Textiles Officer

ZWE - Zero Waste Europe

Brussels, Belgium

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.

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