Research and Policy Officer, Southern Ocean
Europe Jacques Delors (EJD) is hiring a full time (38h/week), Brussels-based Research and Policy Officer on Southern Ocean protection (f/m/div) from October 2023. Europe Jacques Delors (AISBL) is a young, dynamic and growing think tank that is looking to strengthen its team of researchers. EJD belongs to a “family” of think tanks inspired by the vision and legacy of Jacques Delors. Its creation in early 2020 follows on the Jacques Delors Institute in Paris (*1996) and the Jacques Delors Center Berlin (*2014). United by a common theme – Penser l'Europe, Europa denken, Thinking Europe – the three think tanks aim to contribute to the debate on European integration. EJD research and activities focus on sustainable development and its translation in European policies, notably trade, agriculture, finance and ocean protection.
Position Overview
The officer will be based in Brussels as part of the Europe Jacques Delors ocean team. Responsibilities will include working closely with the staff of the Southern Ocean Campaign (teams of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition and the Pew-Bertarelli Ocean Legacy) to support efforts by France in particular and EU in general to develop, implement and advocate for the adoption of large-scale marine reserves.
This position will focus on policy outreach with the French, EU and other European officials to secure a network of large-scale marine reserves in the Southern Ocean and sub-Antarctic territories. This position requires a strong capacity to think strategically, to understand the implications of broader geopolitics in international decision making, and to work as part of a global team of campaigners to achieve consensus-based decisions at the international level. The officer will collaborate with the Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy officer in Brussels, as well as global coalition partners, to support implementing a campaign strategy that achieves large-scale marine protections in Antarctica.
Responsibilities:
1. Conduct research and support with policy outreach in France and the European Union marine and/or environmental policies with the aim of:
a. Developing and maintaining a broad knowledge of the science, policies, and politics of marine reserves globally, other projects, and ocean conservation issues;
b. Supporting the efforts of France and the EU in developing and implementing of a network of marine protected areas in the Southern Ocean;
c. Working with the government of France, other EU Member States and the European Union on official positions on marine protected areas that are taken at multilateral fora in target countries members of the Convention for Conservation of the Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR);
d. Providing support, under guidance of EJD leadership, to French and other relevant officials, in organizing meetings and events where Antarctic conservation policies will be discussed.
2. Develop and maintain working relationships with decision makers, government officials and national and international institutions, as well as relevant NGOs in the field.
3. Communication and organisation of events.
Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree required, a graduate degree in public affairs, public policy, law or environmental science preferred. Master diploma in these fields is welcome.
• Minimum of two years of professional experience helping shape the way the decision makers and the public perceive and respond to environmental and natural resource management issues. Specific knowledge of and experience with marine protection and Antarctic policy is preferred. Prior work experiences in an international environment, in the think tank world and in organizing events are considered an asset.
• Demonstrated experience and familiarity working with the French government and/or EU member states strongly preferred.
• Superior oral and written communications skills. Able to synthesize material and to focus quickly on the essence of an issue and the means to address it. Confident in presenting one’s own ideas and diplomatically persuading others as appropriate. Ability to communicate complex ideas to a general audience.
• Able to work productively with a high degree of independence and autonomy, and with a wide array of different people and institutions that frequently disagree with and are in competition with one another.
• Full professional proficiency in French and English is required.
Other
Some travel for this position is anticipated, including attendance at international meetings, and visiting CCAMLR countries around the world, particularly in France.
The position is limited to a duration of 18 months, with the possibility to extend the contract.
Please send your application (CV and cover letter) to admin@europejacquesdelors.eu by 15 September 2023.