Our Biodiversity Programme is looking for a new colleague!

Overall purpose of the job

We are looking for a team of new colleagues to assist with preparing the 9^th edition of the AEWA Conservation Status Report. These positions will focus on reviewing and assessing threats to AEWA waterbird populations but will also support the assessment of responses such as the implementation of the International Single and Multi-species Action Plans, the nomination of sites to the AEWA flyway site network, and habitat conservation measures. They will also support developing a proposal for amending AEWA’s Table 1 based on the population size and trend estimates, and other criteria.

Responsibilities and tasks

• Conduct literature reviews on threats to a subset of AEWA populations;
• Assess threats to the same subset of AEWA populations in a standardised manner;
• Assist with the assessment of the implementation of AEWA Single and Multi-species Action Plans;
• Assist with collecting and analysing data on the nomination of sites to the AEWA Flyway Site Network;
• Assist with collecting and analysing information on habitat conservation measures.

Working relations

INSIDE Wetlands International Europe:

The Junior Technical Officer – Waterbirds will work as part of a small team to be established to produce the 9^th edition of the AEWA Conservation Status report within Wetlands International Europe led by the Biodiversity Manager. The team also includes a Technical Officer who will guide data management and analysis works on a daily basis. The team members will also interact with other members of the team of Wetlands International Europe as necessary.

OUTSIDE Wetlands International Europe:

Staff from the Global Office and regional offices of Wetlands International. Staff of the AEWA Secretariat, members of the AEWA Technical Committee and species experts.   

Profile

The Junior Technical Officer is an early career professional interested in waterbirds and their conservation. They should be able to process large amounts of information quickly and use spatial and tabular data management tools proficiently.  

Essential education and experience

• At least BSC-level education in ecology or similar subjects;
• Strong team player;
• Knowledge of Excel, R and GIS.

Core competencies

• Good command of written and spoken English. Working knowledge of French, Russian or Arabic will be an asset;
• Strong analytical thinking;
• Capacity to work both independently and within a team;
• Ability to work in an international, multi-cultural NGO environment;
• Active interest in waterbird ecology and conservation.

Other Aspects

This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organisational needs.

The Association applies the same terms and conditions of employment as the Foundation of Wetlands International.

Job Offer

Wetlands International Europe offers a full-time contract (maximum 36 hours per week), a competitive pay package and other benefits. The indicative starting base salary range for this role would be around 2.510 € gross per month, with the final figure depending on the successful candidate’s skills, competencies and experience. Wetlands International Europe also offers a range of additional benefits, including allowances for lunch, public transport, flexible and hybrid working conditions, health insurance, a pension plan and paid holiday following Belgian or Dutch law, depending on the duty location.

The position starts on 1 November 2024 and ends on 31 March 2025.

How to apply

Please send your application to [email protected] and write “Application Junior Technical Officer – Waterbirds” 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 or the Netherlands and tell us when, if selected, you would be able to start.

Applications deadline: 30 September 2024. Interviews will be held on Week 42.

About Wetlands International Europe

Established in September 2013, Wetlands International European Association (Wetlands International Europe) is the single network organisation in Europe bringing together NGOs. Our ambition for the period 2020-2030 is to upscale action to safeguard and restore wetlands, collaborating with multiple partners and mobilising a wide range of actors to transform whole landscapes and sectors. Our access to cutting-edge science, combined with our understanding of EU policies, the on-ground experience from our members, partners and their networks, in addition to our own global network, makes us a credible and effective advocate for improving European policies and practices.

Through our different programmes we aim at scaling up restoration and the application of sustainable wetland management practices. We implement them in collaboration with our members and global network, and they all have a twin track approach whereby advocacy actions and the delivery of restoration practices on the ground go hand-in-hand. We also put an emphasis on facilitating partnerships and developing the knowledge and decision-making infrastructure needed to place wetlands high on the European political agenda.