Job Description

Vacancy #:	7574
Unit:	TRAFFIC Europe
Organisation:	TRAFFIC International (TRAFFIC)
Location:	TRAFFIC - Europe (Brussels), Brussels, Belgium
Reporting to:	Project Manager - FORCES
Work percentage:	100%
Grade:	A3
Expected start date:	01 June 2026
Type of contract:	Fixed-term (up to 11 months)
Closing date:	19 April 2026

BACKGROUND

ORGANISATIONAL BACKGROUND

TRAFFIC is the leading non-governmental organization working globally on trade in wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

TRAFFIC’s local engagement is managed through programme offices that operate within a geographic area of responsibility focused on one or multiple countries where TRAFFIC aims to help deliver priority programme outcomes. This position will be based in TRAFFIC International Europe (TIE) in Brussels, Belgium. TIE is an association (ASBL) registered in Belgium which operates within the geographic area of responsibility focused on the European Union Members States and other countries in the European region where TRAFFIC aims to help deliver priority programme outcomes.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

TRAFFIC International Europe is working in the EU-funded project FORCES (Fighting Organised Crime for the benefit of the Environment and Security). FORCES is an EU-funded project under the Internal Security Fund (ISF) that supports law enforcement authorities in the fight against organised crime by dismantling criminal networks and their business models.

FORCES supports the strengthening of operational capacities to address organised crime threatening the environment and security by:

• Improving the intelligence picture on organised criminal networks and their convergence across crime areas;
• Strengthening law enforcement capacity in digital, cyber and financial investigations;
• Facilitating cross-border investigations and coordinated operational actions;
• Promoting cooperation between law enforcement authorities, the judiciary, non-governmental organisations and relevant private sector actors.

We are looking for a Research Officer to support the overall implementation, research and reporting of the FORCES Project. The role will work under the supervision of the Project Manager at TIE, and in close working relationships with other staff of TIE, including on delivery, as well as financial and administrative matters

We offer a fixed-term contract till 30 April 2027, with possibility of extension.

The salary range for this position is between €2,500 to €3,200 gross per month depending on experience and skills.

Additionally you will have our company benefits which include: 13 month salary per year, Group and Hospitalization Insurances, Eco vouchers, Working from Home Allowance, Reimbursement of Commuting Expenses, Internet Connection and Meal Vouchers.

JOB DESCRIPTION

TRAFFIC International Europe is recruiting a colleague to join our Brussels-based team. Working with the Project Manager, you will support the delivery, coordination and reporting of project activities, lead specific workstreams with partner organisations, and contribute to research and analysis across a range of topics. Key duties include analysing wildlife trade data, drafting high-quality technical reports and other written outputs, representing TRAFFIC in relevant international meetings and fora, and supporting day-to-day project management. We are looking for a well-organised and proactive team member with strong scientific writing skills and a collaborative approach to engaging with stakeholders across Europe and beyond.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES

• Supports Project Manager with the overall implementation and reporting of FORCES project activities and objectives.
• Leads on the delivery of agreed particular FORCES project activities, in collaboration with project partners.
• Researches a wide range of wildlife trade topics under the FORCES project, collects and analyses data and information on wildlife trade and conservation, and leads in the writing of resulting reports.
• Communicates on FORCES project activities, including in relation to wider organisational programme outcomes, maintains internal and external information flows, and represents TRAFFIC as appropriate at international meetings.
• Supports timely, effective and comprehensive technical and financial project reporting.

SPECIFIC DUTIES
• Assists Project Manager with the implementation of activities in the EU-funded project FORCES.
• Leads the delivery of agreed FORCES project activities and specific tasks.
• Analyses trade data and qualitative information, produces scientific and technical documents and reports for internal and external use, and formulates recommendations for appropriate audiences.
• Liaises with FORCES project partners, and a wide range of stakeholders in Europe and across priority wildlife trafficking routes, supporting the delivery of project activities.
• Represents TRAFFIC and project in international meetings and conferences as appropriate, and reports back on these meetings.
• Responds to general enquiries, and those concerning the project, that are directed to TRAFFIC in Europe as appropriate.
• Contributes to the FORCES monitoring and evaluation, preparation of technical – and as appropriate financial reports.
• Assists with reporting on TRAFFIC’s programme implementation in Europe.
• Assists in fund-raising efforts and in the development of funding proposals for TRAFFIC in Europe.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
As agreed with the line manager.

REQUIREMENTS

• Candidates must have the right to work in Belgium

• University qualifications or practical experience in ecology, resource management, environmental policy or law, or a similar field, preferably related to wildlife trade;
• Research, analytical and organisational skills, with attention to detail, experience or interest in investigating and researching wildlife trade issues;
• Data analysis skills, including proficient use of Excel or other data analysis tools;
• A good understanding of the EU legal framework and current policies, especially regarding law enforcement, customs and environment;
• A good understanding of international nature conservation laws and agreements, and of relevant regulations and legislation in the European Union and in other European regions;
• A good understanding of legislative and policy issues pertaining to wildlife trade and conservation, including the implementation of CITES;
• Practical experience in EU-funded projects and project management would be an asset;
• Interest in law enforcement topics (e.g. , environmental crimes, financial crimes, organised crime groups) and open-source intelligence (OSINT);
• Practical experience working with a government or an international Non-governmental Organisation (NGO) / Inter-governmental Organisation (IGO) would be an asset;
• Ability to work under pressure and to set own work priorities as appropriate and a capacity to meet deadlines;
• Strong skills in spoken and written English; fluency in other languages used in the European Union (preferably French, Spanish) or in EU neighbouring countries, an advantage;
• Strong communication, analytical and presentation skills, including strong writing abilities in the English language;
• An ability to work co-operatively as part of a small team with strong inter-personal skills and an ability to work in different cultural contexts;
• Familiarity with the goals and operation of TRAFFIC is desirable;
• Willing and able to travel;

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.

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