Fern aims to make the EU work for people and forests. We believe it is essential to address the social dimension of environmental conflicts; that strong coalitions are more likely to achieve lasting change and that presenting ways forward is often more effective than highlighting problems. We strive to make decisions by consensus. We currently have 16 staff working from two offices, in Brussels (Belgium) and Moreton in Marsh (UK).
We are looking for a full time campaigner to successfully lead our EU Drivers of Deforestation Campaign, based in Brussels.
A: TERMS OF REFERENCE
Main responsibilities include effective advocacy and lobbying at EU and Member State level to ensure the EU acts to meet its commitments to halt deforestation and protect the rights of forest communities. The campaigner will implement and further develop Fern’s EU Drivers of Deforestation Campaign plan, of which the vision is laid out in Fern’s report Protecting Forests, Respecting Rights.
Campaign related tasks
- Networking, lobbying and advocacy towards people in EU Institutions, relevant Member States and other relevant players
- Analysing changing political dynamics and policy developments within relevant EU Institutions, and responding accordingly
- Networking with other Brussels based NGOs.
- Identifying and campaigning on relevant and upcoming EU consumption related policies, such as the Circular Economy Package
- Writing regular campaign updates/ articles for, among others, Fern’s newsletter EU Forest Watch (10 issues per year).
- Researching and producing reports and/or briefing notes when relevant.
- Developing and implementing a media strategy with Fern’s media adviser and responding to news items.
- Hosting meetings/seminars with European Commission officials and MEPs.
General FERN tasks
- Staying informed at a general level on the various campaigns Fern is involved in;
- Carrying out general managerial and administrative tasks, shared between all staff;
- Fulfilling Fern’s policies on reporting on meetings, producing work plans etc;
- Managing the campaign budget in close co-ordination with colleagues and Fern’s financial staff;
- Maintaining a proper filing system on issues relevant to the position;
- Fundraising for the successful continuation of the campaign (average Euro 100,000/year);
B: PERSON SPECIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated experience with campaigning including in developing, implementing and evaluating campaign plans;
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain good working relationship with EU institution officials and donors including successful lobbying towards EU institutions and Member States;
- A good understanding of the interface between forests, customary rights and EU consumption policies relevant to forest risk commodities;
- Successful communications and media experience;
- Experience of facilitating NGO networks, developing joint (NGO) positions and facilitating meetings involving a broad range of views, interest groups and cultural approaches;
- Successful fundraising experience;
- A good understanding of the functioning of the EU institutions;
- Fluency in English and in at least one other European language (French, German desirable);
- Excellent organisational and computer skills (MS Office package);
- Ability to work individually and within a team;
- Ability to prioritise and manage a high workload;
- Willingness to travel frequently within the EU and abroad and notably between Fern’s offices.
C: INDICATIVE SALARY:
Gross salary from €3’123 to €4’323 per month - dependent on experience, plus lunch vouchers (6€ per working day -including employee contribution), contribution to travel costs from home to office, legal holidays money (double-pécule de vacances) equivalent to approx. one month net salary.
D. HOW TO APPLY:
Applications should be made in English and comprise (in pdf version)
(1) a short covering letter explaining why you are interested in this job, including what attracts you to Fern and what you could bring to Fern and to this job;
(2) a short paper (two to four pages) outlining how the EU should go about tackling deforestation;
(3) a CV detailing all relevant education and work experience and publications.
Applications without a cover letter and short paper will not be considered. Due to the high level of applications we receive, only selected candidates will be contacted.
Deadline for applications: 9am, Thurs 22nd October 2015 (Brussels time)
Interviews :
Fern’s recruitment process involves attending 2 interviews.
The 1st interview will be on Monday 2nd November in Brussels, lasting the whole day.
The preferred date for the 2nd interview is Monday 9th November, but Fern may change the dates depending on circumstances when we hire.
Send applications to: viviane@fern.org
If you'd like to discuss the job, contact saskia@fern.org or hannah@fern.org
