Democratic society (UE) – Democratic Practice Expert, Climate Cities

Context

Democratic Society (Demsoc) is Europe’s leading international democracy organization, supporting our cities and citizens to ensure that radical climate transformation is a democratic not just a technocratic process. Through democratic design, organizational development and practical participation exercises, we are building greater participation and dialogue in democracy.

Demsoc works to develop new forms of democracy, support citizens to participate, and create democratic responses to the climate challenge. It works as a networked organisation, fostering practical participation and active learning in democracy at local, national and European level.

We have secured funding for a large European funded project for an initial 18 months period. We are now looking for a democratice practice expert, with the ability to engage and influence at a senior level in local government and with consortium partners – with a commitment to strengthening democracy and reaching climate neutrality by 2030.

The Climate Cities project is designed to enable European cities and citizens to show the way forward towards an inclusive, thriving, climate resilient and sustainable future. This project builds upon the climate and democracy work Demsoc carried out together with partners in 15 cities in the past two years.

You will be working and negotiating with a large European consortium and local partners to reach carbon neutrality, delivered with the support and involvement of citizens and civil society groups. Building on existing knowledge in the field, you will be asked to ensure principles and standards around engaging people in decision-making processes are upheld.

In this work, you will work alongside the project lead as well as a system design expert to deliver a democratic response to the climate challenge in cities. Ideally, the subject matter expert will be based in one of our European hubs to seize the opportunity of engaging with the ongoing Demsoc projects and colleagues.

Missions

As a democratic practice expert

  • Ensure high-quality democratic practice is embedded in the Climate Cities project, supporting the project lead and working with the rest of the team to ensure the success of the project
  • Build on existing knowledge and standards in the field to ensure partners know how to engage citizens on climate action
  • Continue to strengthen the democratic infrastructure in cities
  • Independent management of relationships, stakeholders and processes alongside the wider team
  • Support the long-term mobilisation of citizens and civil society actors across Europe

As part of the climate programme team

  • Supporting the strategic development of Demsoc’s climate programme
  • Work more widely in our climate team on democratic climate governance
  • Ensure climate projects uphold the highest standards of democratic practice

How to apply

Equality, access and diversity

Demsoc is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes all suitably skilled persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, faith, sexual orientation, education or age. We are a multi-lingual and multi-cultural organisation, working internationally and actively working to ensure our team reflects the communities and places we serve.

Please send your application (CV with references and a cover letter) to Nadja@demsoc.eu

Interviews will be scheduled for July 15 – 16, 2021 .