Start date: 1 February 2026Duration: 2 years (extension desirable)Location: Brussels, Belgium ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is inviting applications for a Senior Expert in Resilience and Climate Adaptation, a strategic position within its European Secretariat. The successful candidate will strengthen ICLEI’s leadership in advancing sustainable, climate-resilient, and nature-based urban development across Europe. About ICLEI ICLEI is a global network of more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to low-emission, nature-positive, equitable, resilient and circular development. Operating in over 125 countries, the organisation connects policy, research and practice to support cities in addressing complex sustainability challenges.The ICLEI European Secretariat, headquartered in Freiburg with specialised offices in Brussels and Berlin, employs over 150 staff representing a wide range of professional disciplines. Working at ICLEI offers the opportunity to: Deepen understanding of how cities design and implement sustainability and climate-neutrality policies. Collaborate with leading urban researchers, political actors, and practitioners on European innovation projects. Contribute to European and international frameworks such as the EU Green Deal, EU Missions, New European Bauhaus, and the UN SDGs. Engage with an internationally recognised organisation known for shaping and evaluating cutting-edge approaches to sustainable urbanism. Grow professionally in a flexible, multicultural, family-friendly work environment with opportunities for European travel and continuous learning. Profile and Eligibility Requirements ICLEI seeks a highly motivated and experienced professional with the following competencies and attributes: Technical and Thematic Expertise Strong understanding of integrated sustainable urban development, particularly in resilience, climate adaptation, environmental management, green infrastructure, water resources, urban planning, landscape architecture, and/or disaster risk reduction. Excellent knowledge of the European policy landscape related to resilience and climate adaptation. Proven experience engaging in advocacy, including clear understanding of EU policy processes. Ability to lead advocacy efforts in Brussels, focusing on areas such as the Mission for Adaptation to Climate Change, blue-green infrastructure, disaster risk reduction, and the EU Climate Risk Assessment. Insight into ICLEI’s mission, workstreams and partner networks, especially within the Benelux region. Professional Experience Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience, ideally in a project-based environment. Experience working with local governments, urban actors or networks; background in policy and advocacy is highly desirable. Demonstrated experience in managing international projects, preferably under EU Missions or the Horizon Europe programme. Strong track record in coordinating complex workstreams, liaising with diverse stakeholders, and managing budgets. Skills and Personal Attributes Very strong oral and written communication skills. Confidence working with partners ranging from grassroots organisations to national ministries. Collaborative, proactive and creative working style, combined with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced, multicultural environment. Proficiency in English and at least one additional European language; further languages are an asset. Legal Requirements Due to legal constraints, applicants must meet all of the following: EU citizenship or a valid EU residence permit. Valid Belgian work permit (if not an EU national).Applications not meeting these requirements cannot be considered. Key Responsibilities The Senior Expert will support ICLEI’s Resilience and Climate Adaptation team by contributing to policy development, project management, advocacy and stakeholder engagement. Responsibilities include: Policy and Advocacy Leadership Coordinate and develop ICLEI’s European policy and advocacy work, ensuring alignment across teams and thematic activities. Prepare policy briefs, position papers, and recommendations. Participate in EU policy consultations and represent ICLEI in relevant Brussels-based processes. Ensure an integrated approach to policy positioning across ICLEI Europe. Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement Develop and maintain relationships with strategic contacts in EU institutions, networks, and Brussels-based organisations. Engage stakeholders in the fields of nature-based solutions, green infrastructure, regional resilience, and climate adaptation. Support exchanges with local and regional governments, offering guidance on resilience planning and implementation. Project Management Coordinate Horizon Europe and related innovation projects, including work package implementation, workflow planning, and budget monitoring. Collaborate with cities, external partners and funders to deliver high-quality project outcomes. Support service delivery to local and regional governments through technical guidance and tailored support. Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building Organise and facilitate meetings, workshops, policy dialogues and thematic events. Design formats for peer learning and capacity development among European cities. Contribute to the development and promotion of ICLEI tools, services and methodologies supporting resilient and nature-based development pathways. Acquisition and Resource Mobilisation Lead or support the development of new project proposals. Contribute to the acquisition of future projects aligned with ICLEI’s mission. Employment Conditions Contract: Initial 24-month contract with strong potential for extension. Salary: Gross annual salary of €67,000–€70,000 (aligned with ICLEI’s Senior Expert scale). Working hours: 40 hours per week with flexible scheduling; up to 50% remote work possible. Leave: Six weeks of paid annual leave. Working language: English. Travel: Occasional travel within Europe. How to Apply Applications must include: A detailed CV A letter of motivation Please submit applications to: jobs.europe@iclei.org.Early applications are encouraged, as reviews take place on a rolling basis. Equal Opportunity Statement ICLEI Europe is committed to equal employment opportunities and considers applicants solely on the basis of qualifications and competencies, without discrimination on grounds of race, religion, nationality, citizenship, age, gender, marital status, socio-economic background or sexual orientation. DOWNLOAD OFFICIAL DOCUMENT HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.