E3G Energy and Climate Change Senior Policy Adviser (Brussels)
If we are to limit average global temperature rises to below 2°C then the transformation to a global low carbon economy must happen over the next 50 years. Europe is the first major economy to commit to this scale of transformation, and as such will drive much of the necessary political, technological, policy and social innovation needed to deliver the global transformation.
E3G is committed to help accelerate Europe’s path-finding role in developing the low carbon economy. E3G has been working in this area since 2004, with notable successes such as: helping reframing EU political debates around energy and climate security; securing EU funding for a programme of CCS demonstration plants; being a core partner in the landmark Roadmap 2050 study; and establishing a UK Green Investment Bank.
E3G has recently secured funding for the next five years to accelerate decarbonisation of the EU power sector, with a focus on electricity market reform, EU electricity grids and smart grid markets. E3G is also expanding its European work on low carbon finance, clean infrastructure, the green economy and research and development.
In light of this expansion, E3G wishes to strengthen its European team by hiring an energy and climate change senior policy adviser, based in Brussels, with a particular focus on EU power sector decarbonisation issues.
Specific tasks will involve:
- developing a structured and strategic understanding of European energy and climate change policy including a focus on the issues surrounding the evolution of EU energy markets, demand side investment and energy infrastructure (supergrid, smartgrids, gas infrastructure);
- working to influence decision makers across Europe to support stronger investment in strategic electricity infrastructure, including through the coordination of multi-stakeholder coalitions.
- carrying out focused policy and institutional research, preparing reports and short briefings on topics for a range of policy and political audiences.
- managing specific influencing and research projects, including coordinating external stakeholders and contractors;
- acting as a key E3G interlocutor on specific domestic European climate change and energy policy issues across Europe with senior decision makers, the media and the public;
- Deepening and expanding E3G’s collaboration with a core group of partner institutions in Brussels and key Member States;
- playing a full part in E3G’s internal strategy process and the European energy and climate team.
E3G’s European Climate Change Programme:
E3G has an established set of programmes on European decarbonisation and a range of areas where we are seeking to expand our work. The Job Holder will be responsible for delivery of specific parts of these programmes and be involved in indentifying and developing new high impact areas:
- Elaborating and animating a coherent EU energy and climate security strategy: building on the existing EU energy and climate security package to deepen understanding and support in Europe for a compelling and coherent approach to delivering European energy goals and the transformation to a low carbon economy. Particularly engaging critical constituencies outside the climate and energy field; for example, national political leadership groups, national security actors, foreign ministries and economic ministries.
- Decarbonisation of the European Power Sector: developing and delivering broad support for the strategic case for rapid decarbonisation of the EU power sector by the mid-2030s. Delivering specific policy outcomes on electricity market reform, supergrid investment (including on the North Sea Grid) and smart grid RD&D and deployment.
- European Low Carbon Finance: building on E3G’s successful work in creating a UK Green Investment Bank to target specific high leverage reforms to European financing of low carbon investment at Member State and European (EIB/EBRD) levels. Focusing on energy efficiency, infrastructure and the power sector.
- European Green Economy: developing a compelling analytical case for, and a policy programme to deliver, the economic, energy security and competitiveness benefits of an accelerated move to a low carbon, resilient and resource efficient economy in the EU.
- Work with EU Political, Business and Civil Society Coalitions: developing E3G’s relationships with key political, business and civil society coalitions; including forming strategic advisory relationships with a small number of highly aligned groups.
Experience:
The Energy and Climate Change Senior Policy Adviser will:
- be committed to achieving E3G’s objectives, and to working in an innovative and entrepreneurial manner. She/he will have strong strategic and political understanding, will prioritise achieving outcomes over running activities, and be capable of inspiring and facilitating action by others;
- have at least 5 years of professional experience as an acknowledged high flyer with a significant record of achievements.
- have a broad experience of energy issues, with an emphasis on climate change, energy security, investment and technology processes. Ideally, have expertise in quantitative and/or technical analysis of energy systems and modelling.
- deally, have experience of building consensus in Europe around sensitive issues, creating and facilitating dialogue and agreement;
- be used to operating internationally, with a high degree of cultural sensitivity;
- have strong written and spoken English and one other European language;
- be able to operate confidently at an “expert” level, in the worlds of government, business, finance, the media, and civil society.
Terms:
This position is programmed for 2 years, on a renewable one year contract, starting as soon as possible. This position is based in E3G’s Brussels office.
E3G offers a competitive remunerations package based on qualifications and experience.
Closing date for applications is the 6th March 2012. Interested candidates should submit a current CV (including two referees) and a covering letter explaining their interest in the position to kate.hodgkinson@e3g.org.
