Public Affairs Officer

About the job

The company is hiring a Public Affairs Officer to support the development of renewable energy production in Belgium, with a focus on onshore wind and solar energy.

The Public Affairs Officer will work in Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels and at federal level and contacts will be with both political and local stakeholders throughout the country.

Your activities will include:

• Active follow-up of the environmental and urban planning legislation about wind turbines and solar PV in Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels.
• Building and managing an extensive network with regional and local authorities, as well as with other stakeholders giving input to the regulatory framework.
• Providing PA support and assistance for the development of wind and solar projects in Belgium, using your network with authorities and stakeholders.
• Participating and representing the company in wind and solar federations, as well as key events or fairs.
• Monitoring and assessing the regulatory framework (permitting, support schemes, market design etc.) on renewable energy in Belgium (all regions).
• Giving insights on new opportunities for wind, solar and storage development for the company, assessing various regulatory opportunities to meet the group’s ambitions.
• Write simplified summary notes explaining the potential impacts of key existing and future regulations.
• Within the Public Affairs team of the company, give input into position papers impacting wind and solar energy projects.
• In function of the company’s evolution and of the external context, support the team in other scopes (always within the energy sector).
• Working closely with the development and project management teams focused on the Belgian market.

Job requirements

• You have obtained a university master’s degree in law, economics, political science or similar.
• You have a minimum of 3 years of professional work experience in politics or regulatory affairs in Belgium or 5 years relevant work experience involving political contacts and decision making in permitting of energy projects.
• Ability to drive public affairs engagement towards a wide range of stakeholders with a

focus on national and regional institutions in Belgium. Experience in tendering processes is an asset.

• Knowledge of the regulatory framework and/or development constraints of renewable energy projects in Belgium and knowledge of upcoming EU legislation on renewable energy is a plus.
• Good public speaking and representation skills and very good ability to translate complex concepts into pieces of information easily understandable by non-policy professionals
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to make things happen in a multi-stakeholder environment
• You demonstrate a high level of initiative, motivation and autonomy.
• Fluent in both Dutch and French, both spoken and written. Able to communicate in English.

What the company offers:

• A full-time position, 40h/week.
• An attractive salary package that takes your relevant experience and performance into account.
• Benefits such as a green company car, meal vouchers, mobile phone with subscription, group insurance and hospitalization insurance for you and your family members.
• Homeworking up to 3 days per week.
• 33 days of leave per year.

Why you should consider applying for this position:

• The company is in full expansion which means that you will be part of an exciting adventure with a lot of potential for personal development.
• You will be part of a company that is at the forefront of the energy transition working on multiple new types of energy projects.
• You will get clear missions, framework and resources in your job. And in this context, you will enjoy a lot of freedom to do what needs to be done, maximising the use of your creative and proactive skills.
• You’re actively involved within the project teams giving you insight in the evolution of the various projects – you’re part of the team.
• It’s a new role, so up to you to fill it in with the help of your manager!

Personne de contact

Philippe Putman