Location: Belgium-based, hybrid between home and our Brussels office
Duration: short-term (until mid-March 2026)
Start date: as soon as possible (no later than October 2025)
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 37 members and alliances across 29 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 founding member of various movements and coalitions that are hosted under our entity, and are the European chapter of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA).
Our ZWE Values
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We are purpose-driven, always putting forward a solution-oriented approach.
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We are game-changing – we challenge the status quo, explore emerging topics and create a safe space to succeed (and to recover from setbacks).
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We are adaptable, constantly striving towards learning and improving; open to change and taking agency.
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We believe acting with integrity is crucial to achieve impact and change, both inside and outside our network.
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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 you
Zero Waste Europe’s policy team is looking for a part time (60%) maternity cover to support the team on different EU files including the Circular Economy Act (CEA), packaging rules (PPWR) and the Single Use Plastics Directive (SUPD).
The successful candidate will:
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Have between 5-7 years of proven experience in waste and/or environmental policy at EU level.
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Have a proficient level of English; knowledge of any additional language is considered an asset.
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Support advocacy efforts related to packaging rules (PPWR) and the Circular Economy Act (CEA), including coordination within the policy team and the Rethink Plastic Alliance (Rpa) coalition, as well as with external partners and stakeholders.
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Help with policy-relevant research and support drafting of policy papers.
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Help organising meetings, events, webinars, conferences.
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Attend meetings and events and report relevant outcomes to colleagues.
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Assist with any other relevant advocacy activities that may arise during the maternity cover period.
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Proactively participate in ZWE activities and put forward ideas going beyond this job description.
Main tasks per policy file
Circular Economy Act (CEA)
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Support the coordination of our work on the CEA, with a specific focus on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) work.
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Reach out to EU institutions and MEPs.
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Engagement with key stakeholders identified in our strategy.
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Support in the content work, especially on EPR.
PPWR Secondary legislation
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PPWR coordination within ZWE and within Rpa.
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Support the coordination and content work, especially on packaging reuse depending on policy developments.
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Support the organisation of events/webinars on PPWR and packaging reuse.
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Engage with key stakeholders on PPWR secondary legislation focused on reuse.
SUPD
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Support in answering the public consultation and coordination with Rpa.
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Reach out to EU institutions.
This list is non-exhaustive and adaptable depending on the candidate’s strengths and interests. The selected candidate will report back to the Head of Policy and work closely with members of the policy team.
Equal employment opportunity
We are committed to the principle of Equal Employment Opportunity for all employees, regardless of sex, gender, marital status, nationality, religion, age, sexual orientation and any other characteristics unrelated to the performance of the job.
We also realise that not all individuals have the same opportunities to engage in paid work or studies and are open to receiving applications from those who may not fulfil all the required skills but have the interest, passion, (cap)abilities and drive to fulfil the role. In this respect, we encourage people from a diverse intersection of backgrounds to apply.
Location, compensation and work environment
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We offer a competitive NGO salary plus benefits, including:
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Lunch vouchers; 13th month (year-end bonus).
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Double holiday pay (Belgian standard).
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Legal Holidays as per Belgian standards, plus extra-legal holidays and days between Christmas and New Year.
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Hospitalisation, ambulatory and Dental Insurance.
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Travel insurance; home working and other allowances.
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Reimbursement of public transport costs for local commuting; and full reimbursement of train transportation commuting costs within Belgium.
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Flexible working hours/times.
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Candidates must already have a valid working permit for Belgium – please note that ZWE is not able to provide working permit sponsorships.
We take pride in our ability to support one another’s work in an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect, and look forward to introducing the successful candidate to our welcoming and highly motivated team and network members.
Deadline to apply: applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a final deadline on 14 September 2025, at 23:59 CEST.
Ideal starting date: no later than September-October 2025.
To apply
Please send your CV and motivation letter in English with two references (all merged into a single PDF document) through the appropriate form on the ZWE website (“Work With Us” page). Only applications sent via this form will be considered. We can only guarantee that short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Our 1-round interview process will take place in the week of September 22nd and include:
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A 45 minutes screening interview with our Head of Policy
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A 30 minutes interview with our Head of Operations and Head of Policy on team and culture
We aim to have a 2-way conversation and to get to know each other during the interview, so please be truthful and ask your questions, we will do the same!
