Solar Stewardship Initiative - Internship

Background the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI)

The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) was launched in 2022 in response to mounting global concerns over the social, environmental, and governance risks embedded in the solar photovoltaic (PV) supply chain. As solar energy becomes central to the global clean energy transition, the sector faces growing scrutiny over issues like labour rights, traceability in sourcing materials, and environmental impacts in manufacturing and raw material extraction. 

Recognising the urgent need for a credible and transparent system, SSI was co-founded by a broad coalition of solar manufacturers, project developers, associations, civil society organisations, ESG experts, institutional buyers, and international financial institutions. From the outset, SSI was envisioned as a global multi-stakeholder initiative designed to raise the bar for sustainability in the solar sector while promoting responsible sourcing and production practices. This coalition’s shared vision is to build a globally harmonised framework that strengthens the credibility and accountability of solar energy as a cornerstone of the global energy system. 

In its first two years, the SSI established robust governance structures, engaged stakeholders through global consultations, and developed its ESG Standard and Supply Chain Traceability Standard. Manufacturers are now undergoing independent third party audits of their sites against the ESG Standard and audits on the Supply Chain Traceability standards will begin in the coming months. The next months will be crucial for the SSI evolution and this role will play a key role to support the organisation in its next steps.

More information is available on the SSI website at www.solarstewardshipinitiative.org.

We offer a dynamic working environment within a close-knit and multicultural team in Brussels. This position is a perfect opportunity for an ambitious and talented individual to work in a continuously evolving market and develop knowledge of solar PV, ESG and corporate responsibility while strengthening communication and business development skills.  

Job responsibilities:  

Reporting to the SSI CEO, the Intern will support the work of the SSI Secretariat.

The responsibilities of the position include the following:  

• CEO Support: Supporting the CEO including diary management, arranging meetings.
   
• SSI team support:
  • Supporting the SSI team – arranging meetings, taking minutes. 
  • Supporting the SSI Secretariat with onboarding new SSI members and assisting current ones. 
     
• Communications and marketing: Supporting the SSI’s communication and marketing activities, including social media and website coordination, including the drafting of communication content for the SSI website or SSI newsletter(s).  

• Events and meetings:
  • Supporting the organisation of SSI events and webinars.  
  • Supporting the organisation of, and participating in, SSI working groups, board meetings and stakeholder advisory group meetings   
  • Documenting and following up on important actions and decisions from SSI workstream and Board meetings.  

• Preparing necessary presentation materials and speaking notes for meetings.  

• Advocacy: Supporting the SSI Secretariat in its advocacy activities with respect to the SSI market uptake and recognition in legislation 

• Stakeholder management: Creating, maintaining, and extending a strong network in the field of ESG and corporate responsibility and renewable energy.  

• Performing any other tasks or duties required as applicable, such providing organisational and logistical support to events, workshops and business trips.  

Profile:  

The ideal candidate has the following professional profile:  

• A passion for the energy transition and ESG and corporate sustainability and responsibility, and a diligent, results-oriented individual.   

• A bachelor-level degree in a relevant discipline such as International Relations, Economics, Business Administration, Business and Human Rights, Political Science, Renewable Energy or similar.  

• Interest in the solar sector and some technical knowledge on renewable energy policy and regulation as well as ESG and corporate sustainability and responsibility  

• Demonstrated project management and coordination skills.  

• Strong writing skills with flair and attention to detail.  

• Strong organisational skills and ability to work to tight deadlines.  

• Confidence in using Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Powerpoint.  

• Excellent approach to customer service.  

• Good networking and interpersonal skills.  

• Fluency in English. Fluency in Chinese, is an asset.   

• Experience of supporting event organisation is a plus.  
   
• Experience with Canva (visual platform)
   
• Ability to work in the EU.

Our offer:   

• A 6-month ‘Convention d’Immersion Professionelle’, or Internship contract. Possibility to renew for an additional 6 months.  

• A standard monthly reimbursement for expenses of €1.100, 

• Reimbursement for public transportation,  

• Lunch vouchers of 8€ per day worked (with a participation of €1.09/voucher),  

• Conditional on approval of the internship by Brussels Formation (SPE will manage the request)  

• For students, a signed Convention de Stage (a tripartite agreement signed by SolarPower Europe, the intern and his/her university or college) is foreseen.  

• Start date: June 2025 

Application:  

A CV (maximum 2 pages) and a one-page motivation letter should be sent to recruitment@solarstewardshipinitiative.org by Midnight May 11 2025 quoting “Solar Stewardship Initiative Intern 2025” in the subject line.  

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

More information is available on the SSI website at www.solarstewardshipinitiative.org

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