Programme Lead, EU Energy Transition, Brussels

PROGRAMME LEAD, EU ENERGY TRANSITION, BRUSSELS

E3G is looking for a Programme Leader for Energy transition in the EU. The role will be central to delivering E3G’s strategy on energy transition in Europe, integrating holistic energy system work in our Brussels’ team - including gas, energy systems, clean energy - and building engagement at EU-level during a pivotal year.

Who we are

E3G is a world leading strategy think tank on the political economy of climate change with a global outlook. We work on the frontier of the climate landscape tackling the barriers and advancing the solutions to a safe climate for all. Our goal is to translate climate politics, economics and policies into action. We pride ourselves on bringing independence to an extremely polarised discussion and holding policy makers to account on their promises. E3G is consistently ranked as one of the top-ten most influential environmental think tanks in the world by the University of Pennsylvania’s Global Go To Think Tank Index.

E3G offers a dynamic and fast paced working environment that will value your insight, initiative and collaboration wherever you are in the organisation.

Role Overview

Building a climate safe world requires a fast and fair decarbonisation of our energy system. The E3G Energy Transition team in the EU aims to advance this agenda through power sector transformation, gas demand reduction, demand-side action to foster greater energy affordability and security, and upgrading of the grid and integration of flexible demand to create a new kind of energy system that creates place and people-centred benefits.

2024 will mark the change of European leadership and the start of a new political agenda for the EU in a fraught political context, whilst facing a challenging implementation phase and an uphill battle for higher ambition. EU climate action is no longer the sole focus of climate or energy ministries and is increasingly driven by frequent discussions at the highest political level, requiring a stronger political focus. Delivery of the energy system transition, which leads the way in terms of sectoral transitions, must be maintained and driven forward to foster confidence in the EU’s 2030 goals and raise ambition for the 2040 agenda.

E3G is looking for an individual with a deep understanding of EU politics and energy systems to play a key role in shaping and delivering our political strategy and engagement process.

Key Responsibilities

The role of the programme leader for EU energy transition will be to develop and deliver E3G’s strategy for driving the energy transition in the EU. This person will work closely with E3G’s other programmes – including the programmes on EU sustainable finance; EU politics and governance; Energy diplomacy - to deliver transformational outcomes. The Programme Lead will directly report to the Brussels Director in the interim, and eventually to E3G’s Energy Transition Director. The Programme Lead will lead a team of 5. The post-holder will be part of E3G’s Programme Leader Group, contributing to organisational strategy, management and culture and peer support.

The candidate’s main focus will be to:

• Support delivery of the current energy transition programme. Oversee grants delivery, carrying out some of the delivery themselves including providing additional capacity on topics such as heat transition, gas demand reduction, grids, and buildings decarbonisation.
• Develop effective strategies to influence EU politics and policies on a range of energy issues. Develop a strategy for 2025 and beyond, in collaboration with the team. Drive related fundraising.
• Manage and support the development of the team.
• Drive E3G’s high level engagement with politicians, officials, and stakeholders relevant to the energy transition, including within key Member States. This includes relevant people in DG Ener and relevant cabinets, the European Parliament, industry associations, leading European businesses, think tanks, CSOs.
• Enhance E3G’s strategic communications and presence with media through engagement on EU energy transition issues.

Profile and requirements

You are an experienced actor in European policy and political circles. You will be known for the enthusiasm and energy you bring to those around you, and the way you support people with your expertise on politics and the energy transition. You are the kind of person who can support E3G’s existing energy transition teams as they adapt to a new political context. People will probably describe you as supportive, collaborative, inspiring.

Experience and Skills

• A track record of achieving political change in EU policy.
• Expertise or great enthusiasm on the energy transition.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including experience of convening and chairing discussions with high-level policy stakeholders.
• Established network with politicians, policy-makers, private sector and civil society in Brussels or other European capitals. You are comfortable engaging at senior level.
• Established professional experience with progressive levels of responsibilities as well as strong leadership and management skills. Experience in programme management, internal change processes, fundraising and managing funders relationships is a plus.
• Excellent written and spoken English, with knowledge of another European language desirable.
• We will require availability for occasional international travel.
• You have an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (required) and post-graduate qualification in a relevant discipline (desirable).

More detail about the role and the person specification will be provided during the interview process.

What We Offer

• Permanent contract with E3G ASBL (Brussels office).
• Work-life balance. Enjoy a 35-hour workweek with a hybrid work model (teleworking up to 3 days per week on average) flexitime.
• 25 vacation days + additional leave between Christmas and New Year.
• Additional employer pension contribution plan.
• Mobile phone and mobile phone contract.
• Yearly process for remuneration review.
• Lunch and Eco vouchers.
• Hospitalization and travel insurance.
• Reimbursement of travel expenses (bicycle or public transport).
• A gross monthly salary between €4,600 – €5,025 in Brussels depending on the candidate’s professional experience and skills.
• You will be integrated in a dynamic organisation working to deliver climate safety for all, surrounded by friendly experts working on energy, buildings, industry decarbonation, finance, foreign policy, and more.

Your Application

Are you ready to embark on an exhilarating journey where your ambition meets passion? Submit your application in English with a CV of maximum 2 pages and a cover letter of no more than 1 page outlining why you are applying for this role and when you would be able to start.

The deadline for applications is March 24, 2024.

You will be required to have the right to work in Belgium. E3G is unable to provide relocation assistance or visa support.

We will not be able to reply to every applicant. If you haven't received a response from us within two weeks after the closing date, please note that we will not be moving forward with your application on this occasion.

E3G values diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or ethnic background. We aim to build an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the populations we support, and actively seek applications from those who are marginalized and underrepresented. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.