Job category: Full-time (Part-time applications are also welcome, please indicate availability)  

Job location: Brussels / Belgium (hybrid) 

Expiration date: 15 August 2023 (Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis) 

Achieving climate neutrality in the EU by 2050 requires radical cuts in emissions in every sector of the economy, alongside the deployment of carbon dioxide removal (CDR). The reasons for deploying CDR are threefold and sequential: first to accelerate net reductions of emissions; secondly to counterbalance residual CO2 and non-CO2 emissions; and finally, to remove more CO2 than we emit greenhouse gases and draw down atmospheric concentrations of GHGs. 

As an environmental organisation, Bellona Europa has always been at the forefront of environmental innovation and industrial decarbonisation. Being a group of evidence-based environmentalists, our goal is to implement new, more sustainable actions to rapidly reduce manmade climate breakdown. We advocate for pragmatic approaches that deliver the greatest impact, today and tomorrow. As a watchdog against greenwashing, unafraid to address contentious issues, we also endeavour to cooperate with all stakeholders interested in immediate climate action. 

From our Oslo, Brussels, and Berlin offices, we have been advocating for transformative climate action in industry for decades. 

Bellona Europa is currently seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to join our team as a “CDR Research Advisor” located in Brussels, Belgium, although with a flexible work environment. As a member of the Carbon Accounting team, you will play a crucial role in producing and analysing content with the aim of supporting the development and implementation of carbon removal policy which are in alignment with the Paris Agreement and the EU’s own climate goals.  

The selected candidate will have: 

• Postgraduate degree in a relevant field, or be in the process of obtaining one, with a focus on climate science, environmental studies, engineering, or a related discipline. PhD is ideal but not necessary.

• Demonstrated experience in conducting systems-oriented scientific research, literature reviews, and data analysis within the context of climate change, carbon removal, or related fields. 
• Professional experience of 1-2 years in a similar role or research position, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality research outputs and/or policy-relevant content. 
• Strong knowledge of climate change policies, particularly regarding carbon removal, climate mitigation, and international climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement. 
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences in a clear and compelling manner. Additional languages are an asset but not required. 
• Proven ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines while maintaining a high level of attention to detail. 

• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, forging partnerships and building relationships with stakeholders from academia, government, industry, and civil society. 
• Eligibility to work and reside in Belgium/in the EU (Bellona is unable to sponsor work visa). 

These criteria are meant to be indicative not prescriptive. We encourage applications from candidates who have similar qualifications, even if they do not fulfil all the above criteria. 

Responsibilities: 

• Engage in thorough desk research to analyse and evaluate existing scientific literature, reports, and studies related to carbon removal technologies, methods, and their potential environmental impacts. 

• Foster connections and collaborate with the scientific and research community, including academic institutions, industry experts, and think tanks, to stay updated on the latest advancements and findings in the field of carbon removal. 
• Bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and policymaking by translating complex scientific concepts into clear and accessible language for policy briefs, reports, and other communication materials. 
• Provide evidence-based recommendations and guidance to support the development and implementation of policies and regulations on carbon removal that are consistent with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. 
• Contribute to the design and execution of research projects, such as the NEGEM H2020 project, and initiatives focused on carbon removal, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation. 
• Monitor and analyse relevant international and regional project developments, identifying key examples of well or poorly executed CDR projects. 

• Collaborate with the rest of the office and supporting research needs where timely and relevant.  
• Participate in meetings, conferences, and workshops to share insights and knowledge. 

You can expect a meaningful and engaging experience with an initial one-year Belgian employee agreement, with possibility of extension – starting as soon as possible. We offer a competitive NGO salary package with various employee benefits, training budget, continuous internal learning and growing in the role. Bellona promotes a multicultural, flexible, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. 

To apply, please submit one single PDF document with your CV and cover letter, along with links to relevant publications or short writing samples to hr@bellona.org, for the attention of Mr Mark Preston Aragonès, Policy Manager Carbon Accounting. We kindly request that you include “CDR Research Advisor Application” in the subject line. The application deadline is 15 August 2023, with interviews intended for the following week, starting 21 August 2023. 

We thank you in advance for your application and your interest in this position. While we try to respond to every applicant, if many applications are received, we may not be able to do so. If you receive no feedback within 4 weeks after applying, please consider you have not been selected.

About us: Bellona Europa is an international, independent, and non-profit organisation that meets environmental and climate challenges head on. We are solutions-oriented and have a comprehensive and cross-sectoral approach to assess the economics, climate impacts and technical feasibility of necessary climate actions. To do this, we work with civil society, academia, governments, institutions, and industries.