Peatlands Programme Manager

Peatlands Programme Manager

Wetlands International Europe

Brussels or Ede-Wageningen

Peatlands programme:

Peatlands are among Europe’s most valuable yet most threatened ecosystems. They store more carbon than all other land-based ecosystems combined, regulate our water systems, and support unique biodiversity. Their protection and restoration is central to achieving the EU’s climate and nature restoration goals. As EU policies such as the Nature Restoration Law and the Common Agriculture Policy translate into real implementation at national level, the role of our Peatlands Programme becomes even more strategic. To scale our impact, strengthening resource development is essential: mobilising funding, building strong partnerships, and aligning with philanthropic and EU funding opportunities will enable the programme to grow and sustain high-quality work across countries.

Profile and purpose of the job:

We are looking for a passionate and solutions-driven Programme Manager to lead our Peatlands Programme. In this role, you will drive the conservation and restoration of Europe’s peatlands by shaping policy, strengthening implementation and catalysing effective action on the ground. You will oversee the full peatlands portfolio—from project design and proposal development to implementation and staff management—working closely with our members, partners and Wetlands International’s global peatlands team to advance the Wetlands International Europe Strategy. A key part of the role is mobilising networks and securing sustainable funding to scale up peatland restoration across Europe.

The Programme Manager plays a central role in shaping Wetlands International Europe’s strategic direction. You will ensure that peatlands are fully integrated across organisational priorities and that programme insights inform high-level decisions. You will lead the development and delivery of the Peatlands Strategy, setting clear priorities, identifying opportunities for growth and strengthening the programme’s long-term vision and impact. At the same time, you will steer the strategic policy agenda, driving follow-up on EU dossiers affecting peatlands—particularly the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and relevant land-use and water directives. This includes providing timely analysis, coordinating advocacy efforts and ensuring that Wetlands International Europe is effectively represented and positioned in key policy debates.

Preferably based in Brussels, the ideal candidate is adept at navigating EU processes, engaging confidently with the European Commission, Parliament and Member States, and forging alliances with NGOs and stakeholders. You will represent the organisation in high-level fora, securing meaningful commitments that advance peatland protection and restoration across Europe.

Key responsibilities:

Specific requirements:

• A motivated and proactive self-starter, passionate about placing wetlands—and peatlands in particular—at the centre of European climate, nature and water policies;
• Holds a master’s degree or higher in environmental policy, ecology, natural resource management, political science or a related field;
• Brings substantial experience (ideally around 10 years) in managing peatland-related projects and programmes, with a strong grasp of EU environmental, climate, agricultural and nature policies.