Head of Local Zero Waste Implementation

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

Duration: A full-time, permanent contract under Belgian law

Start date: As soon as possible, from early October

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 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).

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 small businesses. We are also a founding member of various movements and coalitions that are hosted under our entity, such as Break Free From Plastic Europe (BFFP 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 acting with integrity is crucial to achieving impact and change, both within and beyond our network.
• 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 well-being as a team and as individuals.

ABOUT THE ROLE

ZWE is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Head of Local Zero Waste Implementation to lead our local implementation work across Europe. The purpose of the role is to ensure that cities and businesses, working with ZWE’s members and partners, have the strategic support, tools, and resources needed to implement ambitious zero waste solutions and deliver impact.

This position oversees the coordination of multiple EU- and philanthropy-funded projects led by or involving ZWE, with a focus on specific waste streams, alongside close collaboration with our sister organisation, Mission Zero Academy (MiZA), and support for the growth of the two Certifications it hosts. The role includes responsibilities for strategy development, in close collaboration with our members, to ensure the technical assistance, capacity development and fundraising opportunities we create are aligned with the needs of local actors. The role also involves securing and mobilising sufficient resources to enable the work to be done locally, as well as supporting the current ZWE Implementation team (consisting of 3 full time staff) in their day-to-day tasks.

You will work closely with other senior staff, as part of the Coordination & Management Team, and will report to the Executive Director.

ABOUT YOU

You are a strategic and collaborative leader with a strong sense of purpose and impact. You have a good understanding of how waste management and circular economy practices are implemented at the municipal level, including a sound awareness of both the opportunities but also the challenges facing local authorities within today’s current waste management system. You are able to use this knowledge to create engaging and helpful learning opportunities for local stakeholders.

You combine passion for the cause with strong project and budget management skills, bringing structure and support to our growing network and activities across Europe. You are able to communicate clearly and effectively to a broad range of stakeholders, conveying complex topics in accessible ways that are relatable for actors in different contexts.

You are able to build positive working relationships with a diverse range of actors, from city officials to waste operators, business leaders, funders and more. You thrive in collaborative and co-creative environments, where your efforts go towards supporting others to achieve direct impact on the ground and seeing connections grow into concrete collaboration.

You enjoy working across