Mid-Level Strategy Consultant, Netherlands

WWF-NL is a professional and dynamic organization with an informal work environment based in Zeist. The organization consists of the following departments: Conservation, Engagement, Organization & Talent Development, and Finance & Operations. The Public Affairs team reports directly to the Executive Director. Within the Public Affairs team, the Netherlands Strategy is one of the priority areas. To strengthen our team, we are looking for a

Mid-level Consultant, Netherlands Strategy

(32–40 hours per week)

The mid-level consultant reports directly to Kirsten Haanraads, Head of Public Affairs & Netherlands Team.

Program: The Netherlands

Viewed from above, the Netherlands is a vast river delta. It is a landscape of international significance. Consider our tidal zones, where freshwater and saltwater meet, or the river floodplains where bald eagles nest. The diversity of our delta supports a rich biodiversity. At the same time, we face challenges. As a low-lying country, both people and nature are particularly vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of our land is intensively used for food production. This leads to habitat loss, fragmentation, desiccation, eutrophication, acidification, and pollution. Our natural environment is suffering severely as a result. Meanwhile, many farmers would like to transition to nature-positive farming practices, but they face all sorts of obstacles.

In the Netherlands Strategy, we demonstrate that nature is our ally in addressing major societal challenges. We are working on nature restoration and natural solutions to, among other things, retain water, thereby preventing flooding and drought, for example through our Natuurkracht project in South Limburg. We also promote nature-positive forms of food production, such as food forests and plant-based protein cultivation, to accelerate the transition in agriculture. Natural solutions align with the nature of water, soil, and ecosystems, thereby contributing to (the restoration of) biodiversity and ensuring resilience against climate change.

Through its Netherlands Strategy, WWF-NL aims to serve as a driving force for nature restoration and nature-based solutions in the Netherlands, in collaboration with citizens, farmers, civil society organizations, research institutions, governments, and businesses. We also hope to serve as a source of inspiration for addressing challenges in the rest of the world.

Duties and responsibilities:

• As a mid-level advisor, your work will include implementing strategies for nature restoration and nature-based solutions in the Netherlands in collaboration with partners, coalitions, and implementing organizations. You will identify and analyze external and political developments that are relevant to WWF-NL and translate these into opportunities to strengthen the strategy for the Netherlands. 
• You will oversee our field projects and activities in rivers, coastal areas, deltas, and streams, and take the initiative to launch new projects.
• You will position WWF-NL at the center of the national debate on the future of spatial development in the Netherlands. In doing so, you will ensure that WWF-NL plays its unique role and makes its unique contribution. For example, you will develop an approach focused on iconic species and on the link between national and international work (“here and there”).
• You identify national developments that are relevant to colleagues within the team and WWF-NL as a whole, and help them turn these into opportunities to strengthen our work in the Netherlands and internationally.
• You will work alongside our colleagues in the engagement team to engage various groups (such as volunteers or donors) in our work in the Netherlands in an inspiring way.

Who are you?

• Structured and analytical– You possess strong analytical skills and are able to quickly grasp complex situations and policy discussions regarding nature and land use in the Netherlands, and develop an effective approach. You understand the current issues affecting the Dutch landscape. You can work in a programmatic manner and make optimal use of our field projects.
• Persuasive Consultant- As a persuasive consultant, you enjoy delving into the details, whether it’s a complex current issue or a long-term project. You can convince others of the value and impact of natural solutions, both within and outside the organization.
• Curious and enthusiastic– You have a positive and constructive attitude and see opportunities. You enjoy working collaboratively on a wide range of activities, from nature conservation to communications and marketing.
• Relevant education and experience- You have a college or university level of education and at least 3 years of relevant work experience at the intersection of nature conservation and project management or policy development. You have an excellent command of Dutch and English. You are flexible and results-oriented, you set your own priorities, and you are good at managing your time. You have an affinity for nature and sustainability and enjoy delving deeper into these topics.

 Core Values

You identify with the core values of WWF-NL:

• Courage
• Integrity
• Respect
• Collaborate

What do we offer?

• You'll be working in a sustainable office surrounded by nature;
• Great coworkers and the opportunity to build an international network;
• Vegetarian lunches in the company cafeteria and free Thursday afternoon drinks;
• A 32–40-hour workweek. Initially, a one-year contract will be offered with a one-month probationary period;
• A competitive salary based on the Dutch nonprofit sector; the minimum gross monthly salary for the position is 3,726 EUR and the maximum monthly salary is 5,752 EUR, depending on relevant experience (based on a 40-hour workweek);
• Employees also receive a personal budget, consisting of 8% vacation pay and 2.08% flexible budget, and are entitled to 6 weeks of leave per year (based on a 40-hour workweek);
• We encourage flexible work arrangements and the use of public transportation and bicycles for commuting and business travel. Commuting expenses are reimbursed based on second-class public transportation fares (NS Business Card);
• At WWF-NL, we operate on a hybrid model, which allows employees to alternate between working in the office and working from home.

Information and Procedure

Are you interested in this position and do you fit the profile described above? If so, we invite you to apply via our Careers website.The application deadline is Sunday, October 20, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.

To work at WWF-NL, you need a valid work permit.

If you have any questions about this application process, please contact Babette Vanlancker (Recruitment Coordinator) atbvanlancker@wwf.nl. If you have any questions about the position, please contact Kirsten Haanraads (Head of Public Affairs & Netherlands Team) atkhaanraads@wwf.nl.

We value diversity of backgrounds and cultures within our organization and would like to see this reflected in the composition of our team. We therefore especially encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.