Programme Leader – Wildlife

Covid-19 has put the spotlight on the immense risks of the trade, sales and keeping of wild animals. This has given our wildlife programme a great impulse and enhanced relevance. Although there’s a lot of focus on conservation, the welfare of wild animals legally and illegally traded, managed or kept in captivity remains a serious challenge. As our programme leader wildlife, you will be working with our members to make a long lasting impact for the welfare of wildlife. In five years from now we want to see an EU ban on the keeping of wild animals in entertainment, an EU positive list to regulate the trade in and keeping of exotic pets, much better conditions for animals in zoos, less cruelty to invasive alien species and the end of fur farming. 

Do you have a background in wildlife management and EU public affairs and want to become part of making history for wildlife? We would love to hear from you.

What we can offer is a dynamic and multicultural work environment with lots of space to innovate and develop. Together with a tightly knit community of like minded animal advocates, you will be contributing to driving systemic change for wildlife. 

Key responsibilities

The Project Leader Wildlife is responsible for the development and implementation of the Wildlife programme of Eurogroup for Animals. A substantial part of this programme is related to the joint advocacy with our partner AAP Animal Advocacy and Protection and other member organisations aiming at achieving legal restrictions on the keeping of and trade in exotic animals across the EU.

Job dimensions:

• In collaboration with our member organisations, develop, lead the execution of, evaluate and adjust where necessary Eurogroup for Animals’ wildlife strategy;
• Build and maintain a strong wildlife community among Eurogroup’s members;
• Advise on and execute lobby and campaign strategies;
• Develop briefings, positions and reports;
• Manage the wildlife-related work of the programme assistant and consultants;
• Represent Eurogroup for Animals towards EU Institutions, international fora, scientific congresses and Member State events including among others delivering high-level speeches/public interventions;
• Keep abreast of the latest wildlife scientific developments, wildlife legislation and policy, in coordination with the senior veterinary advisor and the political team;
• Actively contribute to Eurogroup for Animal’s communication efforts to promote the animal advocacy movement’s successes through our communications and campaigns.

Competencies:

• Professional, striving for excellence;
• Proactive and solutions-oriented;
• Strong diplomatic, tactical and inter-personal skills;
• Positive team player and accountable working style.

Skills:

• A Master’s degree or higher in biology, natural sciences, or a closely related field;
• Understanding of and in-depth knowledge of political processes at national and EU level;
• Experience with integrated campaigning and advocacy strategies;
• Knowledge of the EU nature and wildlife trade policy and legislation;
• Experience or affinity with wildlife and animal welfare work;
• Proven organisational and project management skills, able to manage and prioritise a busy and varied workload with multiple projects to deadlines;
• 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

38 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 hr@eurogroupforanimals.org. Please also state your remuneration requirements in strictest confidence in your email not in your motivation letter. Only successful candidates will be contacted.