Climate Action Network Europe is looking for a Head of Energy (Full-time, Permanent, Based in Belgium)

Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe is Europe’s largest coalition working on climate and energy issues. With over 200 member organisations in more than 40 countries — representing over 1700 NGOs and more than 40 million citizens – CAN Europe works to prevent dangerous climate change and promote sustainable climate and energy policy in Europe.

We’re currently seeking a committed and motivated individual with demonstrated experience in energy policy leadership and team management to lead our energy team and ensure coordination and coherence of our energy work while providing strategic guidance across all energy-related activities. The individual will engage and advise the Director in the organisational development and management of the CAN Europe Network and secretariat, lead and line-manage the energy team to set the direction for advocacy and campaign work on energy-related issues, and represent the CAN Europe secretariat and Network to NGOs, funders, and decision-makers. This is a senior leadership role that requires extensive line management responsibilities. The position is full-time, to be based in Belgium.

What impact you’ll have:

You’ll lead and manage CAN Europe’s energy team while shaping our strategic energy policy direction across Europe. As a senior leader, you’ll directly line-manage multiple team members, guide our energy advocacy strategy, and ensure our campaigns deliver maximum impact in accelerating the clean energy transition. Your leadership will influence EU energy policy processes, coordinate our network’s advocacy efforts across 40+ countries, and shape high-level political strategies with Directors and key stakeholders.

Required skills and experiences:

At least 7-10 years of relevant professional experience including minimum 3-5 years in senior management/leadership roles with proven line management experience
Demonstrated experience successfully leading and developing teams in NGO, policy, or advocacy environments
Strong track record in strategic planning, budget management, and organizational development
In-depth knowledge of EU institutions and energy policy processes, including practical experience of multiple policy processes relating to energy transition, renewable energy, and climate policy
Experience in high-level stakeholder engagement including funders, decision-makers, and coalition partners
Excellent level of written and spoken English
Outstanding communication, networking, and public speaking skills
Proven ability to provide strategic guidance and coordinate complex multi-stakeholder initiatives
High level of motivation and ability to coordinate the achievement of complex objectives within deadlines
Exceptional people management skills with experience in performance management, team development, and conflict resolution

Other desirable qualities:

Demonstrated alignment with the mission, the modes of action, and the values of CAN Europe
Experience managing teams in multicultural, multilingual environments
Track record in fundraising strategy development and donor relationship management
Experience of working with networks of NGOs across Europe in the climate and energy fields
Deep understanding of just energy transitions and social equity considerations in energy policy
Experience with EU energy market regulation, grid integration, and industrial energy policies
Background in organizational development and change management

Job contents:

This position will focus on leading and managing the energy team while providing strategic direction for all energy-related advocacy, campaigns, and organizational development
Tasks will include:

Team Leadership & Line Management (40% of time): Directly line-manage energy team staff including policy coordinators, campaign coordinators, and project coordinators; conduct performance reviews, support professional development, manage recruitment processes, and foster team cohesion and effectiveness
Strategic Guidance & Organizational Management (40% of time): Support Directors in developing CAN Europe’s overall political strategies and engage actively in the management of the organisation and network; ensure coherence and coordination across the energy team; lead strategic planning processes; manage team budgets and resource allocation; coordinate with other policy teams; engage in organizational management and attend senior management meetings
High-Level Representation & Stakeholder Engagement (20% of time): Represent CAN Europe at high-level meetings with funders, EU decision-makers, and key stakeholders; support fundraising efforts and donor relations; engage with network members across Europe; participate in panels and public speaking opportunities; coordinate with CAN International and other civil society networks

What CAN Europe offers:

An open-ended contract with flexible working hours and the possibility of teleworking. This position is preferably based in Brussels but working remotely from within commuting distance is also possible. We are not considering sponsoring visas this time. Remuneration is based on our Belgian salary grid and adapted to the cost of living on location. If the position is based at our head office in Brussels, we will offer a Belgian open-ended contract with an expected salary of between 4850EUR € and 6250 EUR€ gross/month for a full-time position depending on the relevant years of experience (minimum 7-10 years) and subject to Belgian tax; Meal vouchers (7,00 €/day); transport costs; eco-vouchers (250,00 €/year); sport and culture vouchers (100,00 €/year), phone allowance (39,00 €/month); work computer. In addition to remuneration, CAN Europe is also invested in offering their employees professional development, career progression, and networking opportunities.

More about us:

We are an open and inclusive, multicultural, multilingual team and explicitly encourage applications from all applicants, independent of their age, ancestry, colour, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation. CAN Europe is committed to cultivate a healthy and secure working culture based on care, trust, respect, and learning.

How to apply

To apply, please submit your CV (preferably without a photo) and a cover letter (in English) via our hiring platform JobToolz: https://can-europe.jobtoolz.com/en. Interviews will be conducted online and in English. Closing date for applications: 16 July 2025 (end of the day)

First round of Interviews on 23 and 24 July 2025 (online)
Second round of interviews on 28 July 2025 (online)

The expected start date – as soon as possible.

All applications will be reviewed after the closing date has passed. Due to a large number of candidates that we have, we are not able to provide individual feedback to each candidate.

Contact

For any questions in relation to this position, please contact our HR Coordinator, Heli Pärna at [email protected]