Senior Technical Officer – Coasts and Deltas

Wetlands International

Candidate placed
Senior Technical Officer - Coasts and Deltas
The deadline for application is 24th September 2023


Location:   Strong preference for the Netherlands but will consider UK, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Spain, or France

Reporting to:             Programme Manager

Monthly salary:              €3,516 – €5,872

Contract type:                 Fixed term contract of one year, with expectation of extension

Working hours:           Full-time

Candidate level:              Experience non-manager

Background

 At Wetlands International, we are dedicated to safeguarding and restoring wetlands so that these unique habitats are treasured and nurtured for their beauty, the life they support and the resources they provide. We work to conserve and restore diverse wetland systems in all parts of the world, including mangroves, peatlands, and freshwater wetlands. To make a global difference, we seek to inspire and mobilise society to act and influence levers of change.

In our Coasts and Deltas work, we have developed a diverse and expanding portfolio of projects and programmes on a global scale. Our Coasts and Deltas team stood at the basis of the Global Mangrove Alliance and the Global Mangrove Watch, paving the way for the ambitious Mangrove Breakthrough call for action with the UN Climate Champions. Furthermore, we played a central role in the Building with Nature Indonesia programme that won a UN World Restoration Flagship Award. This successful programme stood at the basis of Building with Nature Asia. This groundbreaking and long-term initiative, developed with a network of public and private sector partners, promotes large-scale adoption of nature-based solutions in water engineering across Asia, focusing on both rural and urban environments.

 ​​Through our collaborative efforts and multidisciplinary approach, we strive to implement innovative and sustainable solutions that address the complex challenges faced by coastal regions and deltas. By harnessing the power of partnerships and networks, our Coasts and Deltas team aims to make a meaningful and lasting impact on coastal ecosystems, benefiting both nature and communities that depend on them.

Purpose of role
In the role of Senior Technical Officer - Coasts and Deltas, your primary responsibility will be to contribute your technical expertise and experience towards the design, development, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of our diverse portfolio of programmes worldwide. By leveraging your knowledge and skills, you will work towards maximising the impact of these programs at both local and global scales.

As a team player, you will closely collaborate with a dedicated and passionate team of colleagues from our network of offices and partner organisations. Through active knowledge sharing and experience exchange, you will ensure a science-based and learning-oriented approach to our work. By fostering an environment of continuous learning, you will help drive innovation and improvement in our programmes.

In line with our 2020-2030 Strategic Intent, you will actively seek out and pursue new trends, knowledge, relationships, and opportunities. By staying abreast of the latest developments in the field, you will contribute to the ongoing development and evolution of our programmes. This forward-thinking approach will enable us to adapt and respond to emerging challenges and opportunities effectively.

Overall, in your role as a Senior Technical Officer - Coasts and Deltas, you will play a critical role in shaping and advancing our programmes to achieve our strategic objectives. By combining technical expertise, collaboration, and a continuous learning mindset, you will contribute to maximising the positive impact of our work on coastal and delta regions worldwide.


Primary responsibilities
  • Optimal set-up, technical and financial implementation and reporting of projects.
  • Effective leadership of project team(s). comprising of the Global Office, network staff, and external project partners.
  • Running collaborative processes with internal and external stakeholders required in projects.
  • Strategic communication of project outcomes to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Developing knowledge and tools that strengthen the track record and profile of Wetlands International.
  • Leads on strategic planning and coordination for implementation of specific programmes/ strategies, including programme and project management.
  • Monitors and identifies relevant (environmental, social) issues and trends and translates these into opportunities for the organisation and running projects.
  • Provides strategic and technical input into other programme areas as requested.
  • Communicates and advocates for Wetlands International’s work and achievements.
  • Identifies opportunities for resources and project development and takes a leading role in project proposal teams.
  • Responsible for donor stewardship: providing pro-active and timely communication with the donor including sharing of successes and lessons.
  • Proactively seeks and develops new strategic partnerships.
  • Establishes and manages relevant internal and external contacts with key internal and external stakeholders of the organisation.
  • Represents Wetlands International in relevant fora and events.
Profile
As a passionate conservationist, your dedication lies in the conservation of coastal wetlands for the benefit of both people and nature. You will approach your work with a strong foundation in science, basing your actions and decisions on evidence and research. Adopting a participative approach, you thrive in collaborative efforts, working alongside partners from various sectors, disciplines, and cultural backgrounds to find shared solutions. Your language skills enable effective communication and understanding in these diverse working environments.

Your practical understanding of integrated coastal zone management, conservation planning, and biodiversity conservation is a crucial asset. Drawing on your expertise in nature-based solutions and experience in working with the private sector, you will contribute to sustainable coastal development practices.

Your track record demonstrates your ability to work within large and complex projects and partnerships, driving tangible impact and creating conditions for broad-scale change. You recognise the significance of partnerships in achieving meaningful and sustainable outcomes. Managing relationships with sensitivity, you will provide support, coaching, and guidance in these intricate working environments. Your approach emphasises teamwork, and you will actively invest in knowledge sharing and the professional development of your colleagues.

By combining your passion for conservation, scientific knowledge, collaborative mindset, and skills in partnership management, you should strive to make a positive and lasting impact on coastal wetland conservation.

Skills and experience
  • M.Sc., degree (or higher) in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., biology, geography, environmental science/management).
  • Minimum of 10 years relevant working experience in an international context, with at least 3 years in an NGO or corporate environment.
  • Experience in working abroad with communities in diverse cultural settings.
  • Significant program development and project management skills and experience.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong emphasis on exceptional written English.
  • Knowledge of additional languages, especially Dutch and French, is preferred.
Core competencies
  • Well-developed computer skills.
  • Fosters a client-focused culture.
  • Makes decisions in situations where there is scope for interpretation of rules.
  • Builds coalitions, strategic relationships, and networks.
  • Authority in the field of wetland management and development. Seeks out significant challenges.
  • Capitalises on teamwork opportunities.
  • Empowers the team.
  • Promotes the organisation’s values and ethics.
  • Pro-active.

To apply for the post

Please contact Liberty Childs at liberty@darylupsall.com for any queries you may have.  ​​​​​​An applicant’s pack is also available upon request at the same email.

The deadline for application is 24th September 2023. Interviews will take place remotely.

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Daryl Upsall International actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. In recruiting candidates, we seek candidates with the proven skills required, irrespective of race, gender, religion or belief, age, disability or sexual orientation.