Secretary General

THE OPPORTUNITY

• To serve Europe’s largest and most inclusive network of environmental citizens’ groups and put their concerns at the heart of EU decision-making processes
• To lead a dynamic, growing staff body at the cutting edge of shaping policies that will create a better environment for future generations throughout Europe and beyond
• To convince decisionmakers at the highest level of the need to turn green rhetoric into concrete action for a more sustainable planet

ABOUT US

The EEB is the largest network of environmental citizens’ organisations in Europe. We bring together over 170 member organisations from 36 countries (all EU Member States plus some accession and neighbouring countries), including a growing number of European networks, representing some 30 million individual members and supporters. Our vision is of a better future where people and nature thrive together. We advocate for progressive policies to create a better environment in the European Union and beyond.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Political leadership

• Effective representation of the EEB in high-level fora
• Building and maintaining of good lines of communication with key decisionmakers in the EU institutions, regional and global organisations, and with other strategic partners
• Mobilisation of staff and members in pursuit of the strategic goals and policies of the organisation

Organisational management

• Accountability to the Board and General Assembly for implementation of the Long-Term Strategy as well as the annual work programme and management of the budget
• Managerial oversight of the EEB staff body, including recruitment, supervision, appraisal and motivation of staff and effective delegation
• Oversight of financial and project/programme management
• Ensuring that the structures and processes within the organisation are kept under review and remain fit for purpose, especially in the light of organisational growth

Policy oversight

• Ability to contribute to and draw on policy expertise for political advocacy and communication
• Formulation or approval of policy proposals for adoption by the Board or General Assembly, e.g. within draft annual work programmes
• Resolution of policy dilemmas, especially on high-level, horizontal or interface issues
• Judgment calls in reaction to unfolding events

Communication

• Role as lead spokesperson for the EEB in high-level contexts and on horizontal topics
• Upholding of transparent and effective communication norms, both within the organisation and externally
• Outreach to current and potential partners to maintain and strengthen relationships

Membership engagement

• Accessibility, visibility and responsiveness to member organisations
• Effective servicing of the General Assembly, Board and other governance bodies
• Appreciation for the breadth and diversity of the EEB’s membership

Fundraising

• Engagement with existing and potential donors
• Overseeing of fundraising strategy to consolidate and diversify funding sources

QUALITIES, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

The successful candidate should have most of the following qualities, skills or experience:

• At least 15 years of relevant work experience, of which ideally at least 10 years in leadership roles
• Higher academic qualifications in a relevant field
• Demonstrable environmental commitment
• Creative, progressive thinker with strategic vision, broad policy knowledge and astute political judgment
• Ability to see the big picture whilst having an eye for detail and translate an ambitious vision into achievable policy objectives
• Advanced understanding and experience of EU and international environment-related policies and decision-making processes
• Strong operational planning and prioritisation skills, ability to delegate effectively and fairly and to balance consultative and authoritative approaches
• An eloquent, persuasive, diplomatic, media-savvy communicator in different contexts, ranging from high-level conferences through TV interviews to bilateral meetings with key decision-makers
• Excellent written and spoken English, fluency in other languages widely spoken in the region an asset
• Ability to build respectful, productive working relationships with people from different cultures and backgrounds
• Friendly motivating personality, supportive empathic listener, emotionally intelligent, facilitative, instinctive networker
• Extensive experience in fundraising
• Extensive existing network of relevant contacts an asset
• Good command of social media an asset

WHAT WE OFFER

• A fulltime post based in our Brussels office, under Belgian employment law
• A competitive salary, depending on experience, coupled with various benefits (holiday bonus, 13th month, pension scheme, luncheon vouchers)
• A permanent contract (‘contrat à durée indéterminée’)
• A pleasant working atmosphere in an international working environment
• A worthy cause to work for

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your CV, a cover letter explaining your motivation to apply for this position and the responses to the two questions below to personnel@eeb.org by 11 March 2022 at 10.00 CET. The subject line of your email must clearly state: ‘Application for Secretary General’.

Questions

Please note:

• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Due to the numbers of CVs anticipated, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted
• Shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide at least two references and a video statement
• The EEB is an equal-opportunities and family-friendly employer
• We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates. Before applying, please read our recruitment privacy statement

European Environmental Bureau AISBL

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