Open vacancies
At River Cleanup, we believe in the power of diversity and welcome candidates from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We encourage everyone to apply, regardless of age, gender, origin, or physical abilities.
We currently have 2 open vacancies. Please check the info below and apply if you are in for a job with impact!
Junior Corporate Partnership Manager (Belgium)
CONTEXT
Every day 10 million kg of plastics end up in nature. Plastics do not decompose and stay around forever, causing harm to people, animals and the environment. Our vision is to create a world in which rivers are free of plastics. As our Corporate Partnership Officer, you play a crucial part in this journey which requires substantial resources. You work closely with, and in support of, the Head of Fundraising and the CEO/Founder to maintain and grow revenue from corporate partnerships.
OUR STORY
River Cleanup started in 2017 with a 10-minute cleanup and was founded in Antwerp in 2019 as a nonprofit organization. In our first five years (2019-2024), we activated 288.000 volunteers via 6.224 events in 101 countries, removed 3,6 million kilograms of river waste from nature and developed the Clean River Model as an open-source theory of change for plastic-free rivers.
Through strategic and early interventions in the plastic lifecycle, we turn off the tap on new plastic pollution and permanently remove legacy waste on land and in rivers. The Clean River Model consists of 3 pillars (Empower people, Prevent pollution and Accelerate change) and 3 enablers (Assessment, Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation). Together, they encompass the entire lifecycle of river plastics. We are validating the Clean River Model in three action zones in 2025/2026 and will scale-up the implementation to 100 rivers by 2030.
YOUR ROLE
Corporate partnerships are our main source of revenue. We aim to grow the number of corporate partnerships and expand our existing partnerships. Everything we do in our fundraising aims to provide our partners with the best possible experience at every interaction. As River Cleanup, we are well positioned to provide added value for our corporate partners in relation to a wide variety of corporate goals, ranging from CSR, ESG, sales, marketing, PR, brand, people, HR, and innovation.
With a direct report to the Head of Partnerships, your tasks & responsibilities include:
Support the Head of Partnerships and CEO with the daily management of corporate partnerships and incoming requests. As part of your onboarding, you will be assigned a number of dedicated accounts that you will lead.
Participate in calls, presentations and team cleanups with corporate partners to build and maintain strong relationships.
Contribute to developing proposals for corporate partners and the account strategy for maximum retention and growth.
Become the main focal point internally for everything related to corporate partnerships and work closely with River Cleanup colleagues who handle communication and team cleanups.
(Co-) develop and maintain tools and processes for corporate partners.
Contribute to the corporate fundraising strategy for 2025-2030.
Keep corporate accounts, contacts and opportunities up-to-date in the CRM (Salesforce).
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO THRIVE IN THIS ROLE
A proactive entrepreneurial spirit with at least 2 years of professional experience.
(Internship) experience in fundraising, partnerships, sustainability, donor relations, business development, sales or a similar role.
Experience in cultivating and building relationships with companies and global brands is an asset.
The ability to combine strategic thinking with a hands-on mentality and attention to detail.
Strong people, communication and negotiation skills.
Impeccable written and spoken Dutch and English. Other languages are an asset.
The proven ability to work independently and demonstrated problem-solving skills.
The embodiment of our values: positive, inclusive, expert, responsible, impact-driven.
A high degree of flexibility and the ability to work in a fast-paced start-up environment.
A valid driving licence and the ability to travel in Belgium when required.
WHAT WE OFFER
The opportunity to have an impact at the forefront of making rivers plastic-free.
The opportunity to learn, grow and advance in (corporate) fundraising at the most ambitious Belgian nonprofit with global partners.
Being part of a growing, dynamic and fun team.
An onboarding including training on fundraising, corporate partnerships and our work for plastic-free rivers.
The opportunity to use River Cleanup electric vehicles for work-related travel
A non-profit competitive benefits package incl. 20+6 paid vacation days
DETAILS
Tuesday and Thursday are office days in Antwerp. Remote work is possible for the remainder of the week.
This position is a full-time position (39 hrs / five days).
Starting date: to be determined
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a brief motivation letter (1 page) and your CV/resume to partner@river-cleanup.org to the attention of Hans Lenders (Head of Partnerships) latest by Tuesday the 31st January 2025 at 17.00 hrs Belgian time.
Please read the documents below before applying.
Together for clean rivers!
Project Manager (Belgium)
CONTEXT
Every day 10 million kg of plastics end up in nature. Plastics do not decompose and stay around forever, causing harm to people, animals and the environment. Our vision is to create a world in which rivers are free of plastics. As a Project Manager, you play a crucial role in this mission. You work closely with the Country Lead Belgium and the COO.
ABOUT RIVER CLEANUP
River Cleanup started in 2017 with a 10-minute cleanup and was founded in Antwerp in 2019 as a nonprofit organization. In our first five years (2019-2024), we activated 288.000 volunteers via 6.224 events in 101 countries, removed 3,6 million kilograms of river waste from nature and developed the Clean River Model as an open-source theory of change for plastic-free rivers.
Through strategic and early interventions in the plastic lifecycle, we turn off the tap on new plastic pollution and permanently remove legacy waste on land and in rivers. The Clean River Model consists of 3 pillars (Empower people, Prevent pollution and Accelerate change) and 3 enablers (Assessment, Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation). Together, they encompass the entire lifecycle of river plastics. We are validating the Clean River Model in three action zones in 2025/2026 and will scale-up the implementation to 100 rivers by 2030.
