Program Coordinator, Natuurkracht Zuid Limburg

The World Wildlife Fund, LandschappenNL, Ark Natuurontwikkeling, the Nature and Environment Federations, and Natuurmonumenten want to turn the tide. We’re starting in the Geul and Gulp valleys in Limburg, with our own natural environment as our ally. We want to collaborate with as many residents, businesses, and municipalities as possible on natural solutions for flood safety. From planting trees to creating natural riverbanks, from water retention in gardens to making more room for rivers and streams. Opportunities abound! We have received a joint grant of €2 million from the National Postcode Lottery (NPL) for this purpose.For this challenging project, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF NL) is immediately seeking a Program Coordinator for Natuurkracht Zuid Limburg (20–24 hours per week, for a period of 2.5 years).

Are you someone who can work with our partners to further chart this course? Someone who, acting as the central hub, can coordinate all aspects of this Natuurkracht program to help develop green solutions for flood management? Starting in the Geul and Gulp valleys with the goal of achieving a nationwide impact. Are you someone who wants to work with us to develop and promote compelling examples to demonstrate that green solutions work and add value? Then don’t hesitate—apply today.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Management:

• Primary point of contact for external stakeholders regarding the implementation of the joint project “Nature as an Ally Against Flooding in Limburg”;
• Preparing and leading the working group meetings;
• Coordinating meetings within the working group in which the project leaders develop and finalize work plans and budget allocations;
• Carefully weigh the interests of stakeholders and take them into account in the decision-making process;
• Monitor progress and ensure coordination between workflows;
• Team-building with all stakeholders involved in the initiative;
• Coordinate and monitor finances and contracts in collaboration with the finance department of WWF Netherlands;
• As secretary of the steering committee (comprising directors from the organizing entities), ensure communication with the working group;
• Prepare progress reports for the NPL in collaboration with the working group and the NPL liaison at WWF NL.

Fund management of the Natuurkracht Fund:

• Coordinating and organizing grant applications;
• Organizing the evaluation process;
• Managing (financial) relationships with grant applicants and grant awards;
• Supporting efforts to raise additional contributions to the fund;
• Reporting results;
• Aligning the projects funded by the fund with the media and advocacy strategy.

Who are you?

We are looking for someone who, like us, is deeply committed to making the Netherlands more beautiful, greener, and more attractive—for both people and nature. You are a go-getter, because you will sometimes have to swim against the current and turn resistance into opportunities in a positive way.

We expect you to have extensive and demonstrable experience in project management and a solid understanding of the professional landscape in the Netherlands. You are diplomatic and a team player, yet also results-oriented. You are able to facilitate decision-making from a non-hierarchical position.

• You have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in the field of nature conservation in the Netherlands. Experience with nature conservation projects in (South) Limburg is a plus;
• You have experience in project management and coordinating complex partnerships;
• You understand the landscape of flood protection and the importance of natural solutions, and you stay up to date on current developments;
• You are able to present our project clearly and persuasively (both verbally and in writing) while demonstrating political sensitivity;
• You maintain a clear overview of short-term goals and activities and are able to consistently relate them to the bigger picture;
• You are flexible and results-oriented, you set your priorities, you manage your time effectively, you work independently, and you can provide clear advice;
• You are a networker, a team player, and an enthusiastic bridge-builder who is able to build and maintain relationships with multiple stakeholders, thereby mobilizing others to make a difference;
• You have an excellent command of the Dutch language (spoken and written);
• You are willing to travel to South Limburg on a regular basis (or to Zeist if you are based in South Limburg).

Core Values

You identify with the core values of WWF Netherlands:

• Courage
• Integrity
• Respect
• Collaborate

Who are we?

WWF NL is part of a dynamic international network organization with a casual atmosphere based in Zeist, so you’ll have the opportunity to meet great colleagues and build an international network. The working language is English.

What do we offer?

• A position of 20–24 hours per week;
• A competitive salary based on the Dutch nonprofit sector; The minimum monthly salary for the Program Coordinator is 3,154 EUR, and the maximum monthly salary is 4,667 EUR, depending on relevant knowledge and experience;
• 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).

Information and Procedure

Are you interested in this position and do you fit the profile described above? If so, we invite you to apply using the application form, which you can find at the bottom of the page for this role on our Careers website. The application deadline is October 16, 2022.

If you have any questions about this application process, please contact Babette Vanlancker (Recruiter) at bvanlancker@wwf.nl.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Natasja Oerlemans (Head of the Netherlands Team) at noerlemans@wwf.nl or Marthe Jongmans (Senior Account Manager, Foundations & Public Sector Partnerships) at mjongmans@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.

We take the safety and well-being of our colleagues seriously. We therefore ask you to complete an integrity statement and may request references. A Certificate of Good Conduct is required for all positions.