Do you want to contribute to making our cities better places to live?
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network working with more than 2500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in 125+ countries, we influence sustainability policy and drive local action for low emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient, and circular development.
ICLEI’s European Secretariat is based in Freiburg (Germany), with subsidiary offices in Brussels and Berlin. ICLEI Europe has more than 90 staff from all over Europe and beyond, covering a broad variety of professional disciplines and expertise.
Working with us, you will have opportunities to:
- Deepen your understanding of how cities design and implement sustainability and climate neutrality solutions, and of challenges they face and how to support them;
- Contribute to European and international processes that influence urban sustainability;
- Be part of influential networks (the EU, European Parliament, the UN SDGs, and others);
- Be part of an internationally recognised organisation that inspires, supports, and critically evaluates new ideas in the local government and climate change arenas. ICLEI has a great team of enthusiastic and bright urban sustainability and climate policy professionals;
- Grow professionally in a flexible, family-friendly work environment with opportunities for personal development, European and international travel and exchanges.
We are looking for a new colleague to join our Strategic Communications and Advocacy team with the following experience, skills and character:
- At least 5 years of professional experience, working in an advocacy and project environment, ideally for and with local governments and other actors in the urban sphere;
- Familiar with the German institutional structures, political system and culture; established outreach and networking skills; excellent German language skills;
- Proficient in English; spoken and written; more languages are an asset;
- Solid understanding of sustainable urban development issues and policies in all their facets, and of relevant political processes on the national and EU level.
Your position will include the following main tasks:
- Coordinate ICLEI Europe’s advocacy work in Germany, including pro-active outreach to and regular communication with German ministries, and develop and maintain a network of decision-makers and stakeholders. Collaborate with ICLEI’s topical teams and offices based in Germany and Brussels to contribute to ICLEI’s overall advocacy objectives.
- Collaborate with ICLEI members, especially with German members, in regards to their advocacy needs.
- Support the German role in ICLEI’s policy briefings, position papers, and policy consultations.
- Facilitate collaboration with ICLEI members in their project work, events, and briefings for their participation in German government processes (e.g., policy developments, key committees, or advisory boards).
- Contribute to the advocacy and policy work with German, European, and international institutions and governments.
- Represent ICLEI and the city/regional interests of cities in international, European, and German fora, including participation in key meetings, briefings, and consultations by key policy institutions (e.g., the EU, the G7, and the EU Mission on Climate Neutral Cities, and others).
- Contribute to ICLEI’s input in implementing strategic projects and service contracts on advocacy and urban sustainability issues. Lead and contribute to acquisition efforts and professional project implementation.