Posted on July, 18 2025

Duration: we offer a fixed term contract until 30 June 2026, with a possibility of extension depending on funding.

Main responsibilities:

The Ocean Policy Officer supports the policy efforts of the EPO ocean team and our conservation advocacy towards EU decision-making institutions. The Ocean Policy Officer supports the head of unit, policy and communications officers in their political strategy development, establishing and strengthening political relationships and planning, and conducting advocacy actions.

What you need:

• Coordinate WWF’s work on ocean-climate issues including Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) and on fisheries policy, including the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
• Lead advocacy work on the above topics, including meetings with policy-makers, speaking at and organising events, carrying out policy research and drafting knowledge products including briefings and position papers.
• Lead coordination work with the WWF network, including monitoring and communicating political developments, convening regular meetings, securing engagement and mobilising the network towards WWF’s multi-annual European policy strategy;
• Establish a network of industry professionals, academics, policy-makers and civil society in Brussels and across Europe.
• A relevant degree in economics, science, European studies or similar;
• In-depth knowledge of EU political processes and understanding of EU legislative strategy and campaigning;
• An interest in, and commitment to, environmental and conservation issues;
• Knowledge of climate issues, ocean conservation and associated policies are beneficial but not essential;
• Identifies with the values of WWF: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration.

Required competencies:

• Strategic and analytical thinking: Stay updated of issues, analyse information, anticipate impacts, and apply strategic thinking to take well-informed and creative initiatives.
• Impactful communication: Listen actively to others to reach an in-depth understanding of their needs & constraints, openly give and receive feedback to/from others, increasing self-awareness.
• Effective Collaboration: Establish an inclusive and supportive environment that fosters a culture of co-creation, teamwork, networking and expertise growth.
• Flexible task management: Set realistic goals, plan and coordinate activities, adapt priorities and monitor progress.
• Balanced resilience: Dare to step outside your comfort zone, learn lessons from both successes and failures, navigate pressure effectively and establish clear boundaries and dare to say “no”.
• Inspiring leadership: Show accountability for successes & mistakes; actively collect facts, concerns and opinions of others in decision-making.

Remuneration package:
WWF European Policy Office offers a full time fixed term contract and a competitive package of pay and other benefits. The indicative base salary range for this role would be around 3.200-3.400€ gross per month, with the final figure depending on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

WWF European Policy Office also offers a range of additional benefits, including allowances for lunch, public transport, flexible and hybrid working conditions, health insurance, pension plan, paid holiday and additional month of pay in accordance with Belgian law.

Please consult the attached job description for more information on the position.

How to apply?

• Please send your application to recruitments@wwf.eu and write “Ocean Policy Officer” in the subject line.
• Attach a single PDF file named Firstname_Surname. The PDF should include your up to date CV (without a picture or birth date) and a cover letter (max 400 words) explaining why you are a suitable candidate for this role.
• Indicate the earliest date you would be able to start and whether you have the legal right to work full time in Belgium.

Applications deadline:
The deadline for applying is 15 August midnight, but please note that the vacancy could be closed earlier depending on the number of applications received. In such a case, the job advertisement will be updated with a revised deadline at least 2 days in advance of the new deadline. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to make sure their application is considered.

WWF European Policy Office is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable working environment for all our employees. We welcome applications from all people regardless of background, and strongly encourage people with disabilities, people of non-European ethnic origin and nationality, people over 45 years old, people who have not completed secondary education, to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of age, ethnic or social origin, gender, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, or any other protected characteristic under EU law.