The European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) is a leading independent think tank that wants to make policies in Europe and Africa work for inclusive and sustainable development. We have two offices: in Maastricht (the Netherlands) and Brussels (Belgium). Our more than 60 staff members from over 25 countries worldwide provide independent research, advice and practical support to policymakers, advisors and practitioners in Europe, Africa and beyond. Our focus is on EU foreign policy and policies related to conflict, migration, governance, climate and green transformation, sustainable food systems, regional integration, digitalisation, business, finance and trade.
About the sustainable food systems team
Our food systems struggle to provide the growing global population with affordable, healthy foods. They also create livelihood stresses and damage our natural environments. Our sustainable food systems team wants to support transitions to sustainable, resilient, equitable and inclusive food systems.
About the climate action and green transition team
The next two years will – and must – bring major changes in global climate action. Our climate action and green transition team want to contribute to ambitious, fair and effective responses to the climate crisis, promote a green COVID-19 recovery and explore the European and African politics of green transition and renewable energy deployment.
The role
Are you interested in Africa-Europe relations and in contributing to global climate action and the transition to more sustainable food systems? And do you have experience in policy-oriented research and dialogue facilitation? We are looking for a policy officer to join our teams working on sustainable food systems and climate action and green transition.
Key roles and responsibilities
As a policy officer working on food systems and climate action, you will:
- Conduct policy analysis, based on thorough research, to feed into the relevant international and national policy processes, and write articles on topics related to food systems, climate action and green transition within the broader context of Africa-Europe relations.
- Facilitate debates and panel discussions, and take an active part in these types of events to share your insights.
- Communicate and discuss your and ECDPM’s work with a wider audience through social media, multimedia and media outlets.
- Manage project teams for delivery on projects and impact on policy processes.
- Supervise, coach and mentor junior staff.
- Build, expand and maintain relevant strategic networks and partnerships.
- Identify funding opportunities, develop funding proposals and secure project funds.
- Think strategically and identify (new) areas in which ECDPM can add value.
Depending on your experience and in accordance with the needs of ECDPM’s other teams, other activities may be assigned to your portfolio as well. You will report to either the sustainable food systems team or the climate action and green transition team based on the projects you are involved in. You can be based in our office in Brussels or our head office in Maastricht, but flexibility is envisaged with the possibility to work from home a few days a week.
Experience and skills
Our ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial, flexible and motivated mid-level professional with expertise in food systems and climate change, who gets excited at the prospect of working in a dynamic and impact-oriented ‘think and do’ tank.
We are looking for someone who is willing and able to increasingly – in the space of a few years – assume more strategic and managerial responsibilities. More specifically, our preferred candidate:
- Has a master’s degree in economics (general, agricultural/food economics, environmental economics or other), political science, development or environment/climate-related studies.
- Has comprehensive knowledge and/or professional experience (at least five years) in the field of agricultural development, food security, food systems, and climate and environmental management (ideally with a focus on adaptation and resilience-building), preferably in an African and/or European context.
- Is able to quickly provide high-quality policy research and advice, and engage in multi-actor dialogue facilitation to influence relevant policy-making.
- Has at least five years of relevant professional experience or equivalent in development cooperation, policy processes or sustainable development processes.
Send your CV to Marleen Ackermans at [email protected] before 4 July, 9:00 am CEST.