The European Association of Distribution System Operators (E.DSO) is looking for a Policy Director to taking a leading role in E.DSO’s policy/regulatory and advocacy work and to manage a team of two staff members who will support this role.

Purpose of the role

Reporting to the Secretary General, the Policy Director’s main tasks include:

• Provide support and carry out the activities and papers related to Policy & Regulation Committee (and its working groups), being the Secretariat’s chief interlocutor with its Chair and members.
• In conjunction with E.DSO leadership and Policy & Regulation Committee, formulate E.DSO’s policy goals and responses to EU policy initiatives.
• Following on the previous point, develop and work to carry out a successful advocacy strategy, including communications materials and briefing notes, as well as networking effectively with European Institutions and stakeholders.
• Presenting E.DSO’s positions and concerns to institutions, regulatory agencies, members and partners, and occasionally moderating fora where such issues are discussed.
• Delegating associated tasks to the Policy Officers reporting to the Policy Director and engaging with other Secretariat staff (e.g. in projects or in communications) as appropriate, while effectively working with the Secretary General to achieve organisational success. 

Essentials include:

• Understanding of the energy sector, with particular emphasis on electricity DSOs. Good experience/knowledge of electricity TSOs and/or other related sectors may be able to substitute for this. A strong candidate should demonstrate comfort with the topics and the technical aspects of this role.
• Have a solid understanding of the European Institutions and in particular, those relevant for an association of electricity DSOs. A strong candidate should be able to bring that understanding and experience of working with the institutions to the advocacy work of this role.
• Being able to effectively manage day-to-day two Secretariat staff members so as to maximise the overall quality and output of the policy team while effectively liaising and planning with the Secretary General and the Chair of the Policy & Regulation Committee.
• Dynamism and energy to push forward and achieve success on policy and advocacy goals.

Required skills, knowledge and experience

• A master’s degree or equivalent in an area relevant for this position; substantial relevant experience could allow for a lesser academic degree
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant post-degree experience (preferably in an association or an EU/government department dealing with these issues or the energy industry or a combination thereof)
• Demonstrated effectiveness in energy policy and advocacy
• Good understanding of the EU regulatory and legislative processes
• Good communications and organisational skills,
• Confidence in interacting with colleagues, other associations/NGOs, industry and authorities
• An effective networker, outgoing and building relationships
• Experience in using online communication tools
• Ability to manage a team of two and multi-task
• Be a quick learner and motivated to go deeper into issues in view of finding solutions
• Be able to deliver accurate, high-quality work on time and meet deadlines, with a capacity to prioritise and identify key issues.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English, including the ability to draft policy and relatively technical documents
• Commitment to E.DSO’s values and mission

Other skills, knowledge and experience advantageous in the selection process

• Experience managing a small team
• Experience supporting a Committee/Working Group in an association
• A network of professional contacts in the sector and in the EU institutions
• Excellent understanding of strategic and regulatory issues in energy sector
• Highly developed team spirit, sense of responsibility, intellectually curious, ability to take initiatives and be proactive
• Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills, with an ability to tailor messages to different audiences and to speak in public
• Very good analytical skills, and ability to synthesise feedback and make the complex simple.
• Skills in other EU language(s)

What we offer

• A challenging, highly-visible and exciting position in the EU policy space, with Brussels as the operating base
• A friendly and supportive multicultural team
• Opportunities to meet and work with senior/executive level energy sector representatives and other experts at EU and international level
• A flexible working environment
• A pleasant office space located in the EU quarter
• A compensation package adapted to your experience level, with a full range of insurances, pension, meal vouchers, etc.  

How to apply

To apply for this position, please send ASAP your cover letter and CV in English with the subject heading " Policy Director Application – [Your Name Surname]" to Charles Esser,  Secretary General (email: charles.esser@edsoforsmartgrids.eu) by midnight on 1 October 2024.

E.DSO is an equal-opportunity and family-friendly employer. We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates.

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