YOUR ROLE
We are looking for a dedicated Project Manager who will play a pivotal role in preparing, implementing, and reporting on three key projects:
River Cleanup Response Team: A specialized unit designed to coordinate cleanup efforts following floods.
River Watchers Project: Utilizing citizen science and smartphone camera footage to map litter along Flemish rivers.
Drone Project: Mapping litter along Flemish rivers using drones (funding pending).
As a Project Manager you are responsible for:
Planning, implementation and coordination of the necessary activities within the three projects to achieve the objectives and KPIs.
Managing & monitoring project scope, timing and budget
Organizing and supporting project meetings and team coordination.
Recruiting, monitoring, and managing volunteers and citizen initiatives for the mentioned projects.
Preparation of progress & financial reports (internal + external)
Assisting in setting up campaigns to increase public engagement and input.
Building and maintaining collaborations with local authorities, communities, and external stakeholders.
Regular consultation and alignment with clients and involved parties.
Enhancing visibility and public support for the projects.
You report directly to Nicolas de Gheldere, Country Lead Belgium, and are part of a growing team.
ABOUT THE RIVER CLEANUP RESPONSE TEAM
Flooding caused by heavy rainfall not only results in significant human suffering and material damage but also leads to large amounts of waste and plastic pollution ending up in the environment. By taking action shortly after the emergency response phase, we can prevent further pollution and mitigate (permanent) damage to both people and nature.
Based on our experiences, such as the major floods in Wallonia in 2021 where we coordinated over 240 cleanup actions with 7,500 volunteers, we are now bringing together a group of citizens (and corporate employees) in the River Cleanup Response Team.
OBJECTIVES OF THE RIVER CLEANUP RESPONSE TEAM:
Create a volunteer database and establish clear communication flows.
Develop procedures, checklists, and manuals tailored to the risk levels of cleanup actions.
Build a network with local authorities, communities, organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure effective and efficient operations.
Launch promotional campaigns targeting the public (in collaboration with the PR manager).
Develop a core team of supervisors (volunteers) equipped with proper training, materials, and field experience.
ABOUT THE DRONE PROJECT
In 2023, as part of the Waste Watchers project, we successfully tested drone technology in collaboration with the Flemish Institute for Technology (VITO) to map plastic pollution. With the knowledge and experience gained, we aim to expand this initiative. This time, the project focuses on conducting 25 flight days, during which teams of two people will map a 125 km stretch along the banks of the Scheldt. The captured footage will be analyzed using drone and AI technology to identify pollution hotspots. These hotspots will subsequently be cleaned up in collaboration with citizens and companies, effectively addressing the pollution problem.
OBJECTIVES OF THE DRONE PROJECT
Optimization of current protocols, technology, and models
Mapping 125 km of riverbanks along the Scheldt (2025 & 2026)
Creation of heatmaps with hotspots
Scaling open-source protocols
ABOUT THE RIVER WATCHERS PROJECT
Drones enable highly efficient observations to locate areas with high concentrations of litter. However, not everyone has access to a drone. That’s why, through the River Watchers project, we aim to give every citizen the opportunity to map litter along their local rivers, streams, or canals by using their smartphone. Using artificial intelligence, the type of macro- and mesoplastics is automatically detected, providing valuable data for implementing structural policy measures. Mapped zones are displayed in real-time on the project’s website, allowing interested individuals to identify areas where information is still missing. This collaborative approach empowers citizens to actively contribute to tackling plastic pollution.
OBJECTIVES OF THE RIVER WATCHERS PROJECT
Development of a simple and effective protocol for obtaining smartphone photos.
Development and validation of a robust AI model.
Flemish citizen activation campaign.
Interactive website to identify zones and upload images.
Reporting on the distribution of identified types of plastics and the quantity of macro- and mesoplastics.
Development of a final report describing how the proposed solution can be used after the project duration.
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO THRIVE IN THIS ROLE
3-5+ years of work experience in project management, ideally focused on environmental issues.
You thrive on strategically shaping the three projects, as well as on their practical implementation in Belgium.
You are an excellent planner and organizer with experience in project reporting.
You are willing to occasionally work evenings and weekends.
You take initiative, seek solutions, and can work independently.
You are a team player with excellent social skills. Fluent in English, Dutch, and French; other languages are a plus.
You are highly flexible and enjoy working in a dynamic environment.
You are practical and willing to go the extra mile to create impact.
This position is not open to consultants or external project managers.
WHAT WE OFFER
The opportunity to have an impact at the forefront of making rivers plastic-free.
A temporary contract until the end of 2026 (with the intention to extend to a permanent contract).
Being part of a growing organization and a dynamic team at the most ambitious Belgian non-profit.
The opportunity to use River Cleanup electric vehicles for work-related travel
A non-profit competitive benefits package incl. 20+6 paid vacation days
DETAILS
Tuesday and Thursday are office days in Antwerp. Remote work is possible for the remainder of the week.
This position is a full-time position (39 hrs / five days).
Starting date: to be determined
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a brief motivation letter (1 page) and your CV/resume to nicolas@river-cleanup.org to the attention of Nicolas de Gheldere (Country Lead Belgium) latest by Tuesday the 31st January 2025 at 17.00 hrs Belgian time.
Please read the documents below before applying.
Together for clean rivers!
Pre-reads
Make sure to read the document below in preparation of your application.