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CWSS
Common Wadden Sea Secretariat (CWSS)
Headquarter: Germany
Category
Multilateral Organizations
Industry
Environment
Size
51-100 employees
Career Site
https://www.waddensea-worldheritage.org/job-vacancies
About CWSS

The Common Wadden Sea Secretariat (CWSS) supports, facilitates, and coordinates the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation (TWSC). Located in Wilhelmshaven, the Secretariat was founded in 1987 by the Wadden Sea states Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands.

The Secretariat

  • coordinates, promotes, and supports activities of the Cooperation;
  • is responsible for the preparation and production of documents for ministerial conferences, meetings of the Wadden Sea Board (WSB), and trilateral work groups;
  • collects and evaluates information on monitoring, protection, and the ecological condition of the entire Wadden Sea;
  • is the central contact for the UNESCO Wadden Sea World Heritage;
  • produces and publishes reports by the Cooperation;
  • involves the public in the protection of the entire Wadden Sea area through communications, awareness building, and environmental education.

Additionally, CWSS is the secretariat of the Wadden Sea Seals Agreement, the first regional Agreement to be concluded under the auspices of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). Since the inscription of the Wadden Sea on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Secretariat has moreover dealt with the implementation of the obligations derived from the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.

The legal status and the functions of and regulations governing CWSS are stipulated in the Administrative Agreement concluded between the Danish, Dutch, and German Ministries responsible for the Wadden Sea. Each Ministry finances a third of its budget. The working language of the Trilateral Cooperation and the CWSS is English.

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Working at CWSS

Mission & Impact

  • Protecting a World Heritage Site: The Wadden Sea is the world's largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Working with CWSS means contributing directly to the conservation of a globally significant ecosystem.

  • Biodiversity Conservation: It's one of the most important stopover sites for millions of migratory birds on the East Atlantic Flyway. Joining CWSS connects you to international efforts that safeguard this critical habitat.

  • Climate Resilience: The Wadden Sea is at the frontline of sea-level rise and climate change. The Secretariat plays a central role in coordinating adaptive strategies that benefit both nature and coastal communities.

Collaboration & International Dimension

  • Trilateral Cooperation: CWSS is the joint secretariat of Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands, ensuring cross-border cooperation in environmental governance. You'll engage with diverse partners, from governments to NGOs to research institutions.

  • UNESCO and Global Networks: By joining, you are entering global conservation frameworks and networks, amplifying both visibility and impact.

Professional Growth

  • Policy & Science Interface: CWSS is uniquely positioned at the intersection of science, policy, and practice-ideal for professionals interested in translating research into concrete action.

  • Diverse Expertise: Opportunities span communications, marine conservation, migratory bird protection, climate adaptation, stakeholder engagement, and environmental management.

  • Capacity Building: Staff and partners gain international experience, cross-cultural teamwork, and expertise in transboundary environmental governance.

Values & Inspiration

  • Shared Responsibility: The Wadden Sea's protection is a collective duty. Joining CWSS means becoming part of a long-standing tradition of international cooperation for nature.

  • Visible Results: Efforts translate into real impact-healthier wetlands, thriving bird populations, stronger local engagement, and global recognition.

  • Meaningful Work: Beyond a job, it's a contribution to protecting one of the planet's most extraordinary natural treasures for future generations.

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