Closing date: 25 April 2025

Location: Brussels

Hours: Full time

Experience required: 3-4 years

Starting date: May-June 2025

About CLERENS

CLERENS is a leading public affairs and communications consultancy based in Brussels, specialised in advocacy, political and regulatory risk assessment, public funding, and strategic communications. The vision of CLERENS is that everyone should be in a position to meaningfully engage with European policy makers, especially on such an important topic as the energy transition.

CLERENS consultants have an in-depth expertise in energy, environment, climate, and mobility.

Position Summary

The R&I Policy Officer will support CLERENS in their work for the Batteries European Partnership Association (BEPA). BEPA represents battery innovation community in Brussels, representing both industry and research members. BEPA is the private partner in the Horizon Europe Batt4EU Partnership with the European Commission. The consultant, in close cooperation with the Secretary General and other BEPA team members, will help  BEPA transition from the current Horizon Europe framework to the new R&I ecosystem that will come with the new EU budget. Concretely, the R&I Policy Officer will support multiple BEPA Technical Working Groups and/or Task Forces, most importantly the Policy Task Force and the Working Groups on End-Use applications . These working groups range in size from 20 to 120 battery experts, and prepare the official inputs given by BEPA to the European Commission on the strategic direction of battery research within the Horizon Europe Programme and beyond.

 Main Duties

• Informing the members of BEPA of the upcoming changes in the European R&I ecosystem by leading a dedicated policy Task Force.
• Supporting the work done by other BEPA Working Groups and Task Forces, ensuring that their expected outputs are delivered on time. You work with the chairs and co-chairs of these groups and support them by drafting the agenda, presenting updates, and disseminating information.
• Support, together with the Secretary General and Executive Director, the monthly meetings of the Executive Board meetings, by preparing and following up on the strategic decisions taken;
• Contribute, in terms of content and organisation, to bigger BEPA events, like the General Assembly and the Battery Innovation Days, and smaller events like technical workshops and matchmaking events;
• Actively engage with the BEPA members. Follow up on enquiries by current members, engage with prospective members by conducting proactive outreach activities and welcoming new members into the organisation;
• Support the BEPA Communication Officer by providing content for BEPA publications (e.g. newsletter, website, social media, etc.);

 Requirements and Competencies

• Between 3-4 years of previous relevant experience in managing EU funded innovation projects, or in an European association related to innovation, energy or mobility;
• University or advanced degree;
• Excellent knowledge of the workings of the European Union, especially in the sphere of research and innovation (Horizon Europe in particular);
• Previous experience in the fields of batteries or the wider energy or mobility sectors is an asset;
• A strong interest in battery technology and applications, and role of batteries in the broader energy system;
• Ability to quickly grasp new topics and process information effectively and put thoughts into actions quickly;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with attention to detail;
• Capacity to collect, organise and analyse quantitative and qualitative data;
• Ability to plan and work independently, manage stress, multiple deadlines and effectively prioritise workload;
• Fluency in English is necessary; any additional European language is an asset;
• Proficiency in MS Office applications is a must, acquaintance with other software is a strong advantage.

We Offer

• The opportunity to work for a great European initiative concretely supporting the clean energy transition;
• A challenging, multi-faceted role in a dynamic team with room to grow and take on additional responsibilities.
• A stimulating and dynamic international environment.

To apply, please send a motivation letter and CV in English to Mr Wouter IJzermans at jobs@clerens.eu with “BEPA – R&I Policy Officer” in the subject line. Applications received after the deadline (25 April 2025) will not be considered.

Be aware that applications are reviewed continuously upon arrival; therefore application as soon as possible is advisable. Due to the expected high number of applications, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.