Head of Buildings and Industry At Development Aid

DRS is looking for a Head of Buildings and Industry, to work for an NGO that ensures the environmental voice is heard when environmentally friendly standards, policies, and laws are developed and drive change by providing expertise to policymakers and industry players, leading to the implementation of strong environmental principles. The ideal candidate will lead NGO’s work on a decarbonized, sustainable and circular built environment and industry.

Job Title: Head of Buildings and Industry

Contract: open-ended contract

Location: Brussels, Belgium/ or remote work with travels to the place of posting

Starting date: as soon as possible

Main Roles and Responsibilities:

Programme & Policy:

• Lead NGO’s strategy in the field of buildings & industry, with a view to promoting the environmental interest in international and European policies and standards;
• Lead a team of 3 Programme Managers and lead an ambitious project involving colleagues across various teams;
• Create impact through advocacy, standardization, and campaigns;
• Shape NGO’s vision and position in the sector, developing their footprint and impact;
• Raise NGO’s profile at the national, regional, and international level, and notably towards standardization organizations, European institutions, UN fora, etc.

Strategic development:

• Contribute to NGO’s strategic planning and organizational development;

Project portfolio management

• Lead and develop a portfolio of projects aligned with their environmental and strategic objectives;
• Manage and develop relationships with funders.

Engagement with networks:

• Create impactful communications content for the NGO including articles, opinion pieces, and publications, in cooperation with the Communications Department;
• Actively strengthen cooperation with NGO’s networks including member organizations, potential new members, campaigns and any relevant stakeholders;
• Ensure effective involvement of members and experts in NGO activities.

Skills and experience required:

Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of relevant professional experience, preferably with NGOs, institutions, consultancies, or companies working in the environmental field;
• Demonstrated experience in developing & implementing strategies to achieve change, ideally by leading coalitions or campaigns;
• Team leadership experience;
• Knowledge of the buildings and/or industrial policies at the national, European, or international level is a plus;
• Willingness to develop an understanding of technical work and the standardization processes;
• Commitment to the values, vision, and mission of environmental NGOs;

Skills:

• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate technical information into digestible information;
• Excellent time and project management skills;
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team;
• Excellent writing, communication, networking, and negotiation skills;
• Fluent English; knowledge of other languages is an asset;

Benefits offered:

• 13th salary;
• Double holiday pay;
• Lunch vouchers;
• Reimbursement of monthly teleworking expenses;
• Monthly internet allowance;
• 100% of public transport reimbursement;
• Travel insurance (applicable for personal travels too);
• DKV hospital, ambulant and dental insurance;
• Pension scheme;
• Eco-vouchers, gift vouchers & sports vouchers;
• Annual leave under the employment laws of Belgium: 20 legal holidays and 10 public holidays; + Additional leave: 5 extra-legal holidays, 6 recuperation, and office closure around Christmas (usually 5 additional paid days).