Job Overview
Expert, Circular Economy – Full Time. Berlin, Germany. Application deadline: December 31, 2025. Start date: 1 March 2026. Duration: 24 months (extension intended).
About ICLEI Europe
IC LEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network that works with more than 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Its European Secretariat is based in Freiburg (Germany), with specialised offices in Brussels and Berlin.
Working With Us, You Will Have Opportunities To
- Deepen your understanding of how local governments can facilitate the transition to a circular economy, contributing to sustainable, climate‑neutral, and resilient cities.
- Collaborate with urban researchers, politicians and practitioners on European innovation projects, providing solutions to today’s urban challenges.
- Be part of an internationally recognised organisation that inspires, supports and critically evaluates new trends in (co‑)creating sustainable, climate‑neutral and resilient cities.
- Grow professionally in a flexible, family‑friendly work environment with opportunities for personal development, European travel and cultural exchange.
Key Responsibilities
- Support IC LEI’s activities within European projects focused on circular economy in cities, taking responsibility for defined tasks and work packages and coordinating team members.
- Provide capacity building and advisory support to local governments in circular economy.
- Undertake research and develop publications for local policymakers, including reports, guidance, policy briefs and case studies.
- Design and facilitate virtual, hybrid and in‑person workshops, communities of practice and meetings.
- Identify funding opportunities and write project proposals.
- Represent IC LEI at events.
Qualifications
- A degree in environmental sciences, natural sciences, engineering, public management, finance, economics, planning, local development, social sciences or other relevant fields.
- Minimum of 3 years relevant work experience in the public sector or related areas such as urban waste management, regional economic development, or bio‑economy.
- Good understanding of circular economy concepts and roles of local governments.
- Experience in project working or management.
- Well‑organised, able to prioritise tasks and produce high‑quality work.Strong relationship‑building skills with a wide range of external organisations.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, confidence in public speaking, and very good command of English (reading, writing and speaking).
Desirable
- Detailed knowledge of local waste management processes and regulations, public and private financing schemes for circular businesses, circular construction, bio‑economy, and other relevant material streams.
- Experience providing consultancy services to private or public clients on circular economy topics.
- Experience in group facilitation, co‑creation and stakeholder engagement techniques.Knowledge of European policy and regulatory environment in relation to the circular economy.
- Experience in impact assessment methods such as Material Flow Analysis, Life‑Cycle Assessment or Environmentally Extended Input‑Output Analysis.
- Additional European language(s).
Benefits and Conditions
- Initial 24‑month contract with high potential for extension.
- Gross salary according to the Expert position in IC LEI’s salary grid (indicative: €200 000 – €53 500 per annum).
- Place of work: Freiburg or Berlin, Germany.
- 40‑hour working week with flexible working time, possibility to work up to 50 % remote.
- Six weeks of paid leave per annum.
- Working language is English.
- Occasional travel within Europe.
- Applicants must hold EU citizenship or valid EU residence permit and a valid German work permit.
Application Process
Please apply in writing, including a CV and letter of motivation to jobs.europe@iclei.org.
We review applications continuously upon receipt; early submissions are encouraged.
Deadline for application: 31 December 2025.
Equal Opportunity
IC LEI Europe’s hiring policy ensures that employees are hired without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, marital status, socio‑economic background or sexual orientation. Applicants are considered solely on qualifications and competencies.
