Junior Policy Officer

Organisational description

The Cool Heating Coalition is an informal coalition founded by a set of non-governmental organisations and think tanks in 2023 to help incentivise the necessary transition to affordable, clean, decarbonised renewable heating and cooling at the European level. We support our member organisations to carry out activities that contribute to the public debate on climate action, driving urgent and ambitious policy in support of the objective 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. We are focusing on engaging and hiring great people from diverse backgrounds to strengthen the cause. If you share our values of respect, innovation, and collaboration, join us.

Position

The Coalition is currently accepting applications for a junior policy officer (2-3 years work experience) to support the Coalition’s policy development and advocacy work. The contract is initially for one year and 3 months, up for renewal. Working very closely with the Coalition team and policy officers from the membership, the successful candidate will implement a project combining the assessment of financing gaps towards the transition to clean heating, and the assessment of policies that can help overcome this gap (subsidy schemes, investment support etc.) to help speed up the transition to zero-emission heating. You’ll need to work in particular with the Coalition’s senior policy officer and the director and possess a proven interest and policy experience in energy, finance and EU policy, ideally with some experience on heating policy. You'll be working as part of a small, fast-paced, European team that operates at the EU level and across all EU policy making arenas. You'll need to bring understanding of how to create political impact through EU policy advocacy and campaigning. This role would suit someone with a background in finance policy or energy transition policy making. If you think this sounds like you, please apply!

Key responsibilities

Reporting to the senior policy officer, and collaborating closely with the communicators, the junior policy officer will be responsible for:

• Liaising with researchers to bring together the results of their research into a policy-maker relevant, clear and impactful report.
• Work with CHC members to develop a position on financing the heating and cooling transition.
• Developing and implementing policy strategies and tactics based on the report and position with a view to positively influence and shift policy makers, public and media debates about the financing of the heating and cooling transition.
• Cooperating with the coalition to deliver materials, papers, research, and messaging around political processes.
• Tracking policy debates around the heating and cooling decarbonisation to identify opportunities for interventions and act as a source of intelligence for coalition members and partners.

Requirements

• At least 2-3 years’ experience in heating/cooling, energy policy, finance policy, and/or EU policy;
• A good understanding of the processes and dynamics of EU politics;
• Experience of deploying advocacy strategies tailored for specific policy audiences;
• Outstanding English speaking and writing skills with proven ability to produce impactful communication content, knowledge of at least one other European language;
• A commitment and genuine interest in the mission and values of the coalition;
• Effective project management skills;
• High level of self-motivation 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

• The unique opportunity to work as part of a highly dynamic team who combine their passion to make a difference with a rigorous and results-oriented approach to work;
• A flexible work environment;
• A full-time position for 12 months, possibility for prolongation, funding-permitting;
• A competitive salary.

Location

Brussels; remote working is the main operational mode. You must have the relevant work permit for Belgium/the EU, and be willing to work on a consultancy basis. Truly outstanding candidates not located in Belgium might be considered as long as they are based in the EU.

Start date

February 2025

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

The deadline for applications is 31.1.2025.

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.