Research Officer - Europe

International Union for Conservation of Nature
Brussels
1 dag geleden
Vacancy #:
7337

Unit:
TRAFFIC Europe

Organisation:
TRAFFIC International (TRAFFIC)

Location:
TRAFFIC - Europe (Brussels), Brussels, Belgium

TRAFFIC International (Europe office in Brussels, Belgium or headquarters, Cambridge, UK)

Reporting to:
Senior Programme Officer - Europe

Work percentage:
100%

Grade:
A3

Expected start date:
01 September 2025

Type of contract:
Fixed-term (12 months with possibility of renewal)

Closing date:
31 July 2025


BACKGROUND

TRAFFIC is the leading non-governmental organisation working globally on trade in wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

TRAFFIC International is a charity and limited company registered in the UK. TRAFFIC’s head office, based in Cambridge UK, provides worldwide leadership, coordination, cross-regional and corporate functions. TRAFFIC’s local engagement is managed through programme offices operating under the auspices of the UK charity, with staff based in a hub office and at other strategic locations where necessary. Programme offices operate within a geographic area of responsibility focused on one or multiple countries where TRAFFIC aims to help deliver priority programme outcomes.

Candidate must be eligible to work in Belgium/the European Union or the UK. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

The salary for this role dependent on skills and experience, as well as location. In Belgium the annual the gross salary range is between EUR 32,333-40,416, and in the UK the range is between GBP 27,869-34,836 per annum.

JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB DESCRIPTION

The Research Officer – Europe will assist in implementing TRAFFIC’s global work plan in Europe.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

  • Support the implementation of TRAFFIC’s activities in Europe, contributing to the organisation’s global programme in collaboration with other TRAFFIC offices and external partners.
  • Conduct research on a wide range of wildlife trade and conservation topics, including data collection and analysis. Assist in the design and implementation of research projects focused on wildlife trade in Europe.
  • Provide technical and administrative support to TRAFFIC’s programmes in Europe, including contributing to the development of policy recommendations and strategic recommendations.
  • Facilitate internal and external communications related to TRAFFIC’s Europe programme activities. Represent TRAFFIC at relevant international meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagements as required.
  • Assists TRAFFIC staff in Europe with programme development and implementation, including fundraising, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

  • Support the implementation of activities under TRAFFIC’s Service Contract with the European Commission to support the implementation and development of the EU Wildlife Trade Policy and Regulations.
  • Assist in the collection, compilation, and analysis of information related to the enforcement and implementation of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations.
  • Analyse wildlife trade data and produce scientific and technical reports, briefing documents, and recommendations for a range of target audiences including the CITES Secretariat, the European Commission, government agencies and NGOs.
  • Provide technical assistance, research support, scientific information, and data analysis to TRAFFIC staff in Europe, other TRAFFIC offices, and relevant national and international partners and agencies.
  • Contribute to the delivery of TRAFFIC projects in Europe, with a focus on threatened species, wildlife markets, and the implementation of EU Wildlife Trade Regulations.
  • Respond to general wildlife trade and policy enquiries received by TRAFFIC in Europe, ensuring timely and accurate communication.
  • Represent TRAFFIC at relevant international meetings, conferences, and workshops, and provide summaries or reports of key outcomes and implications.
  • Liaise and coordinate with key stakeholders, such as the European Commission, the CITES Secretariat, governmental bodies, intergovernmental agencies, and NGOs.
  • Support internal monitoring and reporting of TRAFFIC’s programme implementation in Europe, including contributions to donor reporting and evaluation processes..
  • Assist in fundraising activities, including the development of concept notes and funding proposals to support TRAFFIC’s work in Europe.
REQUIREMENTS

  • Education and Qualifications

  • University qualification in biology, zoology, environmental sciences, environmental policy or law, or a closely related field, ideally with a focus on wildlife trade or conservation.
  • Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant subject are an advantage.


  • Professional Experience
  • Demonstrated experience in international wildlife conservation preferably with government or an international Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) / Inter-governmental Organisation (IGO);

  • Experience working within or in collaboration with EU institutions or international conservation frameworks is highly desirable.

  • Experience conducting research and investigations on wildlife trade issues.

  • Experience or demonstrated knowledge of broader wildlife trade issues, including fisheries and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, exotic pet trade, timber trade, is highly desirable.


  • Knowledge and Expertise
  • Strong understanding of international nature conservation laws and agreements, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES);

  • Strong understanding of the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations and relevant national legislation across European countries;

  • Sound knowledge of the structure and functioning of the European Union and the European Commission, particularly its environmental and development policies.


  • Analytical and Research Skills
  • Proven research and analytical skills, including data collection, interpretation, critical review and synthesis of scientific research data, policy and legal information;

  • Proficiency in using statistical software (e.g., R) and data analysis tools.


  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to produce clear, well-structured reports, policy briefs, and presentations for a range of audiences;

  • Fluency in other European languages (particularly French, German, Spanish) or languages of neighbouring countries is considered a strong asset;

  • Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a small, diverse team and engage professionally with external stakeholders.


  • Organisation and Work Ethic
  • Proficient organisation skills, with attention to detail and accuracy;

  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment;

  • Self-motivated with the ability to prioritise workload and work independently when required;

  • Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of TRAFFIC;


  • Other Requirements
  • Willingness and ability to travel internationally as needed;

  • Must be eligible to work in the European Union or the United Kingdom (depending on the location of the role).

  • APPLICATIONS

    Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.

    Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.

    Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/

    About IUCN

    IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.

    Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.

    IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.

    Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.

    www.iucn.org
    https://twitter.com/IUCN

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