Green public procurement in the construction sector

Application deadline extended: 26 February 2025

In the EU, public spending accounts for a large share of construction sector demand, with public contractors’ buying powers for construction activities accounting for 1,4% EU GDP. Yet, up until now, this potential goes largely unexploited, with a rather fragmented and ineffective approach across Member States. In this context, policies are however evolving at European level with relevant construction laws now in force – which now contain provisions on GPP (Construction Products Regulation and Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation). Moreover, the evaluation and revision of the Public Procurement Directives – the EU’s overarching framework- is in the works. 

To fully exploit these policy opportunities at the highest benefit for the environment, ECOS is therefore seeking a (legal) expert to untangle questions related to the application and related impact of different procurement legislations at European (ESPR, CPR, Public Procurement Directives) and national level. The expert will support our work with impactful legal and evidence-based inputs, including best practices. Interested candidates should be able to demonstrate in-depth expertise in one or more of the following areas: 

• EU and national procurement legislation and policies, with a specific focus on the Public Procurement Directives, including best practices in its transposition at national level. We are specifically interested (but not restricted to) in national systems in the following countries: Italy, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden. 
• Green public procurement laws for the construction sector: understanding of European regulations (ESPR and CPR), their legal implications for the construction sector, and their enforcement mechanisms. 
• Legal drafting: capability to draft robust legal arguments, policy documents, and advocacy materials to support ECOS proposals on GPP. 

The nominated expert will: 

• Prepare legal and policy input through official comments and contribution to ECOS positions.
• Report to and liaise with the responsible ECOS Programme Manager.
• Exchange information with ECOS member organisations and other experts when needed.

Candidates should demonstrate strong commitment to environmental NGO values and should act in alignment with the organization’s principles and objectives. 

ECOS offers: 

• A daily fee for preparation of meetings, participation and reporting, as well as other relevant tasks.
• Reimbursement of travel costs.
• Per diem to cover accommodation and subsistence costs. 

Please send your CV and cover letter indicating relevant areas of expertise according to the above, outlining your motivation, and demonstrating your suitability to support and represent ECOS to Federica Pozzi (federica.pozzi[at]ecostandard.org) and Tudor Cherhat (tudor.cherhat[at]ecostandard.org). Candidates are invited to apply by 26 February COB. Applications will be assessed by the secretariat on a rolling basis, applying ECOS procurement policy. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.