PpbLocation: /b Belgium-based, hybrid between home and our Brussels office /p pbDuration: /b A full-time (80% is an alternative option), permanent contract under Belgian law /p pbStart date: /b as soon as possible /p h3ABOUT US /h3 pZero 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. /p pThe ZWE network now includes 41 members and alliances across 30 European countries and works with topics across the whole chain. From the strategic use of resources and product design to reusability to end-of-pipe waste management solutions, from the phase‑out of plastics to 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). /p pWe 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 small businesses; we are founding member of various movements and coalitions that are hosted under our entity (such as Break Free From Plastic), and are the European chapter of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA). /p h3OUR ZWE VALUES /h3 ul liWe are purpose-driven, always putting forward a solution‑oriented approach. /li liWe are game‑changing – we challenge the status quo, explore emerging topics and create a safe space to succeed (and to recover from setbacks). /li liWe are adaptable, constantly striving towards learning and improving; open to change and taking agency. /li liWe believe acting with integrity is crucial to achieving impact and change, both inside and outside our network. /li liWe care deeply about our communities, the environment, and systemic changes that benefit society as a whole – while also looking after ourselves and our own well‑being as a team and as individuals. /li /ul h3ABOUT THE ROLE /h3 pZero Waste Europe is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Head of Communications to lead the organisation's communications vision and strategy, and contribute to our fundraising efforts. The role also includes leading and supporting a creative and enthusiastic Communications Team (currently 3 Communication Officers), guiding day‑to‑day communications activities, and ensuring strategic coherence across all internal and external communications. /p pYou will work closely with other senior staff as part of the Coordination and Management Team (CMT), and will report to the Executive Director. /p h3ABOUT YOU /h3 pYou are a strategic and collaborative communications leader with a strong sense of purpose and impact. You are able to translate complex topics into compelling narratives and communication approaches that resonate with diverse audiences. /p pYou thrive in collaborative and co‑creative environments and enjoy working across teams to strengthen the visibility and impact of Zero Waste Europe's work. You are skilled at building alignment around communications priorities; fostering a supportive and growth‑oriented team culture; and navigating complexity and fast‑evolving environments with sound judgement and adaptability. /p h3CORE RESPONSIBILITIES /h3 h3Leadership and strategy /h3 ul liLead the communications vision and strategy for ZWE, including its implementation and evolution in line with the ZWE Strategic Framework. /li liProvide strategic communications direction on organisational positioning, advocacy priorities, external narratives, and emerging communications trends relevant to the sector. /li liDevelop compelling narratives and audience‑focused messaging that help broaden the reach and impact of ZWE's work beyond traditional policy audiences. /li liContribute to fundraising activities and donor engagement efforts, including proposal development and communications‑related fundraising activities. /li liProvide strategic communications advice and capacity‑building support to colleagues across the organisation, including senior leadership and programme teams. /li liCo‑lead the approach to crisis communications together with the Executive Director and relevant colleagues. /li /ul h3Team management /h3 ul liLine‑manage the Communications Team (currently 3 Communications Officers), fostering collaboration, strategic thinking, innovation, and professional growth. /li liEnsure effective team coordination, prioritisation, and ways of working across communications activities and cross‑organisational projects. /li /ul h3Communication oversight /h3 ul liLead the effective delivery and strategic coherence of the organisation's communications activities, channels, and outputs. /li liEnsure editorial quality, consistency, and alignment across campaigns, publications, media engagement, digital communications, and public‑facing communications, including articles, opinion pieces, and press releases. /li liOversee communications planning and support for major publications, campaigns, events, launches, and advocacy moments. /li liOversee communications monitoring, audience engagement, and impact assessment activities. /li liManage strategic relationships with external communications and audiovisual suppliers and oversee key communications platforms and publications, including ZWE websites and the Annual Report. /li /ul h3Strategic projects and external engagement /h3 ul liLead the delivery of key strategic communication projects and initiatives, including the setup of a ZWE Digital Asset Management (DAM)/Multimedia Library; the Communications Management of the Interpool project; and narrative‑building moments for key ZWE topics. /li liRepresent Zero Waste Europe externally, when relevant, in media engagements, public events, and strategic communications discussions. /li liProvide high‑level communications advice and support to Mission Zero Academy. /li liServe as the European point of contact within the GAIA Communications group, contributing to cross‑regional/global communication activities and joint campaigns. /li /ul pThis is a non‑exclusive list, and more tasks may be required as the organisation evolves and the selected candidate grows in their role. /p h3REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES /h3 ul liRelevant master's degree or equivalent experience. /li liAt least 8 years of experience in communications, public relations, journalism or a related field; and experience in communications leadership roles, ideally including line management duties. /li liExperience balancing policy/advocacy communication with membership‑based communication is a strong asset. /li liStrong experience in strategic communications, storytelling, narrative‑building, and hope‑based communications. /li liA strong understanding of campaigning and creative communications approaches to influence political processes and decision makers. /li liExcellent interpersonal skills and project management skills, with the ability to bring people along with the strategy set forward. /li liStrategic and autonomous mindset, with the ability to drive change, set priorities, and challenge existing ways of working. /li liProficiency with Google Workspace, Slack, Zoho, Canva, and similar collaboration tools; Adobe Suite skills are an asset. /li liExcellent written and spoken skills in English; other European languages are a plus. /li liExperience managing budgets and leading communications for EU‑funded projects involving partner consortia. /li liA broad understanding of EU and international environmental policies, and a strong appetite for political influence and advocacy. Familiarity with the EU decision‑making process would be an asset. /li liFlexibility and ability to react quickly to evolving political developments. /li liA strong understanding of campaigning and how to use communications to influence political processes and decision makers. /li liA genuine interest in and passion for Zero Waste Europe's mission, values, and areas of focus. /li liA member‑and‑movement‑minded approach, with the ability to reflect and represent the diversity of a grassroots network. /li liComfort working in a multicultural environment, with flexibility to collaborate across different time zones when needed. /li /ul h3Equal employment opportunity /h3 pWe are committed to the principle of Equal Employment Opportunity for all employees, regardless of sex, gender, marital status, nationality, religion, age, sexual orientation and any other characteristics unrelated to the performance of the job. /p pWe 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. /p h3Location, compensation and work environment /h3 pWe offer a competitive remuneration package in line with Brussels NGO standards (€ range gross for a 100% FTE) depending on experience and internal salary grid placement, plus benefits, including: /p ul liLunch vouchers (€10/day); 13th month (year‑end bonus - if applicable); /li liDouble holiday pay (Belgian standard); /li liLegal Holidays as per Belgian standards, plus 3 extra‑legal holidays (6 for a full year); /li liHospitalisation, ambulatory and Dental Insurance (DKV); /li liTravel insurance; home working and other allowances (€200 net/month); /li liReimbursement of public transport costs for local commuting (max €56.00 net/month) upon show of receipts; and full reimbursement of train transportation commuting costs within Belgium; and bike allowance for commuting by bicycle. /li liFlexible working hours/times and hybrid work format between home and our Brussels office /li liAn exciting opportunity to work with a dynamic, friendly, expert team /li /ul pCandidates must have the right to work in Belgium - please note that ZWE is not able to provide working permit sponsorships. Candidates must live in Belgium or be willing to relocate by the start date. /p pbIdeal starting date: /b as soon as possible. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr