Applications are invited for the post of Professional Secretary at the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission – Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) Secretariat to coordinate the work related to three subsidiary bodies of HELCOM: Maritime, Response and Sea-based pressures.

HELCOM is an intergovernmental organization (Denmark, Estonia, the European Union, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia and Sweden) with its headquarters (Secretariat) in Helsinki, Finland, working to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea. At present there are around 40 staff members at the HELCOM Secretariat, with English as the working language. Helcom offers an open, friendly, dynamic and energetic, often fast-paced, international working environment offering all staff members the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to achieving its common goals.

Responsibilities

The Professional Secretary is responsible for:

• the management and facilitation of the work of the HELCOM Maritime, Response and Sea-based pressures Working Groups as well as projects related to these;
• the overall coordination, implementation and further development of matters related to sea-based sources of pollution;
• facilitating a swift national and trans-national response to marine pollution incidents in close cooperation with the Contracting Parties to the Helsinki Convention;
• linking the implementation of HELCOM’s activities related to the above-mentioned topics to other international frameworks, ensuring relevant input and cooperating with other regional seas organizations on matters related to these topics;
• coordinating the implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan actions directly related to the scope of the position;
• other tasks entrusted to them by the Executive Secretary.

Qualifications and experience

The person to be appointed shall have:

• university degree in relevant field (e.g. maritime science, environmental science, law or corresponding education);
• minimum of five years of relevant professional experience on national or international level;
• knowledge of the work carried out in HELCOM and a sound understanding of the role of HELCOM and its Secretariat;
• excellent social and team-orientated skills;
• flexibility and ability to step in and help colleagues;
• excellent organizational, administrative and process management skills and proven ability to deliver to tight timelines.
• A thorough knowledge of the English language and the ability to draft quickly and concisely are essential. Professional experience from international policymaking is an asset.

Application Deadline: 3 September 2024