International Event Manager

The International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) is a global, independent, and non-profit making association, working in the public interest with the mission of promoting sustainable waste management and the transition to a circular economy. The association is a leading network for knowledge exchange and dissemination within the waste and resources sector.

ISWA works together with other international organisations and processes such as UN Environment Programme, Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) for research and capacity building. To support this essential networking and dissemination function, ISWA is looking for an inspiring event professional to join the General Secretariat team based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

We are looking for someone to join our open, friendly, and deeply dedicated colleagues in the Operations Team to coordinate events globally, help convey ISWA’s key messages, connect its members, and so contribute to resolving some of the greatest challenges of our time.

Job Description

ISWA organises and co-organises conferences, meetings and training courses spread around the globe. We pair up with our local members to organise a wide range of events of different sizes and collaboration models. This spans from one of the largest congresses in the industry – the annual ISWA World Congress – to smaller ISWA Beacon Conferences, Summer Schools and Study Tours as well as regular participation in regional sustainability industry exhibitions. ISWA also actively participates at high-level global events such as the UNFCCC COP28 and more recently, the Global Methane Forum.

For this role, ISWA is looking for a professional with (international) experience in the field of event management with the necessary motivational, organisational, and marketing skills, to create enjoyable and enriching experiences for both the attendees and our members who support these events.  A key facet of events in an association context is working with the members who volunteer their time and expertise, so a successful event manager will also need strong networking and relationship management skills.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Maintain a strategic overview of the ISWA events calendar and make use of opportunities as they present themselves by motivating and mobilising the members.
• Overall organisation of ISWA events, including initial planning, contracting, marketing, on the day event management, budget keeping, and post-event follow up/evaluations.
• Provide support to local organisers and partners for ISWA related events.
• Coordination and support of event marketing together with the Communications and Membership managers.
• Take a leading role in the organisation of the annual ISWA World Congress in support of the local host organiser and partners (2024 in Cape Town, South Africa).
• Organisation and implementation of ISWA’s appearance at and activities at trade exhibitions and international forums such as the UN Climate Conference.
• Keep in touch with new developments in the events and training industries, spot opportunities to improve our offerings.
• Take initiative with new event ideas and inspire members and partners to help organise and participate in them.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, a minimum of 5 years of relevant (international) work experience.
• Demonstrable experience taking a leading role in the full event management cycle for both in person and online events.
• Good leadership, coordination, organisational and administrative skills.
• Diplomatic skills to liaise with participants and co-organisers from international institutions, industry partners, experts, external companies.
• Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness and determination to overcome issues and seek solutions.
• Ability to learn fast and deliver quality results while respecting deadlines.
• Works well under pressure, self-motivated, self-sufficient, and reliable.
• Flexibility & willingness to travel.
• Proficient command of English in writing and speaking.
• Interest in sustainability issues, or willingness to learn