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Deputy Director

Aqua Publica Europea

Full-timePolicy & Advocacy

Posted 3 Nov 2026  ·  Expires 11 Dec 2026

Aqua Publica Europea

Aqua Publica Europea

Aqua Publica Europea (APE) is the European Association of Public Water Operators, uniting publicly owned water and sanitation services and other stakeholders to promote public water management at European and international levels. The organization advocates for the right to water, sustainable financing, and transparent, accountable water services, working to ensure water is managed in the public interest. As a European association, it represents its members towards European institutions and fosters the exchange of good practices within the water sector.

Aqua Publica Europea (APE) is recruiting a Deputy Director to join its Secretariat in Brussels.

As part of an overall reorganisation of the Secretariat, the Deputy Director will progressively take over the responsibilities of the Executive Director, ultimately assuming responsibility for the overall management and strategic development of the association.

Candidate profile

Essential requirements:

  • At least five years of professional experience in EU-level advocacy.

  • A clear understanding of, and strong commitment to, the association's mission and values.

  • Proven ability to translate complex or technical issues into clear, concise and relevant messages tailored to different audiences (e.g. policymakers, APE members and other stakeholders).

Additional selection criteria:

The following qualifications and experience will be considered assets:

  • Knowledge of, or professional experience in, the water sector.

  • Familiarity with EU and international water policies.

  • Experience working in international organisations, particularly membership-based associations.

  • Experience in staff management and team coordination.

  • Proficiency in European languages relevant to the association, particularly Italian, Spanish and/or French.

  • Understanding of the specific challenges, governance structures and operating principles of the public sector.

  • Experience in project management.

What we offer

We offer a full-time employment contract under Belgian law, with a competitive salary commensurate with the successful candidate's experience and qualifications.

Recruitment process

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and cover letter to [email protected] by 11 December 2026.

The cover letter (maximum two pages) should outline both the candidate's motivation for applying and their vision for the future development of the association.

Please note that we are unable to provide individual feedback on applications. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted regarding the next stages of the recruitment process.

In-person interviews with shortlisted candidates and APE's Management Board are expected to take place in Brussels in February/March 2027. Further details will be communicated directly to the candidates concerned.

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