Are you interested in working on energy, industrialisation and finance, and do you have experience in policy-oriented research and projects? We are looking for a research assistant to join our team on digital economy and governance in Maastricht or Brussels.
## Who are we?
The ECDPM is a leading independent ‘think and do tank’ that wants to make policies in Europe and Africa work for inclusive and sustainable development. We have two offices: [one in Maastricht and one in Brussels](https://ecdpm.org/about/about-us/contact).
Our [more than 50 staff members from over 25 countries worldwide](https://ecdpm.org/experts) provide independent research, advice and practical support to policymakers, advisors and practitioners in Europe, Africa and beyond. Our focus is on EU foreign policy and policies related to digital affairs, climate and green transformation, peace and security, migration, governance, sustainable food systems, regional integration, business, finance and trade.
## About the role
The research assistant will be a member of ECDPM’s [climate action and green transition](https://ecdpm.org/about/about-us/departments/climate-action-green-transition) team, while working closely with colleagues from the [economic recovery and transformation](https://ecdpm.org/about/about-us/departments/economic-recovery-transformation) team. The role will support research and policy engagement on the economics of green industrialisation in developing countries, with a particular focus on partnerships with the EU.
Areas of work may include:
– Energy-intensive industries and green hydrogen economies.
– Clean technology manufacturing and critical raw material value chains.
– Trade partnerships and supply chain arrangements.
– The financing architecture needed to support green energy infrastructure and industrial projects.
The role will also contribute to ECDPM’s engagement with European development finance institutions, EU institutions, and other partners working at the intersection of climate, finance, trade and industrial development.
## What will you be doing?
As a research assistant, you will:
– Contribute to qualitative and quantitative research and help deliver high-quality analytical outputs on time.
– Support the teams through background research, policy analysis, interview coordination and drafting sections of policy papers or reports.
– Contribute to and (co-)author commentaries, policy briefs and other publications.
– Assist in the preparation of presentations, operational guidelines and training materials.
– Monitor and synthesise relevant policy debates and developments.
– Attend conferences, seminars and events, build your own network and report back to the team.
– Help organise strategic events or dialogue activities.
– Assist with funding proposals.
– Attend and actively participate in team meetings and ECDPM centre-wide activities.
Depending on your experience and in accordance with the needs of ECDPM’s other teams, other activities may be assigned to your portfolio as well.
You will report to the head of the climate action and green transition team. You will be based in our Brussels office, with the option to work partially from home in line with our hybrid working policy.
## Who are we looking for?
The candidate we are looking for:
– Holds a master’s degree with excellent academic scores in international relations, EU studies, political science, (energy) economics, finance or another relevant discipline.
– Has at least one previous professional experience (internships qualify) within the field of energy and/or industrial policies, EU affairs, or international finance and cooperation.
– Has a genuine interest in energy transition, green industrialisation, and international finance.
– Demonstrates strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to source and synthesise complex information into clear, policy-relevant outputs.
– Has the ability to write and edit to a high standard, constructing well-reasoned arguments and articulating them with precision, clarity, and coherence.
– Has strong verbal communication skills, with the ability to present work clearly and keep colleagues informed of relevant policy developments in a timely manner.
– Is detail-oriented and holds themselves to a high standard of work.
– Has a proactive and curious approach to learning.
– Is fluent in English (minimum level C1), with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Besides the required qualifications listed above, the following qualifications are considered a plus:
– Experience with supporting one or more research projects and researchers in a fast-paced environment.
– Experience with (co-)organising international events or meetings with civil society, business representatives and/or official bodies.
– Knowledge of French and other European languages.
The position is based in Belgium. For non-EU/EEA candidates, ECDPM can support visa sponsorship, but relocation costs will not be covered.
## What do we offer you?
– An initial six-month (trial) contract for 40 hours a week, with the possibility of extension upon good performance, depending on budget availability.
– A competitive remuneration package with a salary commensurate with experience, ranging between €3,025 and €3,900 gross per month and other benefits, i.e. meal vouchers, hospital insurance.
– Annual holiday pay and an end-of-year allowance.
– A generous leave package of 47.6 days per calendar year, based on a 40-hour work week.
– An individual annual professional development budget.
– A lot of room to grow and learn.
– A home in an international and dynamic organisation.
– Flexible working hours and the possibility to work partially from home.
– A collegial working environment with centre-wide activities for staff.
– An exciting working environment focused on addressing pressing international challenges.
## How to apply?
If you are interested in applying for the position, please complete the [Google Form](https://forms.gle/cpLmGMPyipNAJF8F8). You will also be required to upload a copy of **your CV. The deadline for applications is Friday 12 June 2026, 12:00 CET.** We will only look at applications that are on time, complete and in English.
Selected candidates will be invited for an online interview. Following the outcome of the first interview, candidates may be asked to complete a written analytical assessment remotely before a second interview.
The preferred starting date is as soon as possible following the recruitment process.
## More information
If you would like to receive more information about working at ECDPM, please get in touch with Marleen Ackermans via [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).
For more information about ECDPM and our areas of work, please have a look at [our website](https://ecdpm.org/about).
