Zero Waste Europe is looking for a Textiles Officer

Location: Belgium-based, hybrid between home and our Brussels office.

Duration: 12-month contract, with option to extend, depending on funding.

Start date: as soon as possible.

About us

Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) is the European network of communities, local leaders, experts, and change agents working towards a better use of resources and the elimination of waste in our society. We advocate for sustainable systems; for the redesign of our relationship with resources; and for a global shift towards environmental justice, accelerating a just transition towards zero waste for the benefit of people and the planet.

The ZWE network includes 37 member organisations & alliances in 29 countries and works with topics across the whole chain. From materials use reduction, product design reusability to end-of-pipe waste management solutions, from pushing for ambitious EU legislation and the implementation of municipal zero waste strategies, our scope has significantly expanded but our mission and vision remain the same – a zero waste, fairer, inclusive, circular Europe for all (and planet, too, while we’re at it).

We are a successful and fast-growing independent NGO where personal development, fairness and inclusiveness are high on the agenda. We are the proud founders of the Mission Zero Academy (MiZA), through which we offer Zero Waste certifications to cities, municipalities and (going forward) small businesses; we are founding member of various movements and coalitions that are hosted under our entity (such as Break Free From Plastic Europe), and are the European chapter of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA).

Our ZWE Values

• We are purpose-driven, always putting forward a solution-oriented approach.

• We are game-changing – we challenge the status quo, explore emerging topics and create a safe space to succeed (and to recover from setbacks).

• We are adaptable, constantly striving towards learning and improving; open to change and taking agency.

• We believe that acting with integrity is crucial to achieve impact and change, both inside and outside our network.

• And we care deeply about our communities, the environment, and systemic changes that benefit society as a whole – while also looking after ourselves and our own wellbeing as a team and as individuals.

About you

You are impact- and values-driven, able to see the big picture whilst taking care of the details. You have experience in the field of textiles and the circular economy, helping diverse stakeholders improve their ability to introduce solutions that have delivered a tangible impact. You are a team player who can also play solo and have experience in coordinating projects. You thrive when facing complex situations and you enjoy a data-based approach to your work. You are passionate about the zero waste vision and believe in a positive, solution-oriented approach to tackling the multiple challenges the world is facing today.

About the role

Due to the evolution of ZWE and the diversification of our portfolio, a new Textiles Officer position has been created to harmonise our efforts on textiles at the local and national levels primarily, with our member organisations, partner municipalities, as well as supporting the ongoing policy work for textiles at the EU level.

You will be responsible for coordinating a new project that ZWE has received funding for, aiming to strengthen the implementation of circular textiles policies in the EU. You will be accountable for ensuring this project is managed well and delivers on its objectives, working closely with ZWE members and other key partners.

The core responsibilities of the Textiles Officer will be to:

• Effectively organise and manage the project on textile waste for ZWE, including the organisation of regular coordination meetings with key stakeholders, proper reporting, and budget management

• Provide detailed and thorough support to ZWE members aiming to support best practice examples to be implemented with a small group of municipalities and to effectively engage in the process of developing their national textile Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes.

• Coordinate and undertake research, with other partners, on the different current textiles management systems in operation in a diverse group of European countries.

• Work with colleagues and partners to create, and disseminate, compelling and evidence-based communications.

• Build positive relationships with key stakeholders to help advance our goals.

• Work together with the Implementation Team at ZWE on strategic discussions, fundraising and capacity development.

• Provide technical and strategic support to the policy team.

• Support the ZWE team with further fundraising efforts and activities for this work.

Required skills and competencies

• Knowledge of, and demonstrated experience in, helping actors prevent and/or manage textile materials within a circular economy (e.g. the composition, consumption, recyclability, sorting and reuse capabilities of textiles today).

• Demonstrated and successful experience of working with a diverse group of stakeholders to deliver on a joint/shared vision.

• Excellent project management skills with demonstrated ability to coordinate complex projects and the required reporting, budgeting, and communication aspects related to such tasks

• Excellent communication and writing skills, with a proven ability of influencing decision-makers through accessible communications in a range of formats.

• Proficient in the English language.

Preferred skills and competencies

• A university degree in social or political science, environmental governance or advanced technical qualifications relevant to resource management and/or circular economy.

• Knowledge of, and experience in working on, the topic of EPR.

• Knowledge/experience of supporting the design and implementation of policies at the local and national levels in Europe.

• Experience with creating participatory and interactive educational tools for complex topics

• Other languages, apart from English, are a plus.

• Solid IT competences with collaborative tools (Google Drive, Slack, Zoho).

• Experience in working with people from different cultures and nationalities in a way that facilitates conflict prevention and values community wisdom.

Personal qualities

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities.

• Initiative, self-motivation and team player.

• Problem-solving attitude and results-oriented.

• Commitment to accuracy, efficiency and a high standard of work.

• Ability and willingness to use initiative and take decisions under pressure and uncertainty.

• A strong commitment to Zero Waste Europe’s ethos and network structures.

• Willingness to work with a flexible schedule, as required for moments such as occasional events during weekends and evenings, or having to travel during these times (all of which can be compensated back)

We fully respect that no person will fulfil all these requirements, but if you see yourself in most of these descriptions, please feel encouraged to apply.

Equal Employment opportunity

We are committed to the principle of Equal Employment Opportunity for all employees, regardless of gender, marital status, nationality, religion, age, sexual orientation and any other characteristics unrelated to the performance of the job. We are particularly pleased to receive applications from people from groups that have been and are underrepresented in the climate and zero waste fields.

We also realise that not all individuals have the same opportunities to engage in paid work or studies and are open to receiving applications from those who may not fulfil all the required skills but have the interest, passion, (cap)abilities and drive to fulfil the role. In this respect, we encourage people from a diverse intersection of backgrounds to apply.

Location, Compensation and Work Environment

This is a full-time position based out of our Brussels office, under a hybrid working setup with a split 50/50 working from home vs from the office. A valid working permit for Belgium is required. The initial contract will be closed for a 12-month period, with a likelihood to be extended into a long-term contract depending on available funding.

We offer €3554-3750 (gross salary) plus benefits, including lunch vouchers (8€/day); 13th month (year end bonus); double holiday pay (Belgian standard); 20 vacation days plus 6 extra-legal holidays + 4 days between Christmas and New Year; Hospitalisation; Ambulatory and Dental Insurance (DKV); Travel insurance; home working and other allowances (€150.00-220.00 net/month); full coverage of public transport costs for commuting (minimum €49.00 net/month); and flexible working hours/times.

We take pride in our ability to support one another's work in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect, and look forward to introducing the successful candidate to our welcoming and highly motivated team and network members.

Deadline to apply: Thursday 5th December 2024 at 23:59 CET. The position remains open until filled. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. We encourage potential candidates to submit their applications when ready, and not to wait until the final deadline.

Our 2-round interview process will include a 1-2 hr assignment for selected candidates after round 1. First round interviews will take place during the 11-12 December 2024. Second round interviews will be held on 17 December 2024.

To apply: Please send your CV and motivation letter in English with two references (all merged into a single PDF document) through the appropriate form on the ZWE website (“Work With Us” page). Only the applications sent via this form will be taken into account. We can only guarantee that short-listed candidates will be contacted.