The European Association of Distribution System Operators (E.DSO) is looking for a new Policy Officer to provide support and develop policy content for E.DSO Policy & Regulation Committee.

Purpose of the role

Reporting to the Policy Director, and working with one other Policy Officer, this role will provide support and carry out the activities related to Policy & Regulation Committee. We are looking to recruit a talented Policy Officer with a sound knowledge of the EU institutions, its processes, and policies.

The candidate shall have gathered first public affairs experiences from working in or around the EU institutions, not-for-profit or private sector for about 2-3 years (energy related matters is preferable).

The candidate shall be interested in energy related issues, particularly on distribution system operators (DSOs). The Policy Officer will complement and support the current work of the policy team.

Key duties

• Press and policy-monitoring of energy legislative developments
• Drafting reports of internal and memberships’ meetings
• Ad-hoc support in stakeholder engagement
• Coordination of some internal working groups
• Support in the organisation of policy internal and external events and meeting

Policy uptake and communication

• Work closely with policy team and E.DSO members team, to develop policy briefs, communication and stakeholder engagement tools, policy position papers and statements
• Participate in E.DSO expert groups and report to the Policy Director
• Occasionally represent E.DSO’s positions and concerns to institutions, regulatory agencies, members and partners

Advocacy & lobbying

• Focusing on monitoring EU regulatory developments and advising the Policy Director on the best advocacy strategy to support E.DSO actions
•  Effective cooperation and coordination with relevant stakeholders, and by developing and leveraging working relationships with the EU Institutions
• Participation in a range of different meetings to actively promote E.DSO policy messages and positions
• Support the Policy Director on development of external advocacy tools and publications, including position papers, as well as internal-external communication materials
• Support the policy team on the advocacy outreach and lobbying campaigns

Required skills, knowledge and experience

• Master’s degree (preferably some focus in energy or environmental issues)
• A minimum of 3 years post-degree experience (preferably in an association, energy industry)
• Good understanding of the EU regulatory/legislative processes
• Good communications, organisational and networking skills
• Confidence in interacting with colleagues, other NGOs, industry and authorities
• Experience in using online communication tools
• Ability to multi-task and work independently and as part of a team
• 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
• Excellent command of spoken and written English
• Commitment to E.DSO’s values and mission

Other skills, knowledge and experience

• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Good understanding of strategic and regulatory issues in energy sector, particularly in the area of electricity distribution
• 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 ability to tailor messages to different audiences and to speak in public
• Good organisational skills and capacity to prioritise and identify key issues
• Very good analytical skills, and ability to synthesise feedback and make the complex simple
• Excellent drafting skills in English (other languages is a plus)
• An outgoing and dynamic personality
• Good skills with visual, graphics ad-or video design for communication campaigns is a plus

What we offer

• A challenging and exciting position with Brussels as the operating base.
• Location: Brussels
• A friendly and supportive multicultural team
• Opportunities to meet and work with energy representatives and other experts at EU and international level
• A competitive package
• A flexible working environment
• A pleasant office space located near the EU institutions

How to apply

To apply for this position, please send your cover letter and CV in English with the subject heading “Policy Offer Application – [Your Name, Surname]” to Charles Esser, Secretary General (email: charles.esser@edsoforsmartgrids.eu)

The closing date is Friday, 17 January; however, applications will begin to be reviewed from 6 January.

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

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