Senior Expert Circular Economy

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Start date: 01 March 2026

Duration: 24 months (extension intended) Location: Freiburg, Germany

Deadline for application: 31 December 2025

Do you want to contribute to making our cities better places to live?

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is a global network working with more than 2500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Active in 125+ countries, we influence sustainability policy and drive local action for low emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient and circular development.

ICLEI‘s European Secretariat is based in Freiburg (Germany), with specialised offices in Brussels and Berlin. ICLEI Europe has more than 150 staff from all over Europe and beyond, covering a broad variety of professional disciplines and expertise.

Working with us, you will have opportunities to:

• Deepen your understanding of how cities design and implement sustainability policies, what kind of challenges they face and how best to support them;
• Work with leading urban researchers, politicians and practitioners on European research and innovation projects, to provide solutions for today’s urban challenges;
• Contribute to European and international processes that influence urban policies, such as the EU Green Deal, the New European Bauhaus, the UN SDGs, and others;
• Be part of an internationally-recognised organisation that inspires, supports and critically evaluates new trends in sustainable urban development;
• Grow professionally in a flexible, family-friendly work environment with opportunities for personal development, European travel, and professional cultural exchange.

We are looking for a new colleague to join the Circular Economy team with the following experience, skills and character:

• Solid understanding of integrated sustainable urban development principles and processes;
• At least 6 years of professional experience working in a project-based environment, ideally for and with local governments or other urban actors, with at least 4 years experience on or closely related to the topic of circular economy;
• Advanced understanding of and practical experience with the application of circular economy principles at the local government level, across the variety of roles that local governments can play in facilitating the circular transition;
• Proven expertise in the management of project work packages and tasks;
• Proven expertise in project acquisition and development;
• Confident interacting and collaborating with a wide range of partners, from grassroots organisations to ministries;
• Good understanding of the European policy landscape related to the topic of circular economy;
• Team player with competence in conflict resolution, pro-active working style, ability to work self-organised within a complex working environment;
• Proficient in English, spoken and written; more languages are an asset;
• Curious, creative, collaborative, while able to work independently and stay grounded in a dynamic, sometimes fast-paced, international environment.

Your position will include the following main tasks:

• Project management lead, including communication with project partners and funders, reporting and general administrative tasks;
• Leading project acquisition efforts, including concept development and project design, writing, and budgeting, and the identification of funding opportunities;
• Representation of ICLEI at conferences, meetings and other external events;
• Event organisation and facilitation (virtual, hybrid and in-person), including trainings, interactive workshops, international project meetings, and conferences;
• Researching and drafting publications targeted to urban practitioners, including reports, briefs, case studies and news articles;
• Contributing to the strategic development of the team and the topic of circular economy within ICLEI European

We offer you the following conditions:

• Initial 24 months contract with high potential for extension;
• Gross salary according to the Senior Expert position in ICLEI’s salary grid (indicative: EUR 500 – 65.100 per annum);
• Place of work: Freiburg, Germany;
• 40h working week with flexible working time and up to 50% mobile work;
• 6 weeks of paid leave per annum;
• Working language is English;
• Occasional international

Please note that applicants must – due to legal reasons – hold EU citizenship or a valid EU residence permit and a valid German work permit. Applications not meeting these conditions can unfortunately not be considered.

Deadline for application: 31 December 2025

Please apply in writing, including a CV and letter of motivation to: jobs.europe@iclei.org

Please note that we review applications continuously upon receipt and early submissions are encouraged. For more information about ICLEI Europe visit: www.iclei-europe.o

ICLEI Europe’s Equal Opportunity and Employment Policy:

ICLEI Europe’s hiring policy is geared to ensure that the organisation hires employees without regard to their race, colour, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, marital status, socio-economic background or sexual orientation. ICLEI’s policy is that applicants for employment and career progression are considered solely based on their qualifications and competencies.