Project Leader – Wildlife Advocacy

Project Leader – Wildlife Advocacy

(35 hours per week), Brussels, Belgium

Background

Eurogroup for Animals has been the leading voice for animal welfare at European Union level since 1980 representing over 40 national and international animal welfare organisations. We provide a voice for the billions of animals kept in laboratories, farms and homes or living in the wild and work to create a Europe where animals are considered and valued as contributing to our well-being, prosperity and to the sustainability of our planet.

Throughout the world wild animals are traded on a massive scale, exploited, cruelly trapped, hunted and killed. In addition human activity such as farming results in a loss of habitat which is rapidly threatening the planet’s biodiversity. Eurogroup strives to achieve effective legislation to protect wild animals and for improved enforcement of existing legislation to safeguard their welfare in all circumstances – whether in the wild or in captivity, traded or kept as exotic pets.

Job purpose

In our work to improve the welfare of wildlife we collaborate very closely with our dedicated partner AAP Rescue Centre. In collaboration with partners throughout Europe, AAP and Eurogroup are advocating together to inform policymakers and the public about the need for and advantages of a ‘Positive List’ to restrict the keeping of exotic animals, and offering practical solutions and advice on its design and implementation, curbing illegal trade in exotic animals and implementing bans for wild animals in entertainment across the EU. The Project Leader Wildlife is responsible for several target countries by developing and implementing campaign plans. Furthermore, the project leader Wildlife is the linking pin in the European Wildlife welfare community, oversees all relevant developments, brings people together and identifies opportunities. Over the past years, Eurogroup has been very active in putting the welfare of wildlife on the political agenda in a time where national legislation to protect wild animals varies wildlife and there is no overarching EU legislation in place. Together with AAP Rescue Centre and Eurogroup’s members the project leader will further develop and implement the strategic agenda for the coming years.

Key responsibilities

The Project Leader Wildlife is responsible for the general coordination of projects within the Wildlife programme of Eurogroup for Animals. A substantial part of this programme is related to the joint campaign with our partner AAP Rescue Centre which aims at achieving legal restrictions on the keeping of and trade in exotic animals across the EU.

Job dimensions

Identify potential opportunity countries across Europe and advocate for sustainable restrictions on the keeping of exotic animals (e.g. positive lists) in those countries by influencing governments and relevant stakeholders with sound information and expertise.

Position himself/herself as the first contact in Brussels for animal welfare issues on Wildlife

Further develop and implement the Eurogroup strategy on Wildlife advocacy

Engage Eurogroup’s members and relevant stakeholders in Wildlife campaigns and maintain active working relationships

Competencies

Professional, striving for excellence

Proactive and solutions-oriented

Strong diplomatic, tactical and inter-personal skills

Positive team player and accountable working style

Skills

Advocacy experience and experience with integrated campaigning and advocacy strategies

Academic thinker and working level

Experience or affinity with wildlife and animal welfare work

Proven organisational and project management skills, able to manage multiple projects to deadlines

Understanding of and in-depth knowledge of political processes at national and EU level

Strong conceptual and analytical skills, able to think strategically and creatively

Fluent in English (oral and written) and one other EU language

Ability and willingness to travel, often on short notice

Employment Contract

35 hours per week, unlimited employment contract under Belgian law. Competitive remuneration and benefits package offered.

Application Procedure

To apply for the post, please send a letter of application stating the skills and approach that you would bring to the post along with your curriculum vitae, both in English, in confidence by email to Lina Christensen, l.christensen@eurogroupforanimals.org

Please also state your remuneration requirements in strictest confidence. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

Deadline for applications: Friday 23rd January 2015