Position title: Bioeconomy Policy Manager

Job category: Full-time

Location: Brussels, Belgium

Start date: As soon as possible (from June 2025)

Duration: 1 year with possibility of extension

Application deadline: 31 May 2025 (Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, we encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible)

Biomass is a source of food and animal feed, and a necessary feedstock for the production of pharmaceuticals, plastics, chemicals, building materials, energy and more. At the same time, protecting and restoring ecosystems is an urgent necessity in the dual climate and biodiversity crises. Taken together, identifying the right role for sustainably sourced biomass in the bioeconomy is central to EU’s climate and biodiversity targets.

A well-functioning bioeconomy depends on access to sustainable biomass and healthy ecosystems. Opportunities exist in more productive crops and more efficient production technologies but must not harm biodiversity, water security or natural carbon sequestration. Significant potential also exists in circularity, by reducing waste and turning residual waste streams into resource streams. Current EU policies and strategies are hampered by two fundamental uncertainties:

What amount of new and sustainable biomass can be unlocked through new technologies and practices and which policies and strategies must be implemented to unlock them?

How should we prioritise and use a limited amount of sustainable biomass to maximise climate, nature and societal benefits in a European bioeconomy?

From our various offices, we have been advocating for transformative climate action in industry for decades. As an environmental organisation, Bellona Europa works at the forefront of environmental innovation and industrial decarbonisation. Being a group of evidence-based environmentalists, our goal is to implement new, more sustainable actions to rapidly reduce manmade climate breakdown. We advocate for pragmatic approaches that deliver the greatest impact, today and tomorrow. As a watchdog against greenwashing, unafraid to address contentious issues, we also endeavour to cooperate with all stakeholders interested in immediate climate action.

About Bellona

The Bellona Foundation is an international, independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to solving climate and environmental issues. Founded in 1986 as a direct-action protest group, Bellona is today recognised for its technological expertise and solution-oriented approach. Approximately 70 engineers, political scientists, biologists, economists, lawyers, and journalists work at our offices in Oslo, Brussels, Berlin, and Vilnius, with representatives in several EU countries and the USA.

About the job

Bellona Europa is currently seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to join our team as a “Bioeconomy Policy Manager” located in Brussels, Belgium, although with a flexible work environment. As a member of the cross-office Bioeconomy team, you will play a crucial role in producing and analysing research and policy documents with the aim of supporting the development and implementation of bioeconomy policy which is in alignment with the Paris Agreement and the EU’s own climate goals.

Responsibilities

Provide evidence-based recommendations and guidance to support the development and implementation of policies and regulations on bioeconomy to ensure consistency with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the European Climate Law.
Analyse and evaluate policy proposals and outcomes and support in the development of policy recommendations, in alignment with existing scientific literature, reports, and studies.
Foster connections and collaborate with policymakers, think tanks, NGOs and industry experts, to stay updated on the latest advancements and findings and support evidence-based policy processes.
Contribute to bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and policymaking by drafting clear and accessible policy briefs, reports, and other communication materials.
Monitor and analyse relevant international and regional policy developments, identifying potential loopholes or examples of best practice.
Collaborate with Bellona staff across offices and supporting policy advocacy needs and sharing expertise where timely and relevant.
Participate in meetings, conferences, and workshops to share insights and knowledge.
Ensure project/grant deliverables and funding requirements are being met where relevant for the role.
Ensure deadlines are met while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.

The ideal candidate will have:

A Postgraduate degree in a relevant field with a focus on bioeconomy, climate or environmental policy, environmental studies, sustainable development or a related discipline, with an understanding of scientific principles of bioeconomy and circular economy.
Demonstrated experience in conducting policy analysis and research within the context of bioeconomy or related fields.
Professional experience of min. 5 years in a similar role with a proven track record of delivering policy-relevant content.
Strong knowledge of EU-related bioeconomy policies, particularly related to biomass, agriculture, forestry, or aquaculture, and an established network in relevant sectors.
Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences in a clear and compelling manner. Additional languages are an asset but not required.
Proven ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams across offices, forging partnerships and building relationships with stakeholders from government, industry, and civil society.
Eligibility to work and reside in Belgium/in the EU (Bellona is unable to sponsor work visa).
These criteria are meant to be indicative not prescriptive. We encourage applications from candidates who have similar qualifications and experience, even if they do not fulfil all the above criteria.

What we offer

We offer an initial one-year contract full time (38 hours a week) with a competitive NGO salary package with various employee benefits (monthly telework allowance, meals vouchers, flexitime, phone and internet bill reimbursement, and public transportation/cycling compensation) and continuous internal learning in the role. Bellona promotes a multicultural, flexible, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.

How to apply

Please send us your application as one single PDF document with your cover letter (2 pages max) and CV, along with links to relevant publications or short writing samples to [email protected], for the attention of Dr Berit Bjugan Aam, Team Lead Bioeconomy. We kindly request that you include “Bioeconomy Policy Manager Application” in the subject line. The application deadline is 31 May 2025, with interviews intended for the week starting 2 June 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early.

We thank you in advance for your application and your interest in this position. While we try to respond to every applicant, if many applications are received, we may not be able to do so. If you receive no feedback within 4 weeks after applying, please consider that you have not been selected.