Head of Energy Systems

Background on SolarPower Europe
 

SolarPower Europe is a member-led association representing the European solar PV sector. SolarPower Europe’s aim is 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. We are an award-winning association and have over 300 members spanning 35 countries. We aim to produce thought-leading energy market analysis and support the business of our members through creative and successful advocacy campaigns.

SolarPower Europe believes innovative solutions arise from diverse teams that receive input from a range of experiences and perspectives.  We are multicultural, representing more than 20 nationalities and 21 languages. 

Job responsibilities:

As part of the Policy team and directly reporting to SolarPower Europe’s deputy CEO, you will oversee SolarPower Europe’s work on solar PV deployment and the integration of solar PV in flexible and electrified energy. With the support of our knowledgeable, friendly, and dynamic team, you will contribute to the success of our projects and advocacy activities. 
 

• Develop a vision and strategy for accelerating solar deployment, ensuring its cost-effective integration in flexible and electrified energy systems in close collaboration with the Leadership Team;  
• Manage a team of four policy advisors working on buildings and prosumers, grids and flexibility, markets and investment, electrification, and renewable hydrogen. Each of your direct reports manages one or more workstreams in SPE. Your role is to guide, coach, and support them in delivering quality products and advocacy services timely; 
• Support the outreach and advocacy strategy towards the EU institutions, in particular on new policy initiatives like the Clean Industrial Deal and the EU electrification Action Plan;
• Oversee the implementation of key 2030 legislation on electricity markets, renewables and performance of buildings, together with your team and your manager;  
• Act as one of the main contact points representing SolarPower Europe in relevant EU debates and panels. As one of the most senior members of the SPE policy team, you cover a range of topics related to solar deployment and energy system dynamics towards a range of key stakeholders from the EU institutions, other business associations, think-tanks and civil society actors; 
• 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;  
• Organise webinars, workshops, and other events in close collaboration with SolarPower Europe’s Events team and your team.

Profile
 

The ideal candidate has the following professional profile:

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Law, or similar; 
• At least 5 years of demonstrated work experience in EU advocacy in the field of energy or sustainability;
• Knowledge of solar PV or experience with the renewable energy sector in the EU is a plus; 
• At least 2 years of demonstrated experience with managing a team, organizing team structures, and coaching, guiding, and supporting team members in a dynamic and multicultural team with high interaction across different departments;
• Good network with DG ENER, EP ITRE, regulators, grid operators, etc.;
• Excellent communication skills, experience with social media and other distribution channels, and strong command of English – written and oral; additional EU languages are a plus.
  
  Our offer:
   
• A permanent full-time 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 Friday 1 November 2024 quoting “Head of Energy Systems” 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.