Policy Advisor, German Energy Systems & Industry Transition – Berlin

E3G is looking for a Policy Advisor to join its growing Clean Economy team. A recognised global leader in the political economy of the energy transition, E3G is looking for a strategic thinker to develop E3G’s work on the German energy and industry transitions. This will include analysis and engagement to shape decisions on infrastructure choices, the future of gas and building an active coalition of clean economy actors. The role will be based in E3G’s Berlin office.

About E3G

E3G is a European think tank working globally to accelerate the transition to a low carbon economy. We build the broad-based coalitions necessary to deliver a safe climate. We pride ourselves on bringing independence to an extremely polarised discussion and holding policy makers to account on their promises. E3G is consistently ranked as one of the top-ten most influential environmental think tank’s in the world by the University of Pennsylvania’s Global Go To Think Tank Index.

E3G values diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or ethnic background.

About the role

A transformation to a global low carbon economy must happen by mid-century if we are to avoid dangerous climate change. The Clean Economy Programme undertakes analysis, builds strategies and facilitates interventions for a transition to a climate neutral world. It looks at how societies, relationships and economy will change and seeks to put institutions and instruments in place to facilitate this. E3G has been a thought leader on energy systems transition, the role of gas in the transition and the transformation of the industry sector. As Europe’s largest consumer of gas, a key infrastructure hub and diplomatic player, Germany will be at the core of the European clean economy transition.

This Policy Advisor role will shape E3G’s engagement on the energy and industry transitions in Germany. The role will support action on shaping Germany’s role as an international actor in particular with view to shaping Germany’s G7 presidency in 2022.  This person will lead strategy development for working on the gas transition in Germany – working from both the perspective of the broader energy system transition and on the specific risks and opportunities for accelerating gas phaseout presented by industry decarbonisation, seizing the opportunity of a new government coming into office and linking this work closely to our EU and global strategies. The role will develop a clean energy coalition in Germany, working with civil society and business stakeholders to keep momentum behind the transition and navigate complex energy choices.

This requires understanding of the energy and industry transitions and the willingness to quickly learn about complex technicalities; and it also requires the ability to make sense of the broader political choices behind these transitions. This role is offered on a 1-year fixed-term basis with the possibility of further extension.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on E3G’s German energy systems and gas transition strategy based on evidence and in collaboration with the wider Clean Economy and EU team.
• Unpack, track and analyse key factors shaping the political conditions for Germany’s energy transition. 
• Develop E3G thought leadership pieces on German infrastructure and energy policy, in particular in relation to gas and hydrogen.
• Strengthen E3G’s position as a voice in German conversations on energy transition and infrastructure.
• Build E3G networks on energy and infrastructure in Germany;
• Support the Senior Policy Advisor on Energy Diplomacy with research regarding Germany’s role on the energy transition globally;
• Support E3G’s EU industry transition strategy, following the politics of industry decarbonisation in Germany, helping to shape and build coalitions to strengthen German leadership on industry transition in the EU and internationally during the G7 Presidency.
• Support the EU energy team with regards to Germany’s role on the Green Deal negotiations;
• Produce internal and external communications materials and undertake short pieces of wider analysis;
• Some, but limited travel will be required, but we are open to discussing feasibility if this would otherwise become a barrier to applying for this role.

Person Description

You are intellectually curious and enthusiastic about developing solutions in the transition towards climate neutral and resilient economies. You are committed to high quality outputs even when under pressure and use collaboration to get to better outcomes. You are a creative thinker and able to learn fast. You are able to reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses and work in a team of diverse personalities.

You are comfortable with complex research projects and confident in running analytical processes. You will be able to identify and engage with a range of external stakeholders to understand and engage with their perspectives and communicate your ideas and findings to a varied audience.

Experience and skills

The successful candidate will have relevant professional experience covering:

• Have a good undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (required) and post-graduate qualification in a relevant discipline (desirable).
• Demonstrate a keen interest in working on technical energy and industry questions, and German, EU and international energy politics. Hold substantive work experience in at least one of these areas.
• Have a track record of problem solving, research and strategy development. You are able to familiarise yourself with a new topic and come to evidence-based judgements.
• Demonstrate a track-record of building new stakeholder relationships and partnerships (required);
• A broad network in the German and/or EU´s political space would be an advantage.
• Be a strong team player, pay attention to detail and work effectively to support shared team outcomes.
• Have very strong written communication skills and impeccable English and German.
• Be confident influencing decision-makers from government, business, finance and civil society.
• Used to operating within diverse teams, with a high degree of cultural sensitivity.

The salary range for this position is €39-49k per annum and will be based on experience and qualifications.

How to apply

Please email your application in English to jobs@e3g.org. Please write ‘Policy Advisor Energy & Green Deal’ as well as your first name and surname in the subject line. Please include:

• A CV of maximum two pages;
• A cover letter of no more than one page outlining your motivation for the job and when you would be able to start.
• Please indicate a salary and a possible starting date.

You must have the right to work in the EU. Please email your application in English to jobs@e3g.org. Please write ‘Policy Advisor Energy Systems Transition and Industry’ as well as your first name and surname in the subject line. Please format CV and cover letter together in one PDF. Applications without cover letter will not be considered.

The deadline for applications is December 12th. A first round of interviews will be conducted the week after.

We will not be able to reply to every applicant. If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, we will not be shortlisting you on this occasion.