offices, partners and team members efforts.
• Enhance awareness of the crucial role wetland landscape restoration plays in strengthening resilience among key policymakers and stakeholders (such as UN Water, CBD, UNFCCC, Ramsar, businesses, CSOs, financial institutions).
• Promote Wetlands International landscape-scale tools, knowledge, and expertise, particularly the Wetlands for Resilience (W4R) model and 4 Returns (4R) approach, through showcasing case studies, success stories and best practices.
• Act as a focal point and lead Wetlands International’s Freshwater Challenge (FWC) engagement.
• Building the network’s capacity on the above, including by contributing to Wetlands International’s Community of Practice.
• Participate in fundraising efforts on water related policy activities including the FWC.
• Help develop and produce reports and publications, position papers, policy briefings, presentations, stories and define key messages to use across all channels.
• Identify and advise on key opportunities to influence and engage stakeholders, institutions and relevant actors across the freshwater sector.
• Coordinate regional policy efforts on water & resilience, and support our offices in connecting to relevant global fora and processes.
• Lead and leverage Wetlands International participation and involvement in relevant events e.g. Stockholm Water Week, World Water Summit, UN Water, FWC, among others.
• Represent the organization and participate in strategic partnerships, conferences, seminars, events.

Your profile

You are a passionate policy and advocacy professional with experience in water and climate policy in the not-for-profit sector. You are comfortable designing and implementing strategies that position Wetlands International towards stakeholders globally. You can strategically influence and mobilize coalitions, partnerships and governments in rapidly evolving international contexts. You build and maintain close working relationships with colleagues and connect and lead the network on water policy issues.

Education, skills, and experience

• Relevant degree or Master’s e.g. international development, international relations, public policy
• Min. 8 years policy and advocacy experience in the water or environment related sector
• Experience with water, climate and/or biodiversity related policy frameworks, legal instruments, and governance mechanisms at the local, national, and international levels (such as Convention on Biological Diversity, Ramsar, UNFCCC, UNCCD and UN water).
• Strong understanding of freshwater related challenges, including water scarcity, pollution, ecosystem degradation, and climate change impacts. Climate finance is a plus
• Analytical thinking, solid writing skills and able to adapt messages to different audiences
• Demonstrated ability to work in an international multi-stakeholder environment
• International experience and outlook, with cultural sensitivity
• Fluent in English. French a strong plus (Spanish and/or Dutch an advantage)

How to apply

Please send your CV and motivation letter before June 17th 2024 to Jozefa van der Veen, HR Officer to: [email protected]. 1st interview: July 4th, 8th and 10th 2024. 2nd interview: July 17th 2024.
In this procedure, we work with Sustainability Works. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact [email protected].