Policy Officer

Carbon Market Watch

Brussels, Belgium

Carbon Market Watch’s mission is to ensure that carbon pricing and other climate policies cut pollution and drive a just transition towards sustainable societies. Given the urgency of halting the climate breakdown, we want market-based climate policies to fulfil their promise and be used in wise combination with regulatory and incentivising measures.

Our strengths lie in evidence-based advocacy to improve climate policies, turning complex issues into understandable messages, and helping people understand and influence those policies.

Purpose of the position

We seek an analytical, strategic and enthusiastic policy officer to support our work on European climate policies, with a particular focus on the role of carbon removals in the EU's overall climate architecture.

The position will have a strong focus on research, coalition building, network management, project management and political communications. The policy officer will report to a thematic lead in the policy team while working closely with the entire CMW team.

The goal of CMW’s removals work is to ensure only highly sustainable removals are supported by EU and national policies, and that these removals supplement - not substitute - urgent and deep emission reductions.

Tasks and responsibilities

Project management of a focused campaign on the role of carbon removals in the overall EU climate policy architecture, including coordinating policy positions and campaign strategies with other NGOs and network partners;
Monitor and analyse relevant climate policy developments and identify policy recommendations;
Research, write, edit and disseminate information, including policy proposals, research, briefings, and news articles;
Liaise and interact with relevant stakeholders like decision-makers, business and industry representatives, researchers and funders;
Organise events, webinars and other outreach activities;
Actively support and contribute to Carbon Market Watch’s fundraising efforts and reporting requirements.

Previous experience

Successful candidates will have a minimum of five years of relevant experience, but applications from outstanding candidates with less experience will also be considered.

Professional and personal attributes

Ideal candidates should have the following professional qualifications and personal attributes:

Required:

A strong commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development;
Project management experience;
Knowledge of international and/or European political institutions and policymaking;
Demonstrated research and analytical skills, drafting of briefing papers and experience with climate change policy analysis;
Ease with research projects and organising analytical processes;
Ability to work independently and flexibly with team members;
Ability and willingness to build networks among a wide range of stakeholders;
Excellent communication, writing and organisational skills;
Fully proficient spoken and written English. Other languages are a strong advantage;
Residence in Belgium and ability to work in/from our office in Brussels (generally two days per week combined with home-working).

Desirable:

Expertise in: carbon removals, EU climate framework and its governance (Climate Law);
Experience in campaigning and political advocacy;
Experience of working in an international or European organisation, or in a relevant advocacy role (NGOs, think-tanks, industry…);
Proven experience in writing and editing policy and communication outputs, and adapting messages to different audiences (political, technical, media).

What we offer

A full-time, one-year contract under Belgian law with the possibility of extension to a permanent contract;
A competitive remuneration package in line with Brussels NGO standards: salary range from €4028 to €4277 gross/month, depending primarily on years of experience; 13^th month, cheques repas, eco-cheque, mobile phone package, public transport allowance, home-working allowance, and 30 holidays of which five during en- of-year office closing period;
An exciting opportunity to work with a dynamic, friendly, expert team;
Home working up to 3 days a week;
Starting date: ideally by mid-February 2025 (as early as possible).

Application process

Qualified applicants should send their motivation letter and CV, both in a single pdf document clearly marked with their name. The application should outline your motivation, skills, areas of interest and availability.

Deadline to submit your application: 19^th of January 2025. First (online) interviews will take place in the week of 27^th January 2025. Second (in person) interviews will take place in the week of 3^rd February.

We treat your application confidentially and respect the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in collecting your personal data. Your application will be automatically acknowledged, but we will not respond to individual enquiries and only get back to candidates for an interview.

CMW is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or any other dimension of diversity.

We do require candidates to have the right to work in the EU because work permit applications are too cumbersome and unpredictable.

For more information about Carbon Market Watch, visit www.carbonmarketwatch.org.

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Don't forget to mention EuroBrussels when applying.

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