Freshwater
Policy Expert

Full time position, based in Bucharest

The Freshwater Policy Expert supports the efforts to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems and their services in Romania by advocating for the integration of freshwater ecosystems conservation, Nature based Solutions into water management policies and relevant connected sectors (e.g. agriculture, urban planning, etc).
The position holder contributes to the WWF Romania’s missions and objectives, through supporting WWF Romania Freshwater Manager in advocating for good governance at national level that will improve the integration of freshwater conservation principles and solutions into relevant policies and better implementation of existing legislation and regulations, especially regarding high impact sectors.

Your duties will include:

• Providing comprehensive analysis of national policies impacting the freshwater ecosystems (water management, agriculture, fishery & aquaculture, energy generation, Danube delta governance, navigation etc);
• Assessing social, political and economic context and developments and identifying risks for negative impact on freshwater ecosystems (with focus on Danube delta and Lower Danube);
• Developing the advocacy strategy for the freshwater policy objectives (targets) and the action/ work plan for implementation, monitoring/evaluating results;
• Developing adequate recommendations on policies and strategies, environmental (legislative) procedures or drafting laws amendments related to freshwater program priorities (strategic plan);
• Contributing to WWF freshwater program planning, coordination, implementation and reporting with a view to promoting advocacy work of freshwater topics;
• Carrying out consultations with relevant local and national stakeholders (with focus on Danube Delta and Lower Danube) for freshwater topics and providing advice;
• Engaging, developing and maintaining strategic relationships with key partners and networks, and representing WWF Romania (with focus on topics relevant for freshwater) in relevant groups, workshops, and policy events;
• Contributing to WWF Romania’s awareness raising, policy debates and discussions ensuring spreading the freshwater conservation measures into the relevant policies;
• Supporting implementation of specific freshwater project activities (including advocacy campaigns) through policy related work and expertise;
• Supporting fundraising activities/project development.
We expect from you:
• Adhere to the WWF mission, as well LIVES in line with the WWF Values: Courage, Integrity, Respect and Collaboration

Knowledge:

• University degree at Masters level or equivalent in Political Science, Natural sciences, Economy, Law, or some discipline relevant to freshwater-related policy work;
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Romanian and EU policies and legislation, integrated planning procedures, and stakeholder involvement;
• Understanding of politics, socio-economics, and sustainable development issues in Romania;
• Excellent command of written and spoken Romanian and English
• Computer literacy

Experience:

• Substantial professional experience (at least 5 years working experience) in positions with similar responsibilities;
• Experienced in working with different/difficult people and in different/difficult environments;
• Proven experience in writing position papers, background documents;
• Previous experience in Project Management and project development would be an advantage;

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong analytical skills
• Strategic thinking
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to transmit key messages in order to be embraced by audiences
• Strong prioritization and time management skills
• Strong coordination skills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent team player

We offer

• The opportunity to make a difference – for Romania and for WWF
• Challenging and fulfilling work in one of Europe’s most exciting eco-regions
• Friendly and highly professional working atmosphere in an international context
• Varying tasks and independent work style
• A pleasant working atmosphere and great learning environment

If you are interested in joining the global WWF team, email your application documents including your CV and cover letter (in English) to [email protected]. Application deadline:25.01.2023. Please understand that we can only reply to short-listed candidates.