Senior Policy Advisor – EU Politics and Governance

SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR, EU POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE, BRUSSELS 

E3G is looking for an experienced and outcome-focused team player to lead its EU climate governance work in Brussels, with a special focus on strengthening social and economic governance in the pursuit of climate safety. The successful candidate will  contribute to the broader work of the EU Politics and Governance Programme, which is central to delivering E3G’s cross-sector EU strategy during a pivotal year.

Who we are 

E3G is the world lead strategist 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 policymakers to account for 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 aligning different forces in society to create the laws and institutions necessary to drive change. The E3G’s EU Politics and Governance Programme aims to protect the political foundations for advancing and delivering a socially fair transition over the next five years.  

2024 marks 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 ministries and is increasingly driven by frequent discussions at the highest political level, requiring a stronger political focus. Strong governance structures can help to reinforce political and public buy-in, and the social fairness of the green transition. To be effective stronger links across climate, social and economic frameworks must be drawn.   

E3G’s EU climate governance programme will work to secure and strengthen the link across economic-social-climate frameworks with a view to increase effectiveness and fairness. It is also targeted at promoting scientific knowledge in policymaking and setting the next EU political agenda. This role will also contribute to cross-E3G outcomes focused on protecting the political space for the EU Green Deal and its implementation in the next political mandate, working together with other E3G teams specifically around key moments such as the Commissioners’ hearings,the appointment of new leadership, and development of legislative proposals (e.g. MFF, 2040 target, new flagship initiatives etc.). The role will require experience working with civil society, government and business stakeholders and a good understanding of EU politics as well as “climate politics” in the EU.  

Challenges  

E3G is looking for an individual with a deep understanding of European politics and policies to play a key role in shaping and delivering our EU politics and governance strategy and engagement process. The Senior Policy Advisor will directly report to the Programme Lead for EU Politics and Governance.. This role will involve cross-team collaboration with other E3G programs in the Brussels office, including the EU sustainable finance team. 

The candidate’s main focus will be to 

• Lead on delivering E3G’s strategy to strengthen and improve the existing governance framework in collaboration with other E3G teams as well as external networks. Focus may include the 2040 climate target and delivery package, EU semester, strengthening the social dimension of green policies.
• Lead E3G’s engagement with a community of CSOs active on shaping European climate governance at large, develop further relationships and collaboration avariety of voices from economic, social and climate CSOs.
• Advocacy including participation in meetings with external stakeholders such as MEPs, the European Commission, national governments, and representing E3G in stakeholder discussions and workshops. 
• Work with other E3G teams to deliver on cross-E3G outcomes to shape the political space for the European Green Deal during the next EU cycle. 
• Support team and grant management, including grant-making and reporting, in close cooperation with the Programme Lead on EU Politics and Governance.  
• Monitor developments and the wider context of climate politics in the EU and interpret them in the context of E3G’s work and strategy.  
• Develop and provide political analysis and thought leadership on EU climate policies and act as a focal point and resource within E3G for these issues. 

Profile and requirements 

• You have established professional experience and in-depth knowledge of climate policies and politics in the EU, as well as at least one year of proven record of leadership and management skills. A good understanding of just transition policies and / or economic governance is highly desirable. ·        
• You demonstrate a track record of building and managing stakeholder relationships and coalitions and you are confident engaging stakeholders in government, business, and civil society.  
• You have a track record of problem-solving and research. You are able to develop new arguments and strategies through self-led research and evidence-based analysis. You can draw out a clear and compelling story on complex issues. 
• You have very strong written and verbal communication skills, impeccable English and the ability to adapt your style (written and verbal) to any audience from technical experts, politicians or the wider public. The ability to communicate in multiple EU languages would be an advantage. 
• You demonstrate a high level of initiative, and you are intellectually curious, outcome-focused, a supportive team player and able to deliver high-quality work on time. You are used to operating within diverse teams, with a high degree of cultural sensitivity. 
• You have an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (required) and a post-graduate qualification in a relevant discipline (desirable).  

What We Offer 

• Permanent contract based in our 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, and possibility to work compressed hours.  
• 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 Ecovouchers.  
• Hospitalization and travel insurance.   
• Reimbursement of travel expenses (bike or public transport). 
• A gross monthly reference salary between €3,810 – €4,025 depending on the candidate’s professional experience and skills.  
• You will be integrated into a dynamic organisation working to deliver climate safety for all, surrounded by friendly experts working on energy, 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 here 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 August 17 midnight, 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.  

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