Mission Statement
SolarPower Europe is a member-led association representing the European solar PV sector. SolarPower Europe’s aim is to ensure that more energy is generated by solar than any other energy source by 2030 and lead our members to make solar the core of a smart, sustainable and inclusive energy system. We are an award-winning association and have over 300 members spanning 35 countries. We aim to produce thought-leading energy market analysis and support the business of our members through creative and successful advocacy campaigns.

SolarPower Europe believes innovative solutions arise from diverse teams that receive input from a range of experiences and perspectives.  We are multicultural, representing more than 20 nationalities and 21 languages.

We are seeking a policy and public affairs professional with several years of experience to lead our work on energy system integration and hydrogen policy.

Context
As solar PV is set to grow massively to reach the REPowerEU target of 2030, energy system integration is critical for the efficient integration of solar electricity, through a smart electrification of heat, transport and industrial processes. Where direct electrification is not possible, renewable hydrogen production will be necessary in particular to replace hydrogen produced through other carriers. This comes with the development of a smart, digital and efficient energy infrastructure.

Job responsibilities
Reporting to the Head of Regulatory Affairs, the Policy Advisor will be required to perform the following tasks:

• Propose and implement a strategy to bring renewable hydrogen projects to the ground and to advocate for a clean energy system integration;
• Support the work on enablers of the energy system integration, such as skills and financing;
• Develop a strong network among EU decision-makers in the next mandate and relevant stakeholders of the gas and power sector (regulators, grid operators), and position SolarPower Europe at the heart of relevant debates;
• Coordinate the Renewable Hydrogen & Electrification Workstream of SolarPower Europe;
• Represent SolarPower Europe in relevant groups and in coalitions like the Renewable Hydrogen Coalition and the Electrification Alliance.

This includes:

• Prepare briefing notes, presentations and relevant materials in relation to these policy area(s) for members, the management team, external stakeholders and journalists;
• Conduct research and produce evidence-based deliverables to support further renewables-based electrification of our economy and the remaining bottlenecks to address;
• Define and implement advocacy strategies to promote our positions by interacting with EU-decision makers and stakeholders;
• Create, maintain and extend a strong network of contacts in the Brussels EU policy community;
• Ensure external representation of our positions by attending and speaking at workshops and conferences;
• Contribute to the content of SolarPower Europe’s communication channels e.g. newsletter, social media and website;
• Performing any other tasks or duties required of the role as appropriate.

Profile:
The ideal candidate has the following professional profile:

• Several years of experience in Brussels energy policy, working in an EU institutions or in public affairs;
• A deep understanding of EU decision-making and the capacity to identify the stakeholders relevant to a policy issue;
• A good network among EU energy policy decision-makers and stakeholder;
• Experience in energy or economic regulation, and the ability to navigate through political, historical, technical, and economic information to assess the impact of a regulation on a sector, and make evidence-based proposals;
• A profound understanding of, and experience in the gas or hydrogen industry, including technologies, markets, regulations and gas policy;
• A solid expertise in, or understanding of the regulatory and political framework of energy system integration and related technologies;
• An understanding of the challenges of a smart electrification of demand, and the need for a transformation of energy infrastructure – gas and power.
• A passion for the energy transition and renewable energy;
• A strong sense of entrepreneurship and commitment;
• The ability to make proposals for a work programme and provide creative solutions to complex issues;
• Excellent communication skills to express ideas in a clear and concise manner (orally and written);
• A strong ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder projects with senior representatives;
• A strong team player that can work under time pressure;
• Fluency in English and at least one other EU language.

Our offer:

• A full-time Belgian contract with a competitive remuneration package;
• Employee benefits paid by SolarPower Europe make this offer even more attractive: public transportation allowance, work from home allowance, dental and hospitalization insurance, and lunch vouchers;
• A dynamic, multicultural and flexible working environment
• Note that some international travel within Europe will be required.

Solar for All
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are at the heart of our mission to ensure that solar is at the core of a smart, sustainable and inclusive energy system.  The more diverse our team, the more unique perspectives and ideas we can share to move this mission forward.    

We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures and experiences to help make this a reality. 

Application:
A CV (maximum 2 pages) and a one-page motivation letter (including your availability) should be sent to recruitment@solarpowereurope.org until COB 30 April 2024 quoting “Policy Advisor Energy System Integration” in the subject line.

Note that while we recognise the role of generative AI tools within the workplace, we would like your cover letter to share and demonstrate your unique perspective and approach to the role.  For this reason, we discourage over reliance on such tools in your application.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

For more information on SolarPower Europe, please visit www.solarpowereurope.org

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