The EEA has a key role in providing the knowledge base to help the European Commission, European Parliament, EU Member States and other EEA member and cooperating countries to make informed decisions and policies about improving the environment and integrating environmental considerations into economic activities, so as to develop Europe along a sustainable, low-carbon and resource-efficient path.

The successful applicant will have to demonstrate the ability and leadership necessary to ensure the Agency fulfils its strategic role. The EEA also works with an environmental information and observation network which involves participants from EU Member States and several other countries.

The Executive Director is the legal representative and public face of the Agency and is accountable to the Management Board. The Director's responsibilities will include:

• Working with the Management Board and the Scientific Committee to develop and achieve the Agency's strategic objectives in the environment and climate field through delivery of the multi-annual and annual work programmes;
• day-to-day management of the Agency's 200-plus staff and its annual budget of around EUR 50 million;
• collection, collation and analysis of environmental and climate related information and the management of its dissemination and access;
• and optimising the knowledge-base support for the generation and implementation of EU environment and climate policy.

The post of Executive Director entails frequent travelling.