The Client
Our client is a European association representing gas distribution system operators (DSOs).
Their members are committed to building a sustainable, affordable and secure European energy system. By enabling renewable gases such as biomethane and hydrogen, gas DSOs play a vital role in delivering Europe’s decarbonisation goals, ensuring security of supply and affordability for citizens, communities and industries.
What they stand for
- Advocate for the essential role of gas DSOs in the EU energy transition.
- Unlock the potential of renewable gases by scaling up biomethane integration and preparing networks for hydrogen.
- Contribute to the design of a competitive, resilient and decarbonised EU energy system.
- Champion the role of gas in ensuring an affordable, flexible, and sustainable energy supply across the residential, industrial, and mobility sectors.
The Opportunity: Secretary General
Our client is recruiting a Secretary General, based in Brussels, to lead the association during a period of strategic growth and reinforced governance.
As the chief executive and public face of the organisation, the Secretary General will:
- Shape Policy: Drive high-level advocacy with EU institutions, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure that the voice of gas DSOs is central to Europe’s energy transition.
- Lead the association: Manage the secretariat, implement the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, and deliver value to members.
- Build alliances: Strengthen cooperation with partner associations and industry peers, positioning the organisation as a key and constructive partner in shaping EU energy policy.
- Represent the sector: Work closely with the President, Vice-President, and Board to represent the organisation at the highest levels, ensuring visibility and influence in Europe’s decarbonisation agenda.
The Secretary General reports to the Board of Directors.
Your Role and Responsibilities
- Strategic leadership: Implement the Strategic Plan and ensure alignment with EU climate and energy targets.
- Advocacy and representation: Act as the primary representative at the highest levels of EU institutions, agencies, regulators, and industry stakeholders. Lead the association’s lobbying and communication strategies to strengthen its visibility and influence.
- Policy development: Oversee the preparation of positions with member experts; coordinate responses to EU consultations; draft amendments, briefings, and position papers.
- Governance: Ensure compliance with Statutes and By-Laws; support the Executive Committee, Board and General Assembly; implement decisions taken by member.
- Membership and partnerships: Drive the growth of the organisation by attracting new members, consolidating the existing membership base, and building strategic alliances with other DSO associations and stakeholders.
- Management: Lead and motivate the Brussels secretariat.
- Finance: Prepare and monitor the annual budget with the Treasurer, ensuring transparent accounting in compliance with Belgian law.
- Events and communication: Oversee conferences, seminars, and public events; build association visibility in specialised press and public debate.
What we are looking for
- Master’s degree in political science, law, economics, engineering, or a related field.
- Experience in the energy sector, EU institutions, or public affairs, with a proven track record in policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
- Strong knowledge of EU institutions, legislative processes, and energy regulation.
- Proven expertise in gas and renewable energy and understanding of the role of distribution networks in decarbonisation.
- Established network within EU institutions (Commission, Parliament, regulators, industry stakeholders).
- Demonstrated leadership and management experience.
- Fluent in written and spoken English; other EU languages are an advantage.
- Strategic thinker, rigorous and reliable, with strong analytical and negotiation skills.
- Ability to work effectively with C-level representatives, senior managers, and technical experts across diverse national contexts.
What you can expect
- Location: Based in Brussels, with regular presence in EU institutions.
- Residence: Ideally based in Belgium.
- Flexibility: Teleworking 1–2 days per week is possible.
- Travel: Regular travel within the EU (Brussels, Strasbourg, Member States) required.
- Contract: Employment contract under Belgian law.
- Salary & Benefits: A competitive package, commensurate with experience and responsibilities, in line with Brussels association benchmarks
