Unit:
Centre for Policy and Law
Organisation:
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Location:
EU Representative Office, Brussels, Belgium
Reporting to:
Director, Global Ocean Policy
Expected start date:
01 September 2026
Type of contract:
Fixed-term (up to 12 months with possibility of renewal)
Closing date:
12 July 2026
BACKGROUND
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (International Union for Conservation of Nature) is the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, bringing together governments, civil society organisations, scientists, Indigenous Peoples’ organisations, and experts to conserve nature and advance sustainable development.
IUCN plays a leading role in global ocean governance and international ocean policy processes, supporting ambitious action to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity, strengthen international cooperation, and advance science-based and equitable ocean governance solutions.
As momentum grows around implementation of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) and a whole ocean governance approach, IUCN is expanding its strategic engagement and partnerships across international policy fora. At the same time, the European Union is playing an increasingly influential role in advancing global ocean governance through initiatives such as the European Green Deal, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters, and the emerging EU Ocean Pact. IUCN hosts the secretariat of the BBNJ High Ambition Coalition, a state led initiative for ambitions, fast, fair and equitable implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, co-chaired by EU, Palau and Seychelles.
Based in Brussels, the Global Ocean Policy Officer will contribute to strengthening the interface between European Union ocean policy priorities and international ocean governance processes, helping ensure coherence and ambition across global and regional policy frameworks. The role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of EU policy, multilateral diplomacy, and global ocean advocacy, specifically supporting the BBNJ HAC and its members.
WHAT THIS ROLE OFFERS
This position offers a rare opportunity to contribute directly to shaping the future of global ocean governance at a critical moment for international ocean policy. Based in Brussels, the successful candidate will work at the interface of European and international ocean policy, engaging with governments, EU institutions, international organisations, experts, and partners at the forefront of efforts to protect marine biodiversity and advance ambitious implementation of the High Seas Treaty and related global commitments.
The role provides exposure to high-level international diplomacy and EU policymaking, opportunities to build an influential global network, and the chance to help drive meaningful impact for ocean conservation and sustainable use worldwide.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Global Ocean Policy Officer will support the development and delivery of IUCN’s global ocean policy, advocacy, and political engagement strategy, with a strong focus on the BBNJ Agreement, high seas governance, deep-sea governance, ocean finance, and international ocean governance.
The position will contribute to strengthening political momentum, strategic partnerships, and multilateral cooperation to advance ambitious implementation of global ocean commitments and marine biodiversity targets. A particular focus of the role will be supporting engagement with EU institutions and policy processes to help position IUCN as a leading voice on international ocean governance and marine conservation.
A key component of the role will include supporting the BBNJ High Ambition Coalition (HAC), a State-led initiative focused on galvanising political support and coordinated action for the ratification and implementation of the BBNJ Agreement. The Officer will work closely with governments, EU institutions, international organisations, civil society, and strategic partners to support high-level engagement, coalition-building, and policy coordination.
The role also includes engagement in broader international ocean governance processes, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), EU marine policy discussions, and efforts to advance innovative ocean finance solutions that support implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and global biodiversity and climate targets.
This position offers an exceptional opportunity for a motivated and politically astute professional seeking to contribute to impactful international ocean policy and diplomacy within a dynamic and globally recognised organisation.
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SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
The Global Ocean Policy Officer will:
Support the implementation of IUCN’s global ocean policy and advocacy priorities related to the high seas, deep-sea governance, ocean finance, and international ocean governance.
Monitor and analyse developments in EU and international ocean policy, including the EU Ocean Pact, BBNJ Agreement, IMO, ISA, and other relevant processes, and identify opportunities for strategic engagement.
Support IUCN’s engagement with governments, EU institutions, international organisations, and partners to advance ambitious ocean policy outcomes and implementation of global commitments.
Contribute to the coordination and day-to-day functioning of the BBNJ High Ambition Coalition Secretariat, including stakeholder engagement, coordination of inputs from members and partners, preparation of meeting materials, and follow-up actions.
Draft and coordinate policy briefs, technical papers, speaking points, briefing notes, consultation responses, advocacy materials, and other strategic communications products.
Organise and support high-level meetings, ministerial dialogues, side events, webinars, and stakeholder consultations, including logistics, agenda development, participant coordination, and reporting.
Support the implementation of communications and outreach activities, including website content, social media, newsletters, and visibility materials related to ocean policy initiatives.
Contribute to donor reporting, project monitoring, fundraising efforts, and the development of proposals and partnership opportunities related to ocean governance and ocean finance.
Support the management and coordination of consultants, service providers, and external partners as required.
Coordinate internally across IUCN Centres, Regional Offices, Commissions, and programmes to ensure coherent policy positions, effective information sharing, and alignment of advocacy efforts.
Help strengthen strategic partnerships with governments, international organisations, civil society, research institutions, philanthropic organisations, and private sector stakeholders.
REQUIREMENTS
Advanced university degree in international relations, environmental policy, ocean governance, marine policy, law, political science, European affairs, or a related field.
Minimum 5 years of professional experience in international ocean policy, environmental diplomacy, EU policy processes, multilateral negotiations, or global governance.
Strong knowledge of international ocean governance frameworks, including the BBNJ Agreement, UNCLOS, ocean-related MEAs, and relevant international institutions and processes.
Good understanding of EU marine and environmental policy frameworks and institutional processes.
Familiarity with deep-sea governance, high seas policy, and/or ocean finance would be a strong asset.
Excellent diplomatic and interpersonal skills, including experience engaging with senior government officials, ministers, ambassadors, EU institutions, and high-level stakeholders.
Strong political awareness, judgement, and sensitivity, with the ability to navigate complex and politically nuanced environments.
Experience supporting or coordinating high-level international meetings and events, including ministerial- and Heads of State-level engagements.
Excellent organisational and coordination skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure and tight deadlines.
Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills, including the ability to draft high-quality policy and briefing materials for different audiences.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments.
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French and/or Spanish would be an asset.
Willingness to travel internationally as required.
APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
About IUCN
IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.
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