Senior Policy Expert
Wildlife & Food Systems

The Senior Policy Expert – Wildlife & Food Systems strengthens WWF Romania’s influence on public policy by translating technical expertise on wildlife conservation and food systems into strategic policy positions, advocacy pathways, and institutional engagement.
The role ensures that priorities related to wildlife conservation, human wildlife coexistence, and sustainable, nature positive food systems are fully embedded in national, regional, and EU policy processes. Acting at the intersection of science, policy, and public affairs, the position contributes to shaping systemic change in biodiversity protection, agriculture, climate adaptation, and land use governance.
Reporting to the Public Advocacy Lead and working closely with thematic experts and WWF network partners, the role contributes to WWF Romania’s strategic influence by advancing integrated, high-impact policy solutions.

Your duties will include:

Public Policy & Advocacy
• Lead analysis of national and EU policies affecting wildlife and food systems, identifying risks, opportunities, and leverage points
• Develop high level policy positions, advocacy strategies, and reform proposals
• Draft policy briefs, legislative recommendations, and advocacy documents
• Advocate with Romanian authorities, Parliament, and EU institutions on wildlife conservation, coexistence models, and sustainable food systems
• Represent WWF Romania in consultations, stakeholder dialogues, and public hearings
Strategic Technical Integration
• Translate complex technical inputs (wildlife ecology, agriculture, land use dynamics) into actionable policy solutions
• Ensure policy outputs are science-based, strategically framed, and aligned with WWF priorities
• Guide technical teams on policy relevance, timing, and influencing opportunities
• Integrate advocacy pathways into programme design and implementation
Systems Change & Cross-Thematic Integration
• Embed wildlife conservation into broader biodiversity, climate, land use, and infrastructure policies
• Promote human-wildlife coexistence, ecosystem connectivity, and systemic solutions
• Drive transformation of food systems towards nature-positive agriculture and sustainable consumption
• Address key leverage points such as subsidies, value chains, and policy instruments
Strategic Communications Collaboration
• Provide policy narratives and framing for campaigns and public positioning
• Translate complex policy topics into clear, compelling messaging
• Support development of advocacy materials, key messages, and media inputs
Project Development & Delivery
• Lead policy components in project design and donor proposals
• Ensure advocacy objectives and systemic impact are integrated into projects
• Deliver high-quality policy outputs and contribute to reporting on impact
Policy Cycle Management & Learning
• Define policy objectives, influencing pathways, and success indicators
• Monitor policy developments, institutional responses, and advocacy impact
• Lead stakeholder mapping, political analysis, and legislative monitoring
• Promote adaptive learning and continuous improvement of advocacy efforts

We expect from you:
Adhere to the WWF mission, as well as LIVE in line with the WWF Values: Courage, Integrity, Respect and Collaboration

Knowledge:

• Advanced degree in public policy, environmental policy, political science, environmental governance, or related fields
• Strong understanding of Romanian and EU policy frameworks (e.g. CAP, Biodiversity Strategy, Farm to Fork, Nature Restoration Law)
• Knowledge of wildlife conservation, human-wildlife conflict, and sustainable food systems

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, or environmental governance
• Proven track record in national or EU policy processes
• Demonstrated experience influencing policy outcomes and engaging senior stakeholders

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent policy analysis, strategic thinking, and synthesis skills
• Strong writing, communication, and presentation abilities
• Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and political contexts
• Leadership and influencing skills in a matrix organisation
• Strong prioritisation and decision‑making capabilities
• Fluency in Romanian and English
• Proficiency in MS Office / digital collaboration tools

We offer

• The opportunity to make a difference – for Romania and WWF
• Challenging and fulfilling work in one of Europe’s most exciting eco-regions
• A friendly and highly professional working atmosphere in an international context
• Varying tasks and an independent work style
• A pleasant working atmosphere and a 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: 30.06.2026. Please understand that we can only reply to short-listed candidates.