REScoop.eu is looking for Project Manager with a focus on citizen-led renovation

REScoop.eu - the European federation of citizen energy cooperatives - is looking for a Project Manager to join its team in Brussels or Antwerp (Belgium). The project manager will take charge of an EU-funded project on citizen-led renovation and engage in our EU policy advocacy activities.

This role focuses on topics related to building renovation and sustainable heating and cooling. Citizen energy cooperatives are increasingly offering home renovation services to households and start developing community-based heating systems. These activities are grouped under the header citizen-led renovation. To support these activities of our members we need an enabling policy framework both at EU and Member State level.

• Analyse policy framework conditions and make policy recommendations.
• Manage a multi-partner EU-funded project on citizen-led renovation.
• Facilitate and manage an internal working group with members of our federation.
• Follow the EU policy agenda on Fitfor55, and especially the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and building decarbonisation.

REScoop.eu is a growing network of 1.900 citizens energy cooperatives operating across Europe who jointly represent over 1 million citizens. These people take action on climate change and lead the energy transition to energy democracy. As a federation, we follow up on relevant policy issues, represent the voice of renewable energy cooperatives towards European policy makers and promote the cooperative business model in the energy sector. We support the start-up of new initiatives and provide services to our members. We work with a young and international team in Brussels and Antwerp. Our working language is English.

• You have an excellent understanding of the European institutional processes for energy regulations and norms. Any country-specific knowledge and/or insights from EU Member States is a plus.
• You know the policy frameworks around the heating & cooling topic and you are interested in developing supportive and enabling conditions for the engagement of cooperatives in that field.
• You can assess and design enabling policy frameworks in which energy communities can thrive and prosper, focusing on issues related to building decarbonisation.
• You are familiar with the concept of energy communities, in particular with the renovation and heating & cooling services they engage in.

• You have sound knowledge of the energy system, the different actors and the related market operations. Experience with sustainable heating & cooling and/or building renovation is a plus.
• You are fluent in English (both in writing and speaking) knowledge of another EU language is an asset.
• You have a Masters degree (or you can be considered equally by experience).
• You have at least 5 years of relevant working experience in a comparable position.

• You have excellent project management skills. You know how to deliver the tasks described in a grant agreement through effective collaboration with consortium partners and team members, and within the respective deadline. You deliver the project within the assigned budget.
• You can collaborate with people from other organisations and reach agreements. You are willing to take responsibility and you are capable of delivering work that complies with high quality standards.
• You can identify, write and contribute to new project proposals.

• You can communicate the results of the project and its outcome to our team, board of directors, network of energy cooperatives and external stakeholders. You have excellent presentation skills and feel comfortable speaking in public.
• You can set up and facilitate workshops, focus groups and collective discussions. You are able to coordinate a group and deliver concrete results out of a group discussion.
• You can support our advocacy work, represent us in meetings with policy makers and contribute to the work of our internal Advocacy Working Group.
• You can represent the interest of our members and strengthen the position of our federation to various stakeholders. You can write clear reports, have negotiation skills and you know how to advocate for community energy, heating and building renovation. You make a professional impression when participating in meetings and you feel comfortable in various networks of people and projects.

• You are interested in innovative projects on energy efficiency, heating, building renovation, sustainability and cooperatives.
• You are flexible and proactive. You are capable of taking on responsibilities and interested in continuous learning.
• You are a team player who strongly believes in the values of the cooperative movement.
• You are an entrepreneur who is capable of mobilising others to take on projects.
• You are creative and can find solutions to complex situations, bring together common points in different situations and find synergies.
• You have strong analytical skills and are able to do research, analyse and synthesise sources on an unknown topic.

• A permanent contract (in Belgium).
• A challenging job in a progressive and dynamic environment.
• An opportunity to make a difference in the European energy system.
• Opportunities to travel throughout Europe and extend your knowledge and network.
• Autonomy to organise your work and flexible working conditions.
• A competitive remuneration package.

Send your application by September 6^th, 2022 (17h or 5 PM-CET) to stavroula.pappa@rescoop.eu. Use Project Manager Citizen-Led Renovation as a reference in your email.

Your application should include the following items (in PDF format):

• Curriculum Vitae (in English).

• Comprehensive cover letter (in English) briefly explaining your vision on the role citizen-led initiatives can play in the European energy system and in building decarbonisation. Please keep your paper under 1,5 pages.

• The contact details of two references, preferably former employers, supervisors or tutors (if applicable).

If you have any further questions regarding this position, please contact Daan Creupelandt (daan.creupelandt@rescoop.eu or +32 493 400 931).