Ocean Policy Officer: Research & Stakeholder Engagement

AIR Centre; Almada; On-site; EUR 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Daily meal allowance

Job summary

AIR Centre is seeking an Ocean Policy Officer to support delivery across multiple international policy projects, based in Lisbon and Caparica. You will research, synthesize evidence, and prepare policy briefs while engaging diverse stakeholders from governments, industry and civil society.

The role involves coordinating project tasks, tracking multilateral processes, and translating scientific findings into policy-ready outputs.

Qualifications

• A relevant degree (MSc, PhD preferred) in international relations, marine/environmental policy, law, political science or related field.
• Experience with project management, monitoring and evaluation, and demonstrable experience in R&I EU Funded projects, especially Horizon Europe.
• Strong research, analytical and writing skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information clearly.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Portuguese, French, and/or Spanish would be an added value.
• Experience with stakeholder co-design methodologies and participatory approaches is a must.
• Experience supporting multilateral, diplomatic or multi-stakeholder processes.
• Ability to communicate complex issues to non-technical and diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Support research, evidence synthesis and analysis across multiple ocean policy projects.
• Draft and contribute to policy briefs, reports, presentations and stakeholder communications in English.
• Engage with stakeholders across governments, industry and civil society; prepare for meetings and events.
• Monitor developments in international policy and legal frameworks (e.g., UNCLOS, CBD) and regional processes.
• Lead project coordination tasks including monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
• Liaise with scientists to translate findings into policy outputs.
• Provide administrative and logistical support to the Ocean Policy Group.

Skills

Research & analysis

Policy writing

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Communication skills

English proficiency

Education

MSc/PhD in international relations or marine policy

Job description

The Ocean Policy Programme is growing to meet the demands of an expanding project portfolio. We are looking for a Policy Officer to join the team and support delivery across three new projects: BlueMissionAA2030, Isla Bonita and supporting the All Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA). You will work closely with the Head of Ocean Policy & Stakeholder Engagement and the Group's Social Scientist and Policy Expert, providing research, analytical and coordination support across a fast-moving portfolio that spans ocean governance, blue economy development and international policy.

This role sits at the intersection of ocean governance, blue economy development and international policy. You will help track and interpret developments in multilateral processes (including Ocean Pact, EU Green Deal, UNCLOS, BBNJ, CBD), support engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, and help translate complex technical and scientific evidence into clear, actionable material.

Tasks and Responsibilities Support research, evidence synthesis and analysis of ocean governance, blue economy and policy issues across BlueMissionAA2030, Isla Bonita, supporting AAORIA and other projects.

Draft and contribute to policy briefs, reports, presentations and stakeholder communications in English.

Support engagement with stakeholders across governments, industry and civil society, including preparation for meetings, workshops and events.

Monitor and summarise developments in relevant international policy and legal frameworks (e.G. Ocean Pact, BBNJ, CBD) and regional governance processes.

Lead project coordination tasks, including monitoring, evaluation and (Technical & Financial) reporting requirements.

Liaise with scientific colleagues to help translate technical and scientific findings into policy-relevant outputs.

Provide general administrative and logistical support to the Ocean Policy Group as needed.

Qualifications and Required Skills A relevant degree (MSc, PhD preferred) in international relations, marine/environmental policy, law, political science or a related field.

Experience with project management, monitoring and evaluation, and demonstrable experience in R&I EU Funded projects, especially Horizon Europe.

Strong research, analytical and writing skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information clearly.

Fluency in written and spoken English;

Portuguese, French, and/or Spanish would be an added value.

Experience with stakeholder co-design methodologies and participatory approaches is a must.

Experience supporting multilateral, diplomatic or multi-stakeholder processes.

Ability to communicate complex issues to non-technical and diverse audiences.

Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks and deadlines, and work independently.

Must be eligible to work in Portugal.

Familiarity with international ocean laws and treaties (UNCLOS, BBNJ Agreement, CBD) or regional seas conventions.

A good understanding of ocean governance and blue economy.

Understanding of EU/Atlantic governance structures and decision‐making processes (e.G. OSPAR, EU Atlantic Strategy and All‐Atlantic Alliance).

Basic scientific literacy in oceanography or marine ecology, sufficient to engage credibly with scientists.

What we offer

The opportunity to work on high‐profile international ocean policy projects within a multidisciplinary team based in Lisbon and Terceira.

A salary commensurate with your experience and expertise.

Working Place About AIR Centre

AIR Centre is an international research organisation working at the intersection of ocean, climate and space science, with a strong focus on generating evidence‐based solutions for sustainable development across the Atlantic region. Its Ocean Policy Group works to connect scientific research with international ocean governance, translating evidence into policy recommendations for governments, industry and civil society.

Application Process Salary: Gross monthly salary 2460-3500€ depending on experience, plus daily meal allowance and health insurance

Reports to: Head of Ocean Policy & Stakeholder Engagement

Start date: As soon as possible

Ocean Policy Officer: Research & Stakeholder Engagement • Caparica, Portuguese Republic, PT