We are seeking a highly motivated and solution-oriented person to assist in our policy team.

SolarPower Europe is a member-led association representing the European solar PV sector. We aim to ensure that more energy is generated by solar than any other energy source by 2030 and lead our members to make solar the core of a smart, sustainable and inclusive energy system within resilient and diversified solar PV supply chains. We are an award-winning association, including for best association and best team, and have over 300 members spanning 35 countries across the PV value chain. We produce thought-leading energy market analysis and support the business of our members through creative and successful advocacy campaigns.

This position is an opportunity to accelerate the EU’s path to net zero, develop solutions for complex energy transition challenges, and work alongside ambitious solar PV companies while strengthening public affairs and policy skills.

Job responsibilities

Reporting to the Head of System Integration, you will lead our cutting-edge work on rooftop PV, demand response and digitalization. Within these areas, you’ll be responsible for the policies to transition into a flexible, decentralised energy system. You will develop detailed policy recommendations and advocate for them to EU politicians. 

The responsibilities of the position include the following:

• Coordinate one or two of SolarPower Europe’s Workstreams, which are task forces of solar company representatives on specific topics;
• Work towards SolarPower Europe’s objectives in rooftop PV. Additional topics can include demand-response or digitalization. For rooftop PV, your focus will include transitioning from support schemes to ensuring market-based profitability. Our work on demand-response covers access to flexibility markets and unlocking Europe’s demand-response potential from electric loads. Our work on digitalization covers cybersecurity, data interoperability , and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into PV companies' processes. The exact portfolio will be determined according to your profile;
• Develop detailed, thought-leading policy recommendations building on research, solar market know-how, and hands-on experiences from our members;
• Build and maintain a network with colleagues from the European Commission, Parliament, Council, and EU ministries. This involves gathering insights on policy developments and informing them about recommendations from the solar industry.
• Deliver presentations and participate in panel discussions at conferences and trade fairs across the EU;
• Define and implement advocacy strategies to promote our positions by interacting with EU-decision makers and stakeholders;
• Prepare briefing notes, presentations, and relevant materials for members, the management team, external stakeholders, and journalists;
• Contribute to the content of SolarPower Europe’s communication channels, such as the newsletter, social media, and website;
• Contribute to SolarPower Europe’s business development and member recruitment and retention;
• With the support of SPE colleagues, organise webinars, workshops, and other events in collaboration with SolarPower Europe’s Events team.

Profile

The ideal candidate has the following professional profile:

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline in Economics, Applied Sciences, International Relations, or similar;
• At least 2 years of work experience in EU advocacy in the field of energy or sustainability;
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in advocacy and understanding of the EU policymaking process;
• Profound understanding of renewable energy, ideally solar PV, in the EU or national markets, including key players, drivers, barriers, challenges, and trends;
• Skilled at solving technical and complex challenges. This includes analytical problem-solving skills and a results-oriented mindset;
• Thriving on building deep knowledge across a broad range of topics and continuously expanding your skillset;
• Ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder projects with senior representatives;
• Strong communication skills in 1:1 conversations, public speaking, and writing;
• Proficient in English, both written and oral.

Our offer

• A permanent Belgian contract with a competitive remuneration package;
• Employee benefits paid by SolarPower Europe make this offer even more attractive: public transportation allowance, work-from-home allowance, dental and hospitalization insurance, and lunch vouchers.

Solar for All

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are at the heart of our mission to ensure that solar is at the core of a smart, sustainable and inclusive energy system. The more diverse our team, the more unique perspectives and ideas we can share to move this mission forward. 


We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures and experiences to help make this a reality.

Application

A CV (maximum 2 pages) and a one-page motivation letter should be sent to recruitment@solarpowereurope.org until Tuesday 21 January 2025 quoting “Policy Advisor” in the subject line.

Note that while we recognise the role of generative AI tools within the workplace, we would like your cover letter to share and demonstrate your unique perspective and approach to the role.  For this reason, we discourage overreliance on such tools in your application.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

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