We are looking for a

Head of Public Policy

(member of MT, 32-36 hours per week)

AAP Animal Advocacy and Protection (Stichting AAP) is recruiting for a head of the Public Policy department to lead one of Europe’s most successful teams in the field of exotic animal welfare.

AAP is an international animal welfare organization working towards a better future for exotic animals. AAP operates two rescue centers, one in the Netherlands (Almere) and one in Spain (AAP Primadomus), and is engaged in advocacy and campaigning for better legislation at regional, national and European level. To maximize its impact AAP currently focuses on two programs: the use of exotic animals as pets and the use of wild animals in entertainment. With 50 years of experience, AAP has positioned itself as an important player and is recognized as such by partner organizations and by many authorities throughout Europe.

Public Policy Department

The Public Policy department consists of a team of 5 international professionals (remotely) employed by AAP and works in close collaboration with a large number of partner organizations within our (European) network. The team is responsible for realizing sustainable solutions for AAPs’ priority programs. Therefore the department operates as the strategic antenna of the organization. With the implementation of decent legislation and enforcement as key solutions, the activities of the department focus on influencing policy and (public) campaigning within Europe. Public Policy utilizes the strength of AAP by connecting the (50 years of) practical rescue work to AAPs’ priority animal welfare programs.

What are you going to do?

• Manage the Public Policy team and the network of partner organizations.
• As an MT member you contribute to AAPs’ Long Term Plan in which the priority programs are determined.
• You are responsible for translating the strategic goals from AAPs’ Long Term Plan into a Mid Term Plan (3-5 years) for our public policy work.
• You are responsible for drawing up and executing the year plan, drawn from these strategic plans.
• More generally, your assignment is to maximize AAPs’ impact by finding the most effective path towards the sustainable solutions. In the current strategy that also includes setting up Public Policy activities in Germany, which implies a further development and expansion of your department.
• You (and your team) will travel regularly for your work.

What do we offer?

• An inspiring workplace in the green heart of Almere, within easy reach of Amsterdam and Utrecht and with the possibility to work partly from home.
• Work within ear shot of the animals that AAP rescues.
• A position with social relevance in an international working environment. 
• A professional work place that stimulates and supports dedication, accessibility and vigorousness.
• A permanent contract (after 2 twelve month contracts) in the case of mutual satisfaction. 
• Your salary will be between € 3.647,- and € 5.272,- gross per month (excluding holiday allowance and end-of-year payment) based on a 36 hour working week, dependent on relevant work experience, with room for growth within the function. AAP has conservative salaries, but is willing to think about opportunities for training and is flexible about working from home for some of the working hours.
• In addition to the 8% holiday allowance, also a variable year-end bonus of a maximum of 8.33% of your annual gross salary.
• 24 vacation days per year on a full time basis.
• A sustainable pension arrangement.

Your profile

Essential

• Academic work and intelligence level.
• You have proven management capabilities.
• Insight and experience in developing visions and strategic plans in a political environment.
• Practiced in working in an international context, in particular Europe.
• Experience with and knowledge of how to influence the areas of power in politics, government, media, science, interest groups and the public.
• You are able to translate your viewpoints to different target groups.
• Strong networking, social and communication skills.
• Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken.
• Affinity with the goals of AAP.

Desired

• Fluent command of other European languages (preferably Dutch, German and/or French).
• Knowledge of and experience within the sector (NGO / animal welfare).

Other competencies

• Strategic insight, helicopter view, able to make connections and capable of looking at things objectively and from different points of view.
• Team player.
• Perseverance.
• Sensitivity to cultural/national differences and ability to adapt to the specific requirements of any given context.

Do you want more information or apply directly?

Enthusiastic, but still some questions? Please call David van Gennep, Executive Director, telephone +31 (0)36 523 8787. Click on the following link to apply and upload your CV and motivation letter before 25 April 2022.

Do you want more information or apply directly

Click on the following application link to apply and upload your CV and motivation letter

Additional notes

• A practical assignment may be part of the application process.
• Only people with the right to work within Europe will be considered for this application.

More about AAP?

At AAP (Animal Advocacy and Protection) we give shape to an ideal in a professional manner: to improve the welfare of abused or neglected exotic mammals from all over Europe. We rescue animals in need and advocate for better laws all over Europe. AAP is an internationally renowned expert and our commitment demonstrably makes the difference.

Divided over two locations AAP employs about 115 paid staff and more than 230 volunteers. There are only few places where you can see the result of your efforts as directly as at AAP: both our offices are located at our rescue centers.

Check out our website www.aap.eu and follow our stories on social media!

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.