Senior Policy Manager Energy Systems

Achieving climate neutrality in the EU by 2050 requires radical cuts in emissions in every sector of the economy, underpinned by a transformation of the energy system, with a massive ramp-up in the deployment of renewables, grid infrastructure, and the electrification of end-uses, among other efforts. 

As an environmental organisation, Bellona Europa has always been at the forefront of environmental innovation and industrial decarbonisation. Being a group of evidence-based environmentalists, our goal is to implement new, more sustainable actions to rapidly reduce manmade climate breakdown. We advocate for pragmatic approaches that deliver the greatest impact, today and tomorrow. As a watchdog against greenwashing, unafraid to address contentious issues, we also endeavour to cooperate with all stakeholders interested and serious in delivering immediate climate action. 

From our Oslo and Brussels Offices, and more recently Berlin and Vilnius offices, we have been advocating for transformative climate action for decades. 

Bellona Europa is currently seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to join our team as a “Senior Policy Manager Energy Systems” located in Brussels, Belgium. As a lead for the Energy Systems team, you will provide strategic direction and be responsible for producing, analysing and quality assuring content and research with the aim of supporting the development and implementation of the EU’s policies engaging on renewables, hydrogen, grids, and broader energy systems to ensure they are in alignment with the Paris Agreement and the EU’s own climate goals. The selected candidate should be an expert in their field, have a strong network and understanding of the policy community to be able to navigate the context Bellona is established in, such that we can strengthen coalitions, fight greenwashing collectively and achieve robust policy outcomes. 

Requirements

• A postgraduate degree in a relevant field with a focus on energy systems, energy economics, climate science, environmental studies, engineering, or a related discipline.  
• Demonstrated experience in conducting systems-oriented scientific research, literature reviews, modelling analysis, and data analysis within the context of climate change, energy, or related fields, primarily for the purposes of policy advocacy. 
• 5-6+ relevant professional experience years in a similar role, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality research outputs and/or policy-relevant content. 
• Proven track records in leading a team, manage multiple workstreams, and ensure deadlines are met while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.  
• Strong knowledge of climate change policies, particularly regarding energy systems, climate change mitigation, and relevant EU legislation. 
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences in a clear and compelling manner. Additional languages are a strong asset but not required. 
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, forging partnerships and building relationships with stakeholders from academia, government, industry, and civil society. 
• Eligibility to work and reside in Belgium/in the EU (Bellona is unable to sponsor a work visa). 

These criteria are meant to be indicative not prescriptive. We encourage applications from candidates who have similar qualifications, even if they do not fulfil all the above criteria. 

Responsibilities

• Managing and coordinating Bellona’s analytical and advocacy work relating to energy systems, renewables, hydrogen, and accompanying infrastructural needs within the Brussels office and optimising synergies and alignment across the organisation as a whole. 
• Ensure the scientific integrity and evidence-based approach to Bellona’s work is maintained and strengthened. 
• Managing Bellona Europa’s Energy Systems team, providing thought leadership and strategic direction on the content, as well as boosting policy advocacy impact. 
• Ensuring project/grant deliverables and funding requirements are being met across the team and coordinate the team’s administrative and funding needs.  
• Providing strategic direction on the workstream and seeking out funding opportunities to expand. 
• Foster connections and collaborate with the scientific and research community, including academic institutions, industry experts, and think tanks, to stay updated on the latest advancements and findings in the topic. 
• Collaborate with the rest of the office and supporting research needs where timely and relevant.  
• Participate in meetings, conferences, and workshops to share insights and knowledge to increase the visibility of the team’s content. 

You can expect a meaningful and engaging experience starting as soon as possible. We offer a competitive NGO salary package with various employee benefits, training budget, continuous internal learning and growing in the role. Bellona promotes a multicultural, flexible, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. 

How to apply

To apply, please submit one single PDF document with your CV and cover letter, along with links to relevant publications or short writing samples to hr@bellona.org, for the attention of Mr Jonas Helseth, Director of Bellona Europa. We kindly request that you include “Senior Policy Manager Energy Systems” in the subject line. The application deadline is 14 April 2024, with interviews taking place as of the second half of April. 

We thank you in advance for your application and your interest in this position. While we try to respond to every applicant, if many applications are received, we may not be able to do so. If you receive no feedback within 4 weeks after applying, please consider you have not been selected.