The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission – Helsinki Commission (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, we are around 50 staff members at the HELCOM Secretariat, and our working language is English. We offer 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 our common goals. For more information about HELCOM, please visit our home page.
We are currently seeking to recruit an enthusiastic Project Manager to lead and coordinate the technical work and HELCOM’s tasks for the BRISK II project. This project focuses on conducting long-term risk analysis for oil and hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) pollution from shipping accidents to the marine environment in the Baltic Sea. The project consortium is designed within the framework of the HELCOM Response Working Group, with Kotka Maritime Research Centre (Merikotka) as the project coordinator. In this role, Merikotka is responsible for the financial coordination of the project. A total of eight countries are participating in the project as project partners or associated partners.
The BRISK II will undertake a long-term risk analysis for oil and HNS pollutions from shipping accidents in the Baltic Sea, which will be used for planning risk reduction measures, sufficient response capacities and build enhanced dialogue between the Baltic Sea coastal States about how to develop and optimize the preparedness resources and cooperation in their sub-region and on the Baltic Sea-wide level.
Responsibilities
The Project Manager is responsible for the overall management of the substantial work of the BRISK II project. Specific duties include:
- Coordination of project activities with BRISK II subcontractor, Project Partners, Associated Project Partners, the HELCOM Response Working Group, other relevant HELCOM groups as well as other involved stakeholders;
- Coordination and management of the technical tasks of the project;
- Ensuring input and co-creation of project activities by responsible authorities, the HELCOM Response Working Group and other relevant groups;
- Support the work of the BRISK II Core Project Team (CPT);
- Oversee and advise the work of the BRISK II subcontractor on technical and strategic matters;
- Consider and approve any changes to the tasks of the subcontractor, in consultation with the CPT;
- Acting as a contact point between the Project Partners and towards the Project Steering Committee;
- Contributing to meetings of the HELCOM Response Working Group and other relevant HELCOM groups, on matters related to BRISK II;
- Contributing to data collection (AIS data, goods transports from ports, national marine spatial plans, HELCOM accident data etc.);
- Contributing to the development of risk reduction scenarios and environmental vulnerability mapping;
- Mapping of other relevant initiatives, including an evaluation of synergies;
- Preparing the publication of relevant data in the HELCOM Map and Data Service (MADS);
- Prepare a dissemination plan for project reports, products and material;
- Contribute to the development of products and material, including progress reports and conference material, and supporting the HELCOM Communications team in preparing news releases and website material; and
- Prepare the final Summary Report of the BRISK II project.
The tasks are expected to be carried out independently. However, the Project Manager will cooperate closely with the Project Coordinator from Merikotka, other project partners/associated partners and HELCOM staff involved in BRISK II.
Qualifications and experience
The tasks require a person with background in maritime related matters and/or response to spills, or a corresponding field and with experience in policy work and international or regional cooperation. Previous experience working with marine environment protection as well as risk analysis in an international environment are significant benefits.
The successful candidate shall have:
- University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in environmental science, marine engineering, naval science or related field;
- Minimum of three years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level;
- Familiarity or experience with:
- EU project funding and project management/coordination,
- Maritime safety and/or response to spills,
- Marine/naval/environmental policy at the national or international level;
- Excellent organizational and administrative skills and proven ability to deliver to tight timelines;
- Ability to work independently, take responsibility and initiatives;
- Excellent social and team skills;
- Thorough knowledge of the English language as well as high competence in IT skills.
Experience in the following will be considered an asset:
- Experience of international policy cooperation,
- Experience with risk analysis work,
- Experience with guiding participatory processes involving representatives from different countries.
Terms of appointment
The appointment is planned to be full time, starting at the latest in the beginning of March 2025 and ending on 31 December 2026, and is based at the HELCOM Secretariat in Helsinki. The salary for the position is 3.300 € per month. Please note that the HELCOM salaries are exempt from Finnish income taxation i.e. the salary is not subject to income tax. Employee benefits include occupational health care, flexible working hours, hybrid working, generous leave allowance, recreational activities, and professional development opportunities.
How to apply
Candidates with the required expertise and qualifications are invited to submit their application (consisting of a CV and a motivation letter in one file) by email to recruitment@helcom.fi no later than 12.1.2025. Please write “BRISK II Project Manager” in the subject field of the message.
