Communications Officer

The Cool Heating Coalition (CHC) is an umbrella organisation of 17 non-governmental organisations and think tanks advocating for decarbonised, renewable and affordable heating and cooling in the EU by 2040.

We support our member organisations within the public debate on climate action, driving urgent and ambitious policy to reduce and phase out greenhouse gases from the heating and cooling sectors, currently responsible for roughly half of the EU’s energy use. In parallel, we support the delivery of a socially responsible heating and cooling transition and engage in EU-based communications and advocacy on the transition.

POSITION

The Coalition is currently looking for a full-time Communications Officer who is available to work in Brussels starting in June 2026. The contract is initially for one year on a freelance consultancy basis, with a possibility of extension.

The successful candidate will work with the Communications Coordinator and the rest of the Secretariat team to implement communication plans and campaigns to help speed up the EU’s transition to zero-emission heating and cooling.

You’ll be working as part of a small, fast-paced, European team that operates in the EU media landscape and on multiple platforms. You have proven experience in communications in climate and energy issues at the EU level and are interested in climate action. You are a skilled communicator able to create political impact through social and traditional media.

This role would suit someone with a background in communications, campaigning and/or journalism. If this sounds like you, please apply!

Key responsibilities

Reporting to the Communications Coordinator in close collaboration with the secretariat team, the Communications Officer will be responsible for:

• Implementing the communications strategy and tactics with a view to influencing and shifting public and media debates about heating and cooling issues at the European level;
• Managing current and setting up new communication projects and campaigns. This also involves the coordination with coalition members in support of their heating and cooling policy communications and advocacy efforts;
• Collaborating with the coalition to write and deliver communication materials, stories, voices and messaging around key political moments;
• Tracking political, public and media debates around the heating and cooling decarbonisation to identify opportunities for communications actions and act as a source of intelligence for colleagues and partners;
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with key correspondents and editors in mainstream and specialist media, mainly in Brussels, for the pro-active promotion of stories, outreach on emerging issues and reactive media management;
• Monitoring, evaluation and reporting on strategic communications work:
• Organising events.

PROFILE

• 2-4 years of experience in climate or energy communications, campaigning (including digital campaigning) and/or journalism;
• A good understanding of the processes and dynamics of EU politics;
• Experience with deploying communications plans and strategies tailored for specific voices, channels and audiences;
• Good understanding of the media landscape and proven experience of strategic story placement, especially in European media;
• Strong experience creating content for websites and social media, as well as experience with website maintenance (WordPress);
• Proficiency with visual tools (Canva, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator) and audiovisual skills are considered an asset;
• Experience with event planning and strong organisational skills are an advantage;
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills in English with proven ability to produce impactful communication content, knowledge of at least one other European language a strong plus;
• A commitment and genuine interest in the mission and values of the Coalition;
• Effective project management skills with the proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment;
• High level of self-motivation, independence and can-do mentality;
• Team player with the disposition to work generously with colleagues in a high-trust and values-based community of peers.

OTHER INFORMATION

What we offer

• Work as part of a dynamic team that is passionate about making a difference with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work;
• A flexible work environment;
• A full-time position for 12 months on a freelance basis, possibility for extension;
• A competitive salary.

Location

Anywhere in the EU, though Brussels is preferred. When based in Belgium, access to a coworking space in Brussels is offered. You must have the relevant work permit for your location.

Start date: June 2026

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a short cover letter explaining why you would be suited to the position to: info@coolheatingcoalition.eu and tom.vasseur@coolheatingcoalition.eu.

The deadline for applications is 08.05.2026.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

All applications will be treated confidentially. We will store your information in our internal database unless you specifically request otherwise.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our organisation. We strongly encourage candidates from historically disadvantaged or marginalised groups to apply.