Head of the Environment Division

### **General Information** Vacancy number 1478/2026 Recruitment type External recruitment (international) Type of contract Fixed-term appointment Posted date 04-Nov-2026 Deadline to apply 25-Nov-2026 Duty station Strasbourg Grade A4 Entity Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law (DGI) ### **Description & Requirements** Your Team The team you will work with, the Division of the Environment, brings together around 20 professionals dedicated to strengthening environmental protection and promoting the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment across Europe. The Division oversees the implementation of the Council of Europe Strategy on the Environment and provides the secretariat for the Steering Committee on the Environment (CDENV), the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention), the Council of Europe Landscape Convention (Florence Convention) and the European and Mediterranean Major Hazards Agreement (EUR-OPA). It also contributes to the Council of Europe's work on the protection of animals. Working closely with member states, international organisations, civil society and other stakeholders, the team promotes a co-ordinated, multidisciplinary approach to environmental challenges, linking environmental protection with human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Your Role As Head of the Environment Division, you will: * lead and manage a multidisciplinary team, fostering co-operation, staff development and a positive, results-oriented working environment; * manage the Division’s human and financial resources, including planning, implementing and monitoring the Programme and Budget; * oversee the implementation of the Council of Europe Strategy on the Environment and contribute to the development of environmental policies and standards; * co-ordinate and supervise the secretariat of the Steering Committee on the Environment (CDENV), the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention, the governing bodies of the Council of Europe Landscape Convention and the European and Mediterranean Major Hazards Agreement (EUR-OPA), ensuring their effective functioning; * establish and maintain effective partnerships with member and non-member states, international organisations, civil society and other stakeholders; * represent the Council of Europe in high-level meetings, conferences and negotiations on environmental matters, including through official journeys where required; * promote co-operation across the Organisation, notably through the Intersecretariat Task Force on the Environment, and enhance the visibility and impact of its environmental work; * advise the Director and Director General on matters within the Division’s remit and contribute to the Organisation’s broader objectives on environmental protection, human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Requirements to apply You must: * hold a higher education degree or qualification equivalent to a master’s degr