Senior Specialist, Agriculture and Livestock

Position description

While 85% of Europe’s agricultural emissions are related to livestock, of which methane is a potent contributor. estimates show no meaningful methane reductions in the current 2023-2027 CAP period. EDF works in Europe with corporate and various actors in livestock value-chains to make a powerful case to EU policymakers and key Member State authorities for reducing methane by working collaboratively and in farmer-centric ways. By working with partners to bring the best science, tools and innovation in crop and livestock supply chains, we aim to create sustainable, adapted and resilient agricultural sectors that benefit the planet, rural communities and the economy. Our work looks at how the best practices can be implemented on the ground in a just transition, while ensuring that farmers have access to the right financial solutions and incentives, and how to leverage the lessons learned within the EU’s policy discussion to scale up and accelerate uptake.

Overall Function:

The Senior Specialist, Agriculture and Livestock will provide expert technical contributions on emission reduction practices within sustainable agriculture and livestock policy and development, integrating climate resilience, innovative technologies within the various initiatives and projects of the EU climate-smart agriculture team. Their work will inform EDF Europe’s collaborative projects and science-led policy work with robust technical insights, and will help to develop, carry out and coordinate advocacy and outreach activities to achieve impactful outcomes in climate mitigation and adaptation in the EU agriculture sector.

This role will report to the Senior Director, EU Climate Smart Agriculture based in Brussels, and will liaise closely with colleagues in Europe, the United States and in other overseas offices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct research and analysis on the current and emerging state of play across a range of European agri-climate and agri-environmental development;
• Collect and analyze emerging scientific and technical knowledge on best practices on livestock sustainability and climate-smart agricultural practices, technologies and innovation in Europe and make recommendations to underpin EDF’s advocacy;
• Perform literature reviews and find, analyze, and synthesize information on topics related to methane emissions from agriculture to inform the design and development of EDF projects related to mitigation;
• Draft high-quality memos, technical and/or policy briefings, presentations, and analyses within short timeframes;
• Communicate and present professional material mainly to internal stakeholders and co-ordinate relationships with some existing external relationships;
• Attend and represent EDF at some external events with a high degree of professionalism;
• Assist in putting together proposals, coordinating, and tracking of EDF projects, and contribute to consultations on behalf of EDF, gathering input from colleagues and external partners as appropriate;
• Fact-check and lead the development of reports, fact sheets, blog posts, website content, and other materials for general and specific audiences on a variety of topics;
• Apply excellent organizational, communication and planning skills in preparing correspondence and reports, responding to requests for information and helping to coordinate activities among regional and global EDF staff members;
• Keep abreast of EDF Europe’s strategic goals and programmatic work;
• Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included and empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in ways that align with EDF values; Additional relevant responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Educated to Bachelor or Master level in animal, veterinary or agricultural science, environmental or agricultural policy, or a related field or equivalent professional experience;
• 4 years of relevant work experience;
• Understand the development and delivery of science-based agricultural, climate and environmental policy;
• Knowledgeable about climate and environmental issues associated with the agriculture and livestock industries, especially methane, ammonia, and nitrous oxide emissions as well as the impacts on water quality of intensive production;
• Knowledgeable on multiple European farm typologies, methods and systems of production and their associated sustainability challenges;
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively and build influential relationships with diverse stakeholders including from academic, farming, business, and policy backgrounds;
• Ability to research, synthesize, and summarize information into clear, accurate, and accessible briefings, with strong attention to detail;
• Ability to analyze information, identify and evaluate solutions from a range of alternatives in the context of solutions, techniques, policies standards. You feel comfortable making evidence-based recommendations;
• Solid written and verbal skills, with the ability to adapt communication style dependent on audience and format, including digital platforms;
• Excellent organizational skills, including ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines;
• Collaborative spirit with the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team;
• Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and the ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds;
• Willingness to travel up to 10% of their time, mainly in the EU.

Eligibility:

The role is an 18-months fixed-term contract based in Brussels, Belgium. We support hybrid working. Candidates must be based in Brussels and have the right to live and work in Belgium/EU when applying.

Application instructions

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