Policy & Advocacy Assistant

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey with the Alliance for Rural Electrification (ARE)? Join us to make the clean energy transition happen in emerging markets!

About us

At ARE, is the global association for the decentralised renewable energy (DRE) industry and unites 200+ members with the mission to drive private sector-driven markets for sustainable electricity access, enable green jobs, power equitable green economies and facilitate the transition to renewable energy in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America & the Caribbean.

ARE is recruiting a Policy & Advocacy Assistant, starting in June 2024 for six months (full-time, 38h per week) to support with the implementation of the organisation’s activities focusing on the uptake of DRE.

Key responsibilities

Reporting directly to the Policy & Advocacy Officer at ARE, the Policy & Advocacy Assistant will:

• Draft and proof-read of ARE policy & advocacy documents, such as ARE presentations at external events, position papers, articles and publications.
• Support project implementation, in particular on projects related to policy and advocacy.
• Identify, compile and edit case studies for best practice publications.
• Monitor and report on legal and regulatory frameworks in target countries in emerging markets.
• Support on cooperation with EU (GG-BAG) and EU programmes.
• Monitor EU sentiment and activities regarding decentralised renewable energy in emerging markets.
• Support with ARE event and webinar implementation (e.g. ARE workshops an member delegations).
• Support with regular tasks such as stakeholder mapping, tender tracking and weekly monitoring (events, publications, …).
• When needed, support with administrative tasks such as meeting minutes and database development.
• Conduct background research and propose ideas and contents to draft concept notes for ARE project acquisition.

About you

• You bring a proactive mindset and a can-do attitude to the table.
• Attention to detail is your second nature.
• You have strong organisational skills and have the ability to take ownership of activities and projects, making things happen.
• You have a self-starter attitude, are flexible, efficient and a good team player.
• You can provide clear and concise deliverables even under time pressure.
• You are creative and the able to think outside the box.
• Proficient in written and spoken English, either as a native speaker or at an equivalent level.
• Flawless written and spoken English and French is a must (native speaker or equivalent).
• Knowledge of additional languages such as Spanish would be an asset.
• Demonstrates exceptional writing, editing, and reviewing skills.
• Strong IT proficiency, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Sharepoint; familiarity with CMS (WordPress) is advantageous.
• Desirable skills include proficiency in graphic design using tools like Canva or Photoshop.
• You hold a university degree in public affairs, journalism, political science, law, economics, environmental studies, other relevant studies or possesses equivalent experience, preferably with an emphasis on the energy sector and/or developing countries.
• You have 0-3 years of experience in a similar role. Previous work experience in international work environment is desirable (for example in business, an association or an international or EU institution).
• Must have the right to live and work in Belgium.

We offer

• Full-time internship with a professional immersion convention (“convention d’immersion professionnelle”) in Brussels, Belgium. You can find more information about CIP here:
  Convention d’Immersion Professionnelle – CIP – Bruxelles Formation
• Perspective of longer-term employment contract based on results delivered and overall development of the association (TBC after the evaluation).
• International fast-paced work environment with offices in the heart of Europe.
• The chance to make a meaningful impact by advancing renewable energy and energy access worldwide, particularly in emerging economies in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Collaboration with highly motivated colleagues in a dynamic, scale-up atmosphere.
• On-the-job training and a top-notch learning experience.

Join us in shaping a brighter, more sustainable future.

How to apply

Interested candidates who fulfil the requirements should address their application (CV + 1-page Cover Letter + indicating earliest possible starting date) with the subject line “Application: Policy & Advocacy Assistant – First Name + Last Name” to Olha Skrypa, (o.skrypa@ruralelec.org). All applications received without any of the mentioned elements will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Do not forget to mention that you found this job ad on the Euractiv Jobsite!