Policy and Project Manager

About Energy Cities

Energy Cities empowers cities and citizens to shape and transition to future proof cities. We showcase concrete alternatives deployed by cities, advocate to change political and economic governance at all levels, and foster a wide cultural change leading to a futureproofed society. Our community is composed of local leaders of thousands of cities in 30 European countries. We believe the energy transition is about more than renewable energy or great technologies: it is about wise use of resources while strengthening local participation and well-being in a democratic Europe.

More info about us: https://energy-cities.eu/

About the Role

We are looking for a Policy and Project manager who will:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of Energy Cities’ strategy on fossil-free districts and buildings
• Build capacity of local authorities and influence narratives at national and European levels to achieve our mission.

Key Responsibilities

You will be in charge of:

• Designing and coordinating annual grants focusing on Heating & Cooling, delivering campaigns on heat decarbonisation in cities, drafting a study on clean heat infrastructure with partners, presenting work to stakeholders, supporting communication activities.
• Managing and implementing Energy Cities’ activities for the EU-funded Muse DHC including setting up a Community of Practice, strategic guidelines on community led DHC, policy papers, organising EU and transnational workshops and webinars.
• Monitoring and influencing EU and national policies related to decarbonisation of the built environment and heating and cooling sector by developing policy analysis and narratives, participating in advocacy activities, and organising impactful events.
• Facilitating involvement of members in Energy Cities’ HUB on fossil-free cities.
• Developing project proposals to deliver on Hub fossil-free cities priorities.

In practice, you will organise and facilitate meetings, develop publications to share knowledge and project outcomes, write case studies, engage with partners and members, and manage project activities including deliverables production, quality assurance, risk, cost and schedule management, impact monitoring, meetings, and reporting to funders.

You could also participate in fundraising activities by developing new partnerships and preparing project proposals under EU funding programmes (LIFE, Horizon Europe, INTERREG) and other donors.

You will have the opportunity to participate in organisational development and work on topics to improve Energy Cities as a workplace (e.g. organisational tools, greening and teleworking policies).

Who We're Looking For

Required qualifications and experience

• Master’s degree in engineering, economy, sustainable energy & climate, sustainable urban development & planning or similar.
• At least 3 to 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in urban sustainability, energy systems and EU programmes.
• Interest in system change approaches including governance, transition management, stakeholder and citizen engagement, urban and energy planning, policies and financial instruments.
• Knowledge of EU policies, challenges and solutions for decarbonisation of the building sector and local authorities’ strategies is a plus.

Required skills

• Excellent level of English (C level - CEFR).
• Independent user (B level) of other EU languages is a plus.
• Excellent organisational skills and capacity to work autonomously.
• Ability to take initiative and a proactive approach.
• Ability to engage and work with stakeholders.
• Good negotiating skills and capacity to present priorities convincingly.
• Ability to work in an international and intercultural team and environment.

What We Offer

• Close-ended contract (CDD), full-time, under Belgian or French law.
• Salary aligned with the sector and depending on experience.

Benefits

Belgium:

• 20 days paid leave + 26.5 extra-legal days + additional days for sick children
• Time-saving account
• Group insurance (pension, hospitalisation, medical)
• Transport reimbursement (CP 337)
• Meal vouchers
• Homeworking allowance

France:

• 26.5 days paid leave + 20 RTT days (forfait jour) + additional days for sick children

• Health insurance (90% employer-paid)

• 50% reimbursement of transport costs + sustainable mobility allowance

• Meal vouchers (60% employer-subsidised)

• Employee savings plan (PEE) based on organisation’s results

• Homeworking allowance

• A holacratic, collaborative work culture with genuine autonomy and room for initiative. Learn more about our governance model: www.energy-cities.eu/holacracy

• Hybrid working: part-time homeworking policy (available within the EU). This role requires regular on-site presence to ensure effective teamwork and cohesion.

• Travel: regular missions across Europe (mostly 2–3 day missions)

How to Apply

Submit your CV and cover letter via energy-cities.eu/jobs before 31/05/2026.

The selection process consists of 3 stages:

• Screening interview with HR
• Interview with Project Managers
• Reference check

Applicants must have the legal right to work and reside in Belgium or France.

Energy Cities is committed to gender equality and building a diverse, inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds regardless of gender identity, age, disability, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.