Project Manager, Business Engagement & EU Policy

CISL Europe | Brussels, Belgium Full-time | Standard Belgian Contract

Join a team accelerating Europe’s clean industrial transition

The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) is a globally influential, impact-led institute within the University of Cambridge. We work with business, policymakers and finance leaders to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and resilient economy.

CISL Europe works at EU, member state and international level to deliver high-impact initiatives including the Corporate Leaders Group Europe and the EU Green Growth Partnership. We collaborate closely with major businesses, climate networks and policymakers to advance ambitious and practical climate, energy and industrial policies across Europe.

We are looking for a Project Manager to join our Brussels team and help deliver influential programmes, campaigns and stakeholder engagement activities at the heart of Europe’s clean industrial transition.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys combining project delivery, stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy in a fast-moving, international environment.

Why join us?

In this role, you will:

• Work directly with leading companies in Europe, senior policymakers and influential business networks.
• Help shape business engagement on some of the EU’s most important climate, energy and industrial policy debates.
• Join a highly respected organisation within the University of Cambridge with a global reputation for sustainability leadership.
• Be part of a mission-driven and collaborative team delivering real-world impact.

About the role

Based in CISL’s Brussels office, the Project Manager will play an important role in engaging partner organisations, business networks and member companies, understanding their priorities and mobilising them around shared policy objectives.

You will help translate business experience and expertise into credible policy recommendations, advocacy campaigns and engagement with EU decision-makers.

This is a highly external-facing role that combines project management, stakeholder and member engagement, network coordination, advocacy and events workWhile linked to the University of Cambridge, this role is more focused on EU advocacy rather than academic research management.

You will work closely with the Brussels Director, Programme Managers, juniors and colleagues across CISL, including communications and broader teams in Cambridge and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

Project and campaign delivery

Current priorities include CISL Europe’s work on the EU Emissions Trading System and wider clean industrial transition agenda, with future projects likely to cover climate, energy and industrial policy developments at European and international level.

• Lead the planning and delivery of key CISL Europe projects, campaigns and partnerships, ensuring activities are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard.
• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, budgets and reporting frameworks.
• Support the development and management of grant proposals, funding applications and project concept notes.

Network coordination, business engagement and advocacy

• Coordinate engagement across CISL Europe’s networks, including Corporate Leaders Group Europe, the Green Growth Partnership and partner organisations across Europe, building trusted relationships and helping to understand their priorities, policy interests and opportunities for engagement.
• Support the mobilisation of business leaders around shared advocacy objectives through joint statements, open letters, events and policy interventions.
• Support outreach to policy makers and key stakeholders, including meeting requests, briefing materials, stakeholder notes and background papers.

Events and convening

• Lead the organisation and delivery of webinars, workshops, roundtables, dinners, conference sessions and high-level stakeholder events.
• Work with colleagues to develop event concepts, agendas and content that support CISL Europe’s strategic objectives.

Communications and thought leadership

• Support the development and dissemination of policy briefings, reports, consultation responses, presentations and other external-facing materials.
• Draft newsletters, policy updates and online communications.
• Team, administration and operations

• Line management of a junior colleague or intern, and working with our CRM and project management systems

About you

You may be a strong fit for this role if you enjoy bringing people together around shared goals, are comfortable engaging senior stakeholders, and have experience delivering complex projects in policy, sustainability, public affairs, business networks, associations or membership organisations.

Essential criteria

• Proven experience managing multiple projects simultaneously, managing budgets and delivering against deadlines.
• Experience building and managing relationships with businesses, networks or stakeholder groups.
• Strong understanding of EU policymaking, strategic communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrable knowledge of European climate, energy or industrial policy, including the European Green Deal and Clean Industrial Deal.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience planning and delivering events, both online and in person.
• Ability to work proactively, independently and collaboratively within a small team.
• Commitment to the values underpinning CISL’s work and a strong interest in sustainability and responsible business.

Desirable criteria

• Experience in advocacy, public affairs or membership organisations.
• Experience using CRM systems.
• Experience managing grant-funded projects.
• Knowledge of digital communications and social media platforms.
• Additional European language(s).

Location and working arrangements

This position is based in Brussels. We have a dedicated sustainable office in the EU quarter and currently operate a hybrid working model, with team members expected to work from the office at least two days per week.

Applicants must have the right to work in Belgium and be based within a commutable distance of Brussels.

Benefits

We offer:

• Standard Belgian employment benefits including lunch tickets, hospitalisation insurance and pension contribution.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• Professional development opportunities

How to apply

Please send:

• An up-to-date CV
• A short cover letter (max 1 page) outlining your suitability for the role. Please do limit use of AI when drafting your letter; we want to read in your own words who you are!

To **info.eu@cisl.cam.ac.uk**.

Application deadline: 23 August 2026 COB. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in an interview process, including a written exercise